Parma is renowned for its exceptional culinary traditions, and the "Cheese, Ham, & Vineyard Tour With Tastings" offers an immersive exploration of this gastronomic heritage. Visitors can savor the rich flavors of aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, indulge in the renowned Parma ham, and delight in exquisite local wines. This engaging 8-hour tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Parma’s vibrant food culture. Discover the secrets behind these iconic products and uncover the region’s unique food legacy.
Key Points
- An 8-hour immersive culinary tour of Parma’s gastronomic traditions, including visits to a cheese factory, ham production site, and winery.
- Highlights include tasting Parmigiano Reggiano cheese paired with local wines, 24-month aged Parma ham, and a selection of white and red wines.
- Provides insights into the traditional crafts of cheese making, ham production, and winemaking in the Parma region.
- Rated 5/5 for an unforgettable gastronomic experience, available in English and Italian.
- Priced from €205 per person, offering a comprehensive exploration of Parma’s renowned culinary heritage.
Tour Overview
The "Parma: Cheese, Ham, & Vineyard Tour with Tastings" offers an immersive experience into the renowned culinary traditions of Parma.
An immersive exploration into Parma’s renowned culinary traditions, including cheese, ham, and vineyard tastings.
Priced from €205 per person, this 8-hour tour is available in English and Italian. It features visits to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, a Parma ham production site, and a local winery, with guided tastings at each location.
The tour includes entry tickets, headsets, and gratuities. Meeting at the NH Parma hotel, the tour departs promptly at 8:30 AM and isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
With a 5/5 rating, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable taste of Parma’s gastronomic delights.
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Itinerary Highlights
Visitors begin the tour with a visit to a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, where they observe the stages of cheese production, including extraction and maturing.
Guests then get to taste two ages of this iconic cheese, paired with local wine.
Next, the group explores a Parma ham production facility in Langhirano. They’re introduced to the territory and production rooms, then enjoy a tasting of 24-month aged Parma ham with homemade bread and local wine.
The final stop is a winery in the Parma hills, where guests:
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Walk through the vineyards
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Learn about the winemaking process
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Taste three different types of white and red wines
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Factory
Guests begin the tour at a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, where they observe the intricate stages of the cheese’s production.
They witness the extraction process, where fresh cow’s milk is transformed into the iconic wheels. The group then explores the maturing rooms, where the cheese ages for a minimum of 12 months, developing its signature flavor and texture.
During the tasting, guests sample two distinct ages of the cheese, accompanied by local wines that complement the nutty, slightly salty profiles.
Guests sample two distinct ages of the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano, paired with local wines that complement its nutty, slightly salty profiles.
This inside look at the traditional craft provides a deeper appreciation for the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano.
Parma Ham Production Factory
Next, the tour takes guests to a Parma ham production factory in Langhirano. Here, visitors receive an introduction to the territory and production rooms.
The highlight is a tasting of 24-month aged Parma ham, served with homemade bread and local wine.
The production process of this renowned Italian delicacy involves:
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Air-drying the pork legs for 12-24 months
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Applying a salt rub during the drying period
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Monitoring humidity and temperature throughout maturation
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Ensuring strict quality control standards are met
This hands-on experience provides an exclusive glimpse into the artisanal craft of Parma ham making.
More Great Tours NearbyWinery in the Parma Hills
After exploring the Parma ham production facility, the tour now takes guests to a winery in the breathtaking Parma hills. Here, visitors will walk through the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. They’ll then sample three different types of white and red wines from the region.
| Grape Varieties | Wine Types | Tasting Notes |
| — | — | — |
| Malvasia, Barbera | White | Crisp, fruity, medium-bodied |
| Lambrusco, Bonarda | Red | Dry, full-bodied, with subtle tannins |
| Croatina, Erbamat | Red | Robust, complex, with a long finish |
The winery tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the local viticulture and savor the flavors that make Parma’s wines renowned.
Inclusions
The tour includes a range of amenities to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
Participants will be provided with headsets for clear communication with the tour guide throughout the day. Entry tickets to all production sites are included, allowing seamless access to the cheese factory, ham production facility, and winery.
The tour also features guided tastings of:
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Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
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24-month aged Parma ham
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Three types of white and red wines
Gratuities are covered, ensuring a hassle-free and inclusive tour package.
Important Information
The meeting point for this tour is the NH Parma hotel, located at Viale Paolo Borsellino, 31, 43122 Parma PR, Italy.
Pickup time is 8:30 AM, and the tour departs promptly after 10 minutes if any participants are late.
This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Pets, baby strollers, large bags, food, and drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle.
The tour includes headsets for clear communication with the guide, entry tickets to all production sites, and guided tastings of cheese, ham, and wines.
Gratuities are included in the tour price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?
Yes, visitors can take pictures during the tour, except in the production rooms where photography may be restricted for food safety reasons. However, they should follow the guide’s instructions and avoid disrupting the tour experience.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?
The tour has no specified minimum or maximum group size. Participants can expect a small-group experience, as the tour is limited to ensure an intimate and personalized exploration of the Parma region’s renowned cheese, ham, and wine.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Clothing or Footwear?
Participants should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain during the winery tour. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities at the cheese and ham production sites.
Can I Purchase Additional Cheese, Ham, or Wine at the End?
Yes, you can purchase additional cheese, ham, or wine at the end of the tour. The itinerary includes guided tastings, but you’re free to buy more of your favorite products to take home.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Activities?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the experience or add extra activities. However, participants can purchase additional cheese, ham, or wine at the end of the tour to continue their culinary exploration of the region.
The Sum Up
This immersive Parma tour offers a delightful gastronomic experience, providing an opportunity to savor the region’s renowned culinary treasures. From the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the 24-month aged Parma ham, and the exquisite local wines, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Parma’s rich culinary heritage. Travelers can expect a well-rounded and satisfying exploration of the area’s finest food and drink offerings.
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