Prosciutto Ham Factory Visit & Lunch Tasting near Udine

A visit to a Prosciutto Crudo San Daniele factory paired with a tasting lunch offers a genuine taste of Italy’s culinary traditions. This tour, lasting around 1.5 hours, takes place near Udine in the scenic region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. For a cost-effective experience, it begins at La Casa del Prosciutto “Alberti 1906”, a historic family-run ham factory, and includes a guided tour of the production process, followed by a lunch featuring local cured meats, cheeses, and regional wines.

This tour is perfect for those interested in gastronomy, history, and craftsmanship. It caters to small groups, limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention. The experience is accessible for most visitors, with the exception of wheelchair users. Whether you’re a food lover or curious about Italy’s cured meat traditions, this tasting journey offers both education and flavor.

Key Points

• Authentic factory visit to a historic San Daniele ham producer.
• Learn the curing process and the influence of Friuli’s microclimate.
• Enjoy a curated tasting lunch