If you have been looking for a way to add more probiotic-rich foods and beverages to your diet (without breaking the bank!), then this workshop is for you! Participants will learn how to make their own non-alcoholic fermented drinks, including kombucha, water kefir (aka tibicos), beet kvass, and shrubs. We will be tasting lots of samples, discussing the health benefits of these drinks and talking all about fermentation troubleshooting.
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Ages: All ages
Materials Fees: $15
Location: Viroqua, WI
Instructions: Please bring a small jar/container to bring home starter cultures.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $70
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $55
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $40
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio — Laura Poe Mathes
Laura is a holistic gut health dietitian with over 17 years of experience in the world of fermentation and whole food cooking. She is the founder of Rest, Digest and Heal, an online course and community dedicated to offering knowledge and support through the gut healing journey, with a special focus on stress and its effect on digestive health. She is an author, speaker, and teacher on traditional cooking skills, nutrition and more (but she really loves to nerd out about all things fermentation!). Laura is also a mother, homesteader with her husband in the Driftless area of Wisconsin and a lover of nature, movement and laughter. Learn more about Laura at www.viroquanutritioncounseling.com and follow her on Instagram @the.crunchy.rd!