The art of Parmigiano Reggiano and real Balsamic vinegar
Description
An unforgettable journey into the authentic heart of Modena’s culinary heritage — a must-do experience for food lovers visiting the region. Led by the passionate team of Acetaia Malagoli Daniele, this tour introduces you to two iconic Made in Italy treasures: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, discovered directly where they are produced. Begin at an organic dairy farm, where you’ll meet the cows, visit the milking area, and watch skilled cheesemakers craft authentic Parmigiano Reggiano using traditional methods. Then continue to a traditional Acetaia, stepping into an attic lined with wooden barrels, where cooked grape must slowly ages into precious Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. This family-run, behind-the-scenes experience offers rare insight into the craftsmanship and passion that define Modena’s food traditions. The experience takes place at two countryside locations. Transportation is required to reach the first site and to move between locations
Tour Options
Itinerary
Guests will be welcomed to one of the most significant place, a cheese factory dedicated to the making of the king of the cheeses: the parmigiano reggiano. This is a very authentic local farm and its most magical value is represented by the production chain, which means that all is made here. From the alfalfa for the cows to the seasoned cheese, ready to be tasted, all happens here. You'll see the cows, the little calves, the taurus, the milking parlor, the making and the seasoning. Most of all, the tour begins at 8:30am in the morning in order to see the cheese makers at work. This is maybe the most interesting and passionate part of the tour since you'll see how parmigiano reggiano is manually made, with passion and sacrifice.
Guests will be welcomed to another very significant place of the modenese culture, an Acetaia. It is the place where traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena is aged for years with lots passion and patience. Maybe not all know that in the market, and by the italian law, there are 2 products: balsamic vinegar of Modena IGP and traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena DOP. Names and certifications sound very similar but even if they both are good products, they're different ones. Ingredients, ages, making processes, origin of the grapes... they're all different. This experience gives you the opportunity to discover the product that represents part of the local culture since thousand years. The traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena DOP has always been limited to family production, since it really represents an ancient heritage, and for this reason it has never represented a commercial product that people can easily find all over the world; here's the reason why many people don't know it.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transportation is NOT included in any part of the experience: travelers will use their own car. If you won't have one, we can arrange the transfer for an extra cost. Also, please let us know in advance if you need the lift. Last but not least, dress comfortably; heels and flip flops are not recommended!
- Prices for transportation: * From Castelfranco Emilia train station: €65. * From Bologna: €165. * From Modena: €106. TRANSPORTATION IS TO BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE DRIVER AS IT IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED BY US.
Reviews(11)
Well-informed attentive and friendly guide, Elena, explained the cheese-making and balsamic vinegar-making processes with relevant details; lots to learn visually with gorgeous aromas, along with tastings and serving suggestions for the Parmigiano Regiano and cheese made from the whey; and various vinegar products, all on two organic farms in the countryside. The driver who was arranged for me, given that I did not have a car, was friendly and reliable. Each farm had nice shops. I highly recommend this tour.
It was amazing, I would say it was the best experience in Italy. Thank you guys for so nice memories 😍
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! We are truly honored to hear that your visit was the best experience of your time in Italy. It makes us very happy to know we could contribute to such special memories. We hope to welcome you again in the future and create even more beautiful moments together.
We booked ‘The art of Parmigiano Reggiano and real Balsamic vinegar’ in Modena and it was a highlight of our trip. Although we booked a standard ticket and provided our own transportation, we lucked out and were the only ones on the tour! The experience was the perfect mix of history and flavor. Standing in the "library" of Parmesan wheels was breathtaking, and the room of aging balsamic casks smelled incredible. Our guide was personable and knowledgeable, helping us finally understand the real difference between IGP and DOP products. Good to know: • Shopping: Make sure you have room in your luggage! You will definitely want to bring purchases back home.
Dear David, thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We are delighted that your experience with us was a highlight of your trip to Modena. It’s great to hear that you enjoyed both the Parmigiano Reggiano ‘library’ and the aging rooms of our balsamic vinegar, as well as the insights shared by your guide. Helping our guests understand the value of DOP and IGP products is something we are truly passionate about. We also appreciate your helpful tip for future visitors — very wise advice! We hope to welcome you again for another special experience.
Experiences to do! Balsamic vinegar and white cow Parmesan cheese from Modena exceptional!! And the very good and kind girls, you perceive that everything is done with passion.
Grazie di cuore per la sua splendida recensione! Siamo davvero felici che abbia apprezzato sia il nostro aceto balsamico sia il Parmigiano Reggiano di mucca bianca. Le sue gentili parole sul nostro team significano molto per noi — siamo orgogliosi di condividere ogni giorno la nostra passione con i nostri ospiti. Speriamo di poterla accogliere nuovamente presto per un’altra esperienza speciale!”
Laura the tour guide was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and engaging im both the cheese and balsamic tours.
Dear Deolinda, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed The Art of Parmigiano Reggiano and Real Balsamic Vinegar experience and that Laura made the tour memorable for you. Her passion and deep knowledge are the heart of what we do — and knowing that they reached you makes us truly proud. We hope you’ll carry the taste and stories of our territory with you for a long time… and chissà, maybe one day we’ll welcome you back for another journey into the flavors of Modena! With gratitude, The Team at Acetaia Malagoli Daniele
Great time seeing two fundamental products of the local culture! Went with my wife and two kids and enjoyed the experience and tastings! Highly recommended
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had a great time exploring two pillars of our local culture. It’s wonderful to know you all enjoyed the experience and tastings! We truly appreciate the recommendation and would love to welcome you back anytime!
Allessia was great. Knowledgable, personable, answered our silly questions with humor. Took the time to make us feel welcome.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your time with Alessia — she’ll be delighted to know her knowledge, warmth, and sense of humor made you feel welcome. There's no such thing as a silly question here — we're just happy you felt comfortable and had a great experience with us!
Laura was an amazing guide who gave us such a comprehensive and entertaining tour. Barbara and Elena were so kind even using their own cars to transport us when we couldn't find a ride back to the airport due to a big conference in Bologna. The best and most fulfilling tour of our trip!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Laura and that Barbara and Elena were able to help out in a pinch. It’s those little moments that truly make an experience memorable, and we're thrilled that this tour was the highlight of your trip. We’d love to welcome you back anytime! Warm regards from all of us! 😊
Our tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable. Both parts of the tour were interesting, and the tastings incredible. It was a plus that the tour group helped me to arrange for smooth travel, and a local driver. Grazie Mille
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and tastings, and that everything went smoothly with the travel arrangements. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we're glad we could make your experience even better. We hope to welcome you again soon! Warm regards from all of us! 😊
Laura was a TERRIFIC guide! Enthusiastic and knowledgeable — we learned so much about the historical, cultural, and economic significance of these delicious products! A highlight of our trip to Modena.
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re so glad to hear that Laura made such a positive impact on your experience. Her enthusiasm and knowledge truly shine through, and we’re thrilled that it became a highlight of your trip to Modena. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience soon! Warm regards from all of us! 😊
