Private Parmigiano Balsamic Parma Ham and Wine Tasting Tour
Overview
A food and wine tour through breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable views.
A private local guide will be dedicated to you and your family throughout the day and will answer your questions, explaining what you are observing step by step.
Our experience starts in the early morning with a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, a small company that handles the entire supply chain. You’ll see the whole production process of the king of cheeses. The visit will end with a delicious vertical tasting of cheese. You will learn how to taste it like a cheese sommelier, analyzing it through the sense of sight, smell and taste.
We will discover the secrets of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, visiting a small family business tied to the territory and its traditions, soaking in the atmosphere of the old days. Our morning experience will end with a visit to an organic winery followed by lunch and wine tasting.
We will complete our food immersion with a visit to a Parma ham plant followed by tasting.
A private local guide will be dedicated to you and your family throughout the day and will answer your questions, explaining what you are observing step by step.
Our experience starts in the early morning with a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, a small company that handles the entire supply chain. You’ll see the whole production process of the king of cheeses. The visit will end with a delicious vertical tasting of cheese. You will learn how to taste it like a cheese sommelier, analyzing it through the sense of sight, smell and taste.
We will discover the secrets of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, visiting a small family business tied to the territory and its traditions, soaking in the atmosphere of the old days. Our morning experience will end with a visit to an organic winery followed by lunch and wine tasting.
We will complete our food immersion with a visit to a Parma ham plant followed by tasting.
Inclusions
- Professional local guide
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Dairy Admission fee
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar House admission fee
- Organic Winery admission fee
- Parma Ham Plant Admission fee
- Tasting of 12, 24, 30 and 36 months old Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and fresh ricotta cheese
- Tasting of 12, 20 and 25 years old Traditional Balsamic Vinegar and 3 and 10 years old condiments
- Tasting of 5 different regional wines
- Cured meats such as Prosciutto di Parma, Spalla Cotta di San Secondo or Mortadella, Salame Felino...
- Cheeses
- Focaccia or home-made bread with olive oil
- Fresh homemade pasta
- Homemade dessert
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Bottled water
- Option 1, 4 and 5 include Transportation
- Entry/Admission - Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano, Via J. F.Kennedy, 18, 42124 Reggio Emilia RE, Italy
Our experience starts in the early morning with a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, a small company between Parma and Reggio Emilia that handles the entire supply chain. It takes 20 minutes to get to the dairy from the Parma city center.
A private local guide will be dedicated to you and your family or group of friends throughout the day and will answer your questions, explaining what you are observing step by step.
You’ll see the whole production process of the king of cheeses, from the feeding of milking cows to the aging of the cheese. You’ll be able to experience the scooping of the huge cheese mass out of the kettle side by side with the master cheesemaker, immersing yourself in the scents of the production room.
The visit will end with a delicious vertical tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. You will learn how to taste it like a cheese sommelier, analyzing it through the sense of sight, smell, and taste.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna
We will discover the secrets of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, one of the hidden and still little-known jewels of the Reggio Emilia and Modena area. We will visit a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer and the visit will be followed by a tasting of 12 years old, 20 years old, and 25 years old Traditional Balsamic Vinegar and 3 years old and 10 years old balsamic condiments.
It takes 10 minutes to get to the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer from the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairy.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Stop At: Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna
Our morning experience ends with a visit to an organic winery followed by light lunch and wine tasting. You’ll get to know the traditional method of sparkling winemaking and the phases of production of the bottle-fermented wines and the still wines typical of this area.
It takes 20 minutes to get to the winery from the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Castello di Torrechiara, Strada del Castello, 43013 Torrechiara, Langhirano Italy
We will have a photo stop at the medieval village and castle of Torrechiara. Admission is not included.
It takes 30 minutes to get to the castle of Torrechiara from the winery.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Langhirano, Langhirano, Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna
We will head to a Prosciutto plant crossing the amazing Parma hills region. We will visit a plant where the famous Prosciutto di Parma is produced. We will discover the secrets of the sweetness of Prosciutto di Parma by visiting all the rooms used during the production process: the salting area and machines, the first and the second salting, the pretesting, the resting, the washing, the procuring, and the curing rooms.
The visit will be followed by a tasting of Prosciutto di Parma and traditional cured meats with a glass of DOC Parma hills wine.
