From Parma: Parmigiano,Prosciutto and winery Tour and tasting

Parma’s culinary treasures come to life on this 8-hour tour that highlights the region’s most celebrated products: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma Ham, and wines from the Parma hills. Priced at $228.13 per person, the experience is designed for those eager to explore authentic Italian food production and enjoy generous tastings. The tour departs from Hotel NH Parma at 8:30 am and involves visiting three main locations, each offering insight into Italy’s food excellence and a chance to taste directly from the source. While the tour includes a fair amount of driving, it’s well-paced with expert-led visits that make this a memorable day for lovers of food and wine.

This tour is particularly suited for those interested in food production processes, regional wines, and authentic tastings. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Parma’s culinary flagship products without the need for extensive walking or physical exertion. The small group size—up to 10 travelers—ensures a personal experience, although the drive between stops is a notable part of the journey.

Key Points

• Visits to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory, Parma Ham factory, and Parma Hills winery
• Includes tastings of Parmesan, Parma Ham aged 24 months, and different local wines
• Tour duration of around 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am from Parma
• Small group tour with a maximum of 10 people, led by knowledgeable guides
• All stops are free of admission fees, focusing on production and tasting
• Highlights include seeing cheese aging warehouses, ham curing rooms, and vineyard cellar tours

Parmigiano Reggiano Factory Visit in Beneceto

The tour begins at a traditional dairy producer in Beneceto, where the process of making Parmigiano Reggiano is showcased. Visitors get to observe the extraction of fresh Parmesan wheels, explore the brine room, and visit the aging warehouse. This detailed look at cheese maturation offers an authentic understanding of Italy’s iconic cheese. The visit lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and concludes with a cheese tasting paired with local wine, highlighting the harmony between cheese and wine in this region.

Exploring Parma Ham Production in Langhirano

Next, the journey takes travelers to Langhirano, the birthplace of Parma Ham. At a local ham factory, the production process, especially the aging rooms, is on display. The 24-month aged Parma ham tasting is a highlight, served alongside breadsticks and Parma Hills wine. This stop offers a close-up look at one of Italy’s most prized cured meats, with the tasting providing a flavorful taste of the region’s tradition. The visit here also lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting at Località Cangelasio

The final stop is in the Parma Hills, where a small family winery welcomes the group. Visitors walk through the vineyards before entering the cellar, where experts explain the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The tasting includes three different wines—both white and red varieties—offering a well-rounded introduction to local wines. This 1 hour 30 minutes visit emphasizes the beauty of the landscape and the care put into making Parma’s wines.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Tour Group Size

The tour departs from Hotel NH Parma, Viale Paolo Borsellino, 31 at 8:30 am. It wraps up back at the same location approximately 50 minutes after the final tasting. With a mobile ticket, the entire experience is convenient, and the small group size of up to 10 travelers ensures a personalized atmosphere.

The Experience at the Cheese and Ham Factories

Guests witness the production stages of Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham, gaining insight into traditional methods. The cheese factory features the extraction of Parmesan wheels, brine rooms, and aging warehouses, while the ham factory showcases the curing rooms and aging process for Parma Ham. The tastings at each stop are generous, providing authentic flavors that define the region’s culinary identity. The pairing with local wines enhances the tasting experience, giving visitors a true taste of Parma.

Visiting the Parma Hills Winery and Vineyard

The winery in Località Cangelasio offers a different perspective, with a guided walk through the vineyard and cellar. The expert explanations of the winemaking process help visitors appreciate the dedication behind Parma’s wines. The three wine varieties sampled include both white and red options, each showcasing the unique terroir of the hills. The setting, with views of the vineyards, adds to the charm of the final stop.

The Small Group and Guide Expertise

Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, the tour features knowledgeable guides who are praised for their friendliness and expertise. The small group size enhances interaction and allows for more personalized attention. Visitors appreciate how the guides explain the production processes and help explain the pairing of local wines with cheeses and ham.

Considerations and Tips for Participants

Most travelers find the 8-hour duration manageable, but expect to spend a good portion of the day in the car moving between stops. Comfortable clothing and sensible shoes are recommended for walking through vineyards and factory areas. The tour is accessible to most, with no specific physical requirements noted. Since most stops are free of admission fees, the focus remains on the experience and tasting.

The Value of the Tour: Authenticity and Quality

Priced at $228.13 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Parma’s culinary specialties directly from the producers. The inclusion of three key locations with full tastings ensures a rich experience for food lovers. The reviews affirm that the tastings are generous and of high quality, and the small-group environment fosters an engaging atmosphere. Although there is some driving involved, the expert explanations and authentic visits make this a worthwhile purchase for lovers of Italian gastronomy.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits those who want a deep dive into Parma’s famous products, especially if they enjoy tasting and learning about food production. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a full-day, relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to sample exceptional cheese, ham, and wine. The tour is especially good for small groups or couples who appreciate personalized guidance and authentic regional experiences.

Final Thoughts on the Parmigiano, Prosciutto, and Winery Tour

This tour provides a balanced combination of production insight, tasting, and scenic vineyard views. The expert guides help make each stop informative, and the tastings showcase the region’s exceptional quality. While the drive is a consideration, the overall experience offers a genuine taste of Parma’s culinary heritage. It’s most suitable for those eager to learn about cheese, ham, and wine in their authentic settings, offering a memorable day in Italy’s renowned Food Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Transportation is not explicitly mentioned, but the tour visits multiple locations by car, with the group traveling together. The meeting point is at Hotel NH Parma, and the tour ends back there.

What are the start and end times?
The tour starts at 8:30 am from Parma and lasts approximately 8 hours, ending around 4:00 pm back at the meeting point.

Are children or non-adult participants allowed?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but most travelers can participate.

How many stops are included in the tour?
There are three main stops: a cheese factory in Beneceto, a ham factory in Langhirano, and a winery in Località Cangelasio.

Are the tastings included?
Yes, tastings of Parmesan cheese, Parma ham (aged 24 months), and three wines are included in the tour.

Is the tour suitable for anyone with dietary restrictions?
The data does not specify accommodations for dietary restrictions, but the tastings are centered around local products, so it’s recommended to inform the operator in advance if needed.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 10 travelers ensures an intimate experience with personalized attention.

Is there any physical activity involved?
The activities involve walking through factories, aging warehouses, and vineyards, but no strenuous physical activity is required.

Can I cancel free of charge?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour can be fully refunded.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic production visits, generous tastings, and scenic vineyard walk makes this tour a well-rounded experience for foodies.