From Parma: Parmigiano,Prosciutto and Winery Tour and Tasting

The "From Parma: Parmigiano, Prosciutto, and Winery Tour and Tasting" offers an unforgettable culinary journey through Italy’s renowned Food Valley. Guests can enjoy the rich traditions of cheesemaking, prosciutto curing, and winemaking, all while exploring the picturesque landscapes of the region. With stops at a cheese factory, a prestigious prosciutto producer, and a local winery, this tour promises to delight the senses and leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and flavors that define Parma’s gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover the secrets behind some of Italy’s most celebrated delicacies.

This experience made our list of the Our 6 Favourite Parma Wine Tours.

Key Points

• An immersive tour exploring Parma’s renowned local gastronomic specialties, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, and regional wines.
• Visits to a cheese factory, ham factory, and winery, providing insider insights into the production of these culinary treasures.
• Tasting experiences featuring Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and expertly paired local wines, offering a comprehensive exploration of Parma’s food culture.
• Organized by Curioseety SRLS, with reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible and limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, with free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.

Tour Overview

The tour offers an immersive experience in Parma, Italy’s renowned Food Valley, focusing on three acclaimed local products: Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma Ham, and the region’s celebrated wines.

It includes visits to a cheese factory, ham factory, and winery, providing an insider’s look at the production of these gastronomic treasures.

The 6 reviews praise the organization, knowledgeable guides, and enjoyable experiences, though one comment expressed disappointment regarding the driver’s professionalism.

Itinerary

The tour’s Itinerary begins with a meeting point at the Hotel NH Parma, where a van awaits participants at the bus parking area in front of the hotel for an 8:30 am departure.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The tour includes the following highlights:

1. Visit to a cheese factory to witness the production stages of Parmigiano Reggiano, with 20 minutes of admission.

2. Tour of the Beneceto Cheese Factory to observe fresh Parmesan extraction, brine room, and aging warehouse, along with a 1-hour 30-minute admission that includes tastings of two cheese ages paired with local wine.

3. Prosciutto Ham tasting.

4. Wine tasting.

Cheese Factory Visit

Visitors first witness the production stages of the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese during a 20-minute admission at the cheese factory. The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the cheese-making process, allowing participants to observe the transformation from milk to the iconic wheels of Parmesan. The experience offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition behind this world-famous dairy product.

Production Stage	Description
Milk Delivery	Fresh milk from local farms is delivered to the factory.
Curd Formation	Milk is heated and coagulated to form curds.
Wheel Formation	Curds are pressed into molds to create the iconic Parmesan wheels.
Brine Bath	Wheels are submerged in a salt brine solution.
Aging	Wheels are aged for a minimum of 12 months to develop the distinctive flavor and texture.

Beneceto Cheese Factory

After witnessing the production stages of Parmigiano Reggiano, the tour then takes visitors to the Beneceto Cheese Factory.

Here, guests have the opportunity to observe:

1. The extraction of fresh Parmesan cheese.
2. The brine room, where the cheese undergoes a salting process.
3. The aging warehouse, where the wheels of Parmesan are meticulously cared for and aged to perfection.
4. A tasting of two different ages of Parmesan cheese, paired with local wine, lasting for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This comprehensive experience at the Beneceto Cheese Factory provides an in-depth look into the art of Parmesan production and allows visitors to savor the flavors that make this Italian delicacy so renowned.

Tastings Included

Following the comprehensive tour of the Beneceto Cheese Factory, visitors can embark on a delightful tasting experience.

The tour includes tastings of three local delicacies – Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma Ham, and regional wines. Participants will first sample the renowned Parmigiano, learning about its production and distinct flavors.

Next, they’ll savor the prized Prosciutto di Parma, a hallmark of the region’s culinary heritage.

The tasting culminates with a selection of local wines, expertly paired to complement the cheese and ham.

These carefully curated tastings provide an immersive exploration of Parma’s gastronomic treasures, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the quality and craftsmanship behind these iconic Italian products.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour booking is received upon purchase.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and can accommodate a maximum of 10 travelers.

It’s operated by Curioseety SRLS, with a price starting from $224.51.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

The key things to know about this tour are:

1. Not wheelchair accessible
2. Maximum of 10 travelers
3. Operated by Curioseety SRLS
4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

Traveler Reviews

The reviews for the Parma Food and Winery Tour are overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 6 travelers.

Highlights include the organization, knowledgeable guides, and enjoyable experiences. Travelers praised the beautiful vineyard, kind winery owner, and family-like treatment.

One reviewer commented on the smooth experience and knowledgeable staff. However, a single review expressed disappointment regarding the driver’s professionalism.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Parma Food and Winery Tour is straightforward, as travelers receive confirmation upon making their reservation.

The tour offers several convenient features:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
2. Confirmation received at the time of booking.
3. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has a maximum of 10 travelers.
4. It’s operated by Curioseety SRLS, with a price starting from $224.51 per person.

Travelers can look forward to an enjoyable and well-organized experience, exploring the renowned culinary treasures of Parma, Italy’s Food Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, travelers are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though they may need to follow any guidelines or restrictions set by the individual sites being visited. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific photo policies.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available for the Tastings?

The tour offers vegetarian options for the cheese and wine tastings. However, the prosciutto tasting is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan participants. Visitors with dietary restrictions should inquire about accommodations when booking the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement for participants. Children are likely welcome, though the activities may be more enjoyable for older travelers who can fully appreciate the food and wine tastings.

Can I Bring My Own Water/Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own water and snacks on the tour. The tour details do not mention any restrictions on bringing personal items, so attendees are free to pack their own refreshments.

Do I Need to Dress in a Specific Way for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes as you’ll be visiting a cheese factory, ham factory, and winery. Dressing in layers is also a good idea.

Recap

This immersive tour through Italy’s renowned Food Valley offers an unparalleled culinary experience. Guests will witness the production of iconic Parmigiano Reggiano, sample aged cheeses, savor exquisite Parma Ham, and indulge in regional wines – all amidst the stunning backdrop of Parma’s vineyards. It’s a mouthwatering adventure that’s not to be missed by any food enthusiast.