09:00 am – Meet the dairy guide directly on site and start your visit of an authentic producer of Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO during your food and wine tours in Parma: you’ll discover how the King of all cheeses has been literally made by hand in the same way since the Benedictine monks invented it 10 centuries ago! From the curdling into the typical copper heaters to the salting and the final ageing in the so-called wheel cathedrals, you will be a privileged witness of almost all the steps of production of this out-and-out food icon. Tasting at the end.

10:30 am – Transfer to the second stop.

11:30 am – Guided visit at a family-run production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar PDO housed in their very country house: the owners themselves will welcome you to their acetaia with a first introduction on the family history and then a real treasure hunt through the loft rooms dedicated to the making and ageing of the product. You will get to know why different kind of woods are used for the barrels and – more importantly – why the balsamico made upon the traditional method is the one and only “black gold”, not to be confused with the imitations available in most of the delis and stores around the world.

12:30 pm – The rich tasting lunch will be made by all the local foods that better suit the pairing with the traditional vinegars and a cheeky glass of Lambrusco wine (for example: rustic omelettes, different ageings of Parmigiano, ricotta cheese, cured meats, homemade cakes).

02:00 pm – End of services and back to your hotel or head on to your next destination.