Modena: Parmesan Cheese Tour & Tasting

Exploring the heart of Parmesan cheese production, the Modena: Parmesan Cheese Tour & Tasting offers a unique opportunity to witness the meticulous craft behind this iconic Italian delicacy. From the production area to the aging rooms, visitors can enjoy the rich tradition, uncovering the secrets that transform fresh milk into the beloved Parmigiano-Reggiano. But the journey doesn’t end there – a tasting session featuring cheeses of varying ages, complemented by the region’s renowned Lambrusco wine, promises to tantalize the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Set out on a 1-hour tour to explore the traditional production methods of authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, including the production area and aging rooms.
• Witness the cheesemaking process, from fresh milk to the pressing and salting of massive Parmesan wheels, and learn about the dedication behind this time-honored tradition.
• Explore the aging rooms housing over 6,000 maturing Parmesan wheels, and gain insights from expert affineurs about the aging process and its impact on the cheese’s flavor.
• Indulge in a 20-minute tasting session featuring Parmesan cheeses aged from 12 to 36+ months, accompanied by a glass of DOC Lambrusco wine or mineral water.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a limited group size of 10 participants for an intimate experience, and offers a flexible reservation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Parmesan Cheese Tour

The Parmesan Cheese Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the traditional production methods and aging process of this iconic Italian cheese.

During the 1-hour tour, guests will witness the production area and aging rooms, learning the time-honored techniques that create the distinctive flavor and texture of Parmesan.

The tour also includes a tasting session where participants can sample Parmesan aged from young to 36+ months, complemented by a glass of DOC Lambrusco wine.

Savor the depth of Parmesan’s flavors, from young to 36+ months, paired with a glass of DOC Lambrusco wine.

With its limited group size and accessibility features, this tour provides an immersive and educational experience for cheese enthusiasts.

Discover the Production Process

As visitors embark on the Parmesan Cheese Tour, they’ll witness the time-honored production process that transforms fresh milk into the iconic Italian cheese.

First, they’ll observe the cheesemakers carefully heating and curdling the milk. Next, they’ll see the massive wheels being pressed and salted before being moved to the aging rooms.

Here, they’ll marvel at over 6,000 aging wheels, some over 36 months old. The tour culminates in a tasting, where guests savor Parmesan’s complex flavors, from young to extra-aged.

It’s a firsthand look at the dedication and tradition behind each wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Exploring the Aging Rooms

After witnessing the cheesemaking process, visitors enter the impressive aging rooms. Here, over 6,000 wheels of Parmesan cheese quietly mature, under the watchful eye of expert affineurs.

| Age | Taste | Texture |

| — | — | — |

| 12 months | Mild, sweet | Firm, granular |

| 18 months | Nutty, complex | Slightly crumbly |

| 24 months | Intense, savory | Crystalline |

| 30 months | Sharp, umami | Crumbly, flaky |

| 36+ months | Robust, concentrated | Brittle, crumbly |

Visitors learn the art of assessing the cheese’s development, discovering how time and care transform humble milk into exceptional Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Tasting the Parmesan Cheese

Having toured the production area and aging rooms, visitors now have the opportunity to taste the various aged Parmesan cheeses.

The tasting lasts for 20 minutes and includes Parmesan aged from young to 36+ months. Visitors can savor the subtle flavor differences between the cheeses as they progress in age.

The tasting is paired with a glass of DOC Lambrusco wine or mineral water, providing the perfect accompaniment to cleanse the palate.

This sensory experience allows guests to fully appreciate the nuances of authentic Parmesan and its production process.

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Pairing With Lambrusco Wine

The tasting of Parmesan cheese is further enhanced by pairing it with a glass of DOC Lambrusco wine.

This traditional dry, sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region beautifully complements the rich, savory flavors of the aged Parmesan.

The effervescence of the Lambrusco provides a refreshing contrast, while its fruity notes accentuate the nutty, buttery notes of the cheese.

The effervescence of the Lambrusco provides a refreshing contrast, while its fruity notes accentuate the nutty, buttery notes of the cheese.

The tour includes a glass of Lambrusco, allowing visitors to experience the perfect pairing and discover how the unique local terroir shapes this quintessential Italian food and wine combination.

Understanding Traditional Cheesemaking

During the guided tour, participants gain a deeper understanding of the traditional cheesemaking methods that have been perfected over centuries in the Parma region.

They witness skilled cheesemakers carefully monitoring the production process, from the initial heating and curdling of raw cow’s milk to the meticulous shaping and salting of the wheels.

The tour then explores the aging rooms, where thousands of Parmesan wheels rest patiently, developing their distinct flavors and textures over 12 to 36 months.

Participants learn how temperature, humidity, and time-honored techniques create the renowned Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Accessibility and Meeting Point

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing participants of all mobility levels to fully experience the Parmesan production process.

To find the meeting point, look for the sign "Antica Latteria Ducale" and turn into the parking lot. The cheese factory is marked by a line of trees along a narrow street, and the tour begins at the cheese shop in front of the factory.

With a group size limited to 10 participants, the tour offers an intimate, guided experience through the production area and aging rooms, where you’ll witness over 6,000 wheels of Parmesan cheese.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund. Book your spot and pay nothing today – reserve now and pay later. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Free cancellation – Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

2. Reserve now, pay later – Secure your spot without paying upfront.

3. Check availability – Review the tour’s starting times and book your preferred slot.

With this flexible policy, you can plan your Parmesan cheese experience with confidence.

Simply reserve your spot, then pay and confirm your tour closer to the date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food or drinks. However, the tour includes a tasting of various aged Parmesan cheeses, a glass of Lambrusco DOC wine, and water.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors are welcome to take photos throughout the production area and aging rooms to capture the cheesemaking process and the impressive warehouse filled with over 6,000 aging wheels of Parmesan.

What Should I Wear to the Tour?

Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended for the tour. Wear closed-toe shoes, as you’ll be walking through production areas. Layers are a good idea in case the aging rooms are cool. Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during the visit.

Can I Purchase Additional Cheese or Wine After the Tasting?

Yes, participants can purchase additional cheese or wine beyond the included tasting. The tour includes a guided visit, tasting, and a glass of Lambrusco wine, but any extra food or wine purchases can be made on-site.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for the Tour?

There are no special discounts or offers for the Parmesan Cheese Tour & Tasting. Participants can, however, purchase additional cheese or wine beyond the included tasting and pairing during the tour.

The Sum Up

The Modena: Parmesan Cheese Tour & Tasting is a must-visit experience for cheese enthusiasts. Visitors can witness the meticulous craftsmanship behind Parmigiano-Reggiano and savor the aged cheeses paired with Lambrusco wine. With its intimate group size and wheelchair accessibility, the tour offers an educational and enjoyable journey into the rich tradition of Parmesan cheese production.

You can check availability for your dates here: