Manuela Förster, how did the idea of creating a Werdenberg castle praline come about?

Before I began my studies in communication design, I had the opportunity to learn the wonderful profession of confectioner - a passion that has stayed with me to this day. When I entered the castle store for the first time, I immediately had the feeling that a fine castle praline would not only be a special sweet souvenir, but also a loving ambassador for this unique place.

So I was all the more delighted when Werdenberger Brothandwerk approached me with the idea of designing a chocolate confectionery with a castle motif. It quickly became clear that our ideas and values were a perfect match - and so the joint vision of a castle praline that combines tradition, craftsmanship and indulgence was born.

The confectionery was presented at the opening of the Werdenberg Castle season at the weekend. How were the pralines received by visitors?

In fact, the castle pralines were tasted with great pleasure and curiosity! Whether the light or the dark version - both found their fans and were tasted with obvious pleasure.

What makes Schlosspraliné so special?

Schlosspraliné is much more than just a sweet temptation. It was important to us not to create just any praline, but one that makes the values and the special aura of the castle tangible. That's why the praline is not only smooth and creamy, but also has a surprising bite: the dark version contains crunchy caramelized hazelnuts, while the light version contains crumbled Hüppen. We have consciously paid attention to sustainability in the packaging: the packaging is made from cardboard and paper, and the box is made from 10 percent recycled cocoa shells.

Personally, it was important to me to create a regional product that comes from here and is intended for people in the region. A lovely gift for a birthday, a visit to the hospital or for the Easter nest - a sweet greeting from the castle, which I believe always goes down well.

Where can you buy the sweet greeting from the region?

The castle pralines are available in a box of 9 or - in a larger version - in a box of 4 as a "castle greeting". Both versions are lovingly packaged and available in the castle store. For spontaneous indulgence, individual pralines are also available in the castle bistro. You can also buy the boxes of pralines in all Volg branches in the Werdenberg region and in the LAVEBA petrol station stores in Buchs and Werdenberg.

Besides the sweet castle praline - what other highlights does Werdenberg Castle have in store this year?

Werdenberg Castle also offers many enjoyable, creative and inspiring moments in its event program. Particularly noteworthy are the "Thursdays in the Castle": a varied format for culturally interested adults - with concerts, guided tours, talks and more. There is a wide range of activities for families and children: from "Living in the castle", to music theater at the end of the summer holidays, to the theater week in the autumn vacations, which focuses on the region and its stories. A special highlight of the year is the Schlossmediale from June 19 to 28. With the new artistic director Pascal Viglino, fresh energy and lots of exciting things are coming to the castle. Personally, I'm looking forward to the Tavolata, an atmospheric event for the whole region. The"YOUR ADMISSION - YOUR PRICE" principle offers all budgets the opportunity to purchase a ticket. The free concerts on summer evenings also invite you to end the day in the picturesque castle courtyard.

All events and further information about Werdenberg Castle: www.schloss-werdenberg.ch

How is a Werdenberg castle praline made? Report from the regional daily newspaper W&O

Photos: Manuela Förster, Werdenberg Castle and Michael Wanger, W&O.

Win castle pralines & family tickets

The Sarganserland-Werdenberg region is giving away a family ticket including a box of Werdenberg Castle pralines at the start of the Werdenberg Castle season on Instagram and Facebook. The competition starts on Tuesday, April 8 and ends on Sunday, April 13. Subscribe to social media channels now and never miss any news from Sarganserland and Werdenberg!

Fancy more than chocolate? Discover the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region as your new home - for living, working and arriving. Find out more now at www.rsw.ch.