Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour & Tasting Near Parma

Explore the rich tradition of artisanal Parmesan cheese-making on this intimate tour near Parma. Over an hour, you’ll venture behind the scenes of a 120-year-old factory, witnessing the age-old techniques that craft the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano. Delight your palate with a tasting of three aged cheeses, each paired with a local wine, as you learn about sustainable farming and animal welfare. This captivating experience offers a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship that goes into each delectable wheel of Parmesan.

Key Points

• Explore a 120-year-old Parmesan factory near Parma, with a guided tour covering the cheese-making process and aging rooms.
• Enjoy a tasting of three different aged Parmesan cheeses, paired with regional wine and water, for a comprehensive sensory experience.
• Witness sustainable farming and animal welfare practices, including organic and non-GMO cattle feed, spacious living quarters, and access to pasture.
• The tour is available in multiple languages and limited to 10 participants for personalized attention.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with tour prices starting from $64.44 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour

The Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and traditional cheese-making techniques of this renowned culinary icon.

During the 1-hour experience, guests explore a 120-year-old Parmesan factory near Parma. The guided tour takes them through the cheese-making process and aging rooms, followed by a tasting of three different aged Parmesan cheeses.

Guests explore a 120-year-old Parmesan factory, witness the cheese-making process, and taste three aged Parmesan cheeses.

Offered in multiple languages, the tour provides an immersive look at sustainable farming and animal welfare practices.

With a group size limited to 10, the experience promises an intimate and educational journey into the world of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.

Tour Duration and Availability

The Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour lasts approximately 1 hour, which includes a 40-minute guided tour and a 20-minute tasting session.

The tour is available in several languages, including English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish, catering to an international audience.

Group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The factory is located at Azienda Agricola Bertinelli and is accessible by car or public transportation.

Guests can cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance free of charge.

The tour’s price starts from $64.44 per person.

Languages Offered and Group Size

Accommodating an international audience, the Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour offers guided experiences in five languages: English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish.

The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized tour. This allows for:

1. Engaging discussions with the knowledgeable guides.

2. Opportunities to ask questions and gain deeper insights.

3. A more immersive and interactive experience.

4. Personalized attention for each guest.

With the multilingual options and small group size, the Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour caters to a diverse range of visitors, providing a unique and tailored culinary adventure.

Cheese-Making Techniques and Aging Process

During the guided tour, visitors witness the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making techniques that have been passed down for generations.

They observe the slow, methodical process, from the cooking of the raw milk to the formation of the huge cheese wheels.

The tour explores the aging rooms, where hundreds of cheeses undergo a patient maturation process lasting 15 to 36 months.

Visitors gain an appreciation for the artistry and environmental sustainability of this centuries-old craft, as the guide explains the cheesemakers’ commitment to animal welfare and natural production methods.

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Tasting Experience and Pairings

After the guided tour, visitors can indulge in a cheese tasting featuring three distinct ages of Parmigiano Reggiano.

The tasting includes:

The tasting includes 15-month, 24-month, and 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, paired with regional wine and refreshing water.

1. 15-month aged cheese

2. 24-month aged cheese

3. 36-month aged cheese

4. A glass of regional wine (Lambrusco or Malvasia) and refreshing water to complement the cheeses.

This tasting experience allows guests to deepen their appreciation for the artistry of cheese-making and its environmental impact.

The varying ages showcase the cheese’s evolving flavors, textures, and complexity, providing a comprehensive sensory exploration of this culinary tradition.

Sustainable Farming and Animal Welfare

The Azienda Agricola Bertinelli, the Parmesan cheese factory hosting the tour, takes great pride in its sustainable farming and animal welfare practices. Visitors learn how the factory ensures its cows are treated humanely and that its operations minimize environmental impact. The tour highlights the factory’s focus on animal well-being, its commitment to organic and non-GMO feed, and its water conservation efforts. Guests gain a deeper appreciation for the care and dedication that goes into producing this iconic Italian cheese.

| Sustainable Farming Practices | Animal Welfare Measures | Environmental Impact Reduction |

|——————————-|————————-|——————————–|

| Organic, non-GMO cattle feed | Spacious living quarters | Water conservation |

| Crop rotation | Access to pasture | Waste management |

| Manure-based fertilization | Veterinary care | Energy-efficient operations |

| Biodiversity preservation | No growth hormones | Emissions reduction |

| Renewable energy utilization | Humane slaughter | Recycling program |

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour location at Azienda Agricola Bertinelli is well-connected, as it’s just a 30-minute drive or public transport ride from the nearby city.

The factory is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, as the tasting involves Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Key transportation and accessibility details:

1. Transportation available by car or public transport, just a 30-minute journey.

2. Wheelchair accessible for visitors with mobility needs.

3. Not recommended for those with lactose intolerance.

4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Visitors have shared their overall impressions of the Parmesan cheese factory tour, rating it 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 9 reviews. Guests highlighted the knowledgeable guides, especially the enthusiasm of Lorenzo, as standout aspects. However, some concerns were expressed about limited language availability and the tour duration. Suggestions for improvement included better handling of language requests and extending the tour time. The customer feedback provides useful insights to enhance the experience for future visitors.

| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback | Suggestions |

|——————-|——————|————-|

| Knowledgeable guides | Limited language availability | Improve language handling |

| Enthusiastic staff | Tour duration too short | Extend tour time |

| Informative experience | | |

| Memorable tasting | | |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though visitors are advised to check with the tour guide upon arrival. Most participants enjoy capturing the cheese-making process and the aging rooms as part of the immersive experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the indoor cheese factory environment. No special attire is required, but layers may be helpful.

Can I Purchase Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on-site at the Azienda Agricola Bertinelli factory. The tour includes a tasting, but guests are also welcome to buy the aged cheeses featured during the experience to take home.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, and children are welcome to participate. The tour provides a hands-on cheese-making experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers private and customized tours upon request. Guests can inquire about tailoring the experience to their specific interests and group size. Additional fees may apply for private or customized arrangements.

The Sum Up

The Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour near Parma offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich tradition of artisanal cheese-making. This intimate tour provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production process, allowing visitors to learn about sustainable farming and savor the evolving flavors of expertly aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious, this experience is not to be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: