Tours and the City · Modena countryside
A van takes you from Bologna into the Modena countryside for a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, a traditional balsamic acetaia, a family Lambrusco winery and a full osteria lunch. Pick it because a city walk only tastes these products; this day shows you where they come from.
Here's the honest bit most Bologna food walks gloss over: Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic and Lambrusco are not Bologna products. Per the Parmigiano Reggiano consortium, the cheese is made in Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua south of the Po and Bologna west of the Reno. Traditional balsamic and Lambrusco belong to Modena and Reggio Emilia. This day goes to them.
The itinerary runs in a tight loop south of Modena. First the Moscattini dairy for a guided visit and a tasting of 12, 24 and 36-month Parmigiano with ricotta, erbazzone, tigelle and cold cuts. Then Acetaia Museo Boni, a family acetaia with a small museum, for traditional balsamic aged 15 and 25 years. For scale, the traditional balsamic consortium sets 12 years for Affinato and 25 for Extravecchio. Then a historic Lambrusco winery in Castelvetro di Modena, with old cellars and seven wines with snacks. Lunch is at an osteria in Castelnuovo Rangone: appetizers, two handmade pastas, a main, dessert, wine and coffee.
It's a long, full day, and it is food from start to finish. Pace yourself at the dairy. The listing says it is not suitable for wheelchair users, children under 8 or pregnant women, and the group can reach 19, which is bigger than the city walks. The lunch menu may change on Mondays.
Meet in front of Hotel NH Bologna De La Gare near the central station (orange umbrella), then drive into the Modena plain.
Guided visit at the Moscattini farm dairy, then 12, 24 and 36-month cheese with ricotta, erbazzone, tigelle and cold cuts.
Ten minutes on to Acetaia Museo Boni: barrels, the ageing system, and tastings on Parmesan and on ice cream.
Twenty minutes to Castelvetro di Modena for the cellars and seven wines with snacks.
A long osteria lunch: appetizers, two handmade pastas, a main, dessert, wine and coffee.
The van returns you to the city in the late afternoon.
★★★★★I have done a lot of these day trips solo, and can say quite happily this is the best one!
★★★★★The tours were very interesting, and the lunch at the end was absolutely delicious
★★★★★All of the stops were fantastic! We learned so much and ate so much good food!
★★★★★A really good tour that offers great value for money.
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Yes, because it does something different. A Quadrilatero walk tastes Parmigiano and balsamic; this day shows you the dairy, the barrels and the cellars where they are made, near Modena.
About 45 minutes each way by air-conditioned van, with 10 to 20 minute hops between the producers. The day lasts about 8 hours in total.
In front of Hotel NH Bologna De La Gare, near Bologna Centrale station. The guide holds an orange umbrella. The listing also mentions hotel pickup, so check your confirmation.
Yes. A full lunch at an osteria in Castelnuovo Rangone: appetizers, two handmade pasta courses, a main course, dessert, wine and coffee. The menu may change on Mondays.
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A Parmigiano dairy, a balsamic acetaia and a family winery near Modena, then a long osteria lunch. Van from Bologna included.
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