It takes 15 minutes to get to the Parma Ham Plant from the Castle of Torrechiara and 40 minutes to get back to Parma at the end of the tour.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano, Via J. F.Kennedy, 18, 42124 Reggio Emilia RE, Italy
Our experience starts in the early morning with a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, a small company between Parma and Reggio Emilia that handles the entire supply chain. It takes 20 minutes to get to the dairy from the Parma city center.
A private local guide will be dedicated to you and your family or group of friends throughout the day and will answer your questions, explaining what you are observing step by step.
You’ll see the whole production process of the king of cheeses, from the feeding of milking cows to the aging of the cheese. You’ll be able to experience the scooping of the huge cheese mass out of the kettle side by side with the master cheesemaker, immersing yourself in the scents of the production room.
The visit will end with a delicious vertical tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. You will learn how to taste it like a cheese sommelier, analyzing it through the sense of sight, smell, and taste.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna
We will discover the secrets of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, one of the hidden and still little-known jewels of the Reggio Emilia and Modena area. We will visit a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer and the visit will be followed by a tasting of 12 years old, 20 years old, and 25 years old Traditional Balsamic Vinegar and 3 years old and 10 years old balsamic condiments.
It takes 10 minutes to get to the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer from the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairy.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Stop At: Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna
Our morning experience ends with a visit to an organic winery followed by light lunch and wine tasting. You’ll get to know the traditional method of sparkling winemaking and the phases of production of the bottle-fermented wines and the still wines typical of this area.
It takes 20 minutes to get to the winery from the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Castello di Torrechiara, Strada del Castello, 43013 Torrechiara, Langhirano Italy
We will have a photo stop at the medieval village and castle of Torrechiara. Admission is not included.
It takes 30 minutes to get to the castle of Torrechiara from the winery.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Langhirano, Langhirano, Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna
We will head to a Prosciutto plant crossing the amazing Parma hills region. We will visit a plant where the famous Prosciutto di Parma is produced. We will discover the secrets of the sweetness of Prosciutto di Parma by visiting all the rooms used during the production process: the salting area and machines, the first and the second salting, the pretesting, the resting, the washing, the procuring, and the curing rooms.
The visit will be followed by a tasting of Prosciutto di Parma and traditional cured meats with a glass of DOC Parma hills wine.
It takes 15 minutes to get to the Parma Ham Plant from the Castle of Torrechiara and 40 minutes to get back to Parma at the end of the tour.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour, run exclusively for you and your family or friends.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included in the "Price including transportation" option. Pick-up and drop-off is intended within a radius of 15 kilometres of the city centre (Piazza Garibaldi in Parma). If your location is not among the pick up points listed, contact us to receive a customized quote for the extra transportation service. When travelers select the "Self-Drive Price" option, we'll see them at the Departure Point, they must provide their own transport and follow the guide in a separate car.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Rachele I
April 2023
The experience was really amazing. Well balanced both in terms of information and timing.The guide is very passionate and we can see it from the level of engagement and commitment to make the most out of our day.
The experience was really amazing. Well balanced both in terms of information and timing.The guide is very passionate and we can see it from the level of engagement and commitment to make the most out of our day.LRC3
May 2023
During our recent trip to Parma, we were fortunate to spend the day with Michelle from artemilia guided tours. Michelle is a fountain of information. We learned so much about how Parmesan Cheese is made. We got to see up close and personal every step in the process… it was fascinating! From...
During our recent trip to Parma, we were fortunate to spend the day with Michelle from artemilia guided tours. Michelle is a fountain of information. We learned so much about how Parmesan Cheese is made. We got to see up close and personal every step in the process… it was fascinating! From seeing the cows who produce the milk for the cheese, to a tasting, the tour was perfect! We also learned how balsamic vinegar is produced through a tour at a real balsamic factory with Michelle. She explained and showed us the entire process. It was so informative! Our special day ended with a tour of a winery followed by a wine tasting, & incredible lunch showcasing the food specialties of the region. It was our favorite day in the Parma region. If you are lucky enough to spend some time with Michelle on one of her tours, you will be happy you did!AllisonL752
May 2023
We had a wonderful tour with Michelle Costa in Parma. The cheese factory was very interesting - quite a process! And we enjoyed the delicious cheese! The balsamic vinegar was delicious as well and quite amazing how long it takes and the hard work that goes into it. The wine tasting at Barbater...
We had a wonderful tour with Michelle Costa in Parma. The cheese factory was very interesting - quite a process! And we enjoyed the delicious cheese! The balsamic vinegar was delicious as well and quite amazing how long it takes and the hard work that goes into it. The wine tasting at Barbaterre was fantastic! We enjoyed quite a lunch and sampled several wines. We finished up at the Ham plant. Michelle was able to show us around the plant to see all of the different steps involved. And of course we finished up with several yummy samples.Meredith C
September 2023
First, Michelle our guide was one of the best guides my husband and I have ever had and we travel a lot! She was so knowledgeable about the food and the culture/history. Not to mention she is fun and somebody you want to spend the day with in Italy. I would give this tour TEN stars. Second, ...
First, Michelle our guide was one of the best guides my husband and I have ever had and we travel a lot! She was so knowledgeable about the food and the culture/history. Not to mention she is fun and somebody you want to spend the day with in Italy. I would give this tour TEN stars. Second, the 3 stops to learn about cheese, ham and balsamic vinegar felt off the beaten path and we were able to discover the taste and views of Italy you only see on TV. (Think Stanley Tucci) Her knowledge, education and certifications were amazing. Lastly, the wine pairing lunch on top of the hills in the countryside was the highlight. The food was delicious and the wine was great. Seriously, do not miss this tour!Anita W
July 2023
We had a group of three couples who like to think of themselves as "foodies" and factory tour "nerds." This experience was tailor made for us! Michelle Costa was our guide for the day-long, three-stop tour. We began at a facility that produces 30 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese each and ev...
We had a group of three couples who like to think of themselves as "foodies" and factory tour "nerds." This experience was tailor made for us! Michelle Costa was our guide for the day-long, three-stop tour. We began at a facility that produces 30 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese each and every day. Seeing the process close up was astounding. The experience of the master cheesemaker, the coordination he has with the other workers at critical times in the process, and the seeing the various stages in the aging process was educational and kind of overwhelming. Then...we walked into the aging room (see pictures below) to marvel at the storage, maintenance, and inspection of the wheels. We tasted four different ages of the Parmigiano Reggiano and Michelle introduced us to the steps in critically smelling and tasting the cheese with all our senses. Then...we got to taste the fresh ricotta that had just been skimmed from the whey that had been syphoned off the daily cheese production and simmered in a vat on the production floor (see picture). That, my friends, was the most delicious and sensuous food product I have ever tasted. Nothing--and I mean nothing--in the US even comes close to the flavor and texture of the fresh ricotta. Oh, to live in the Parma area and come to the mother lode of cheese to pick up fresh, artisanal products whenever I wanted! Our next stop was Acetaia Picci, a third-generation, family-run artisanal maker of balsamic vinegar, close to Reggio Emilia. Michelle gave us the tour of the production floor that included "batteries" of barrels of vinegar (see picture) and the process used to mature the vinegar through each barrel for the finest taste and aroma. Marco, the owner, then presented samples of each age of vinegar for us to taste. The finest, oldest version comes with a special dropper--if you use this vinegar for a salad dressing, I think the balsamic vinegar "cops" would hunt you down. Marco served it on a lovely spoonful of custard. Magic! Of course, we had to bring some home with us! Our final stop of the day was at Barbaterre--a winery outside Reggio Emilia. It was located on a hillside overlooking a lovely valley and taking your eye to the distant hills. They produce four types of wine, including a tasty lambrusco. We were treated to a lovely lunch with wine pairings on the open deck behind the main area of the villa. It felt like every Italian movie scene you've ever watched--light curtains wafting on the breeze, exceptional hospitality, and delicious food from the region. Grazia was our host and gave us a tour of the wine-making facility, as well as a description of the wine we were offered with each lunch course. By her side was Mambo, a rescue pup who was obviously thriving at Grazia's heels and with her care. Michelle is an excellent tour guide! She is from Parma and is knowledgeable about the food and wines of the region, as well as the history of the area. We took her food tour of Parma the day before this tour and had a wonderful time. We would highly recommend planning ahead and booking your tour(s) of the Parma and Reggio Emilia regions through artemilia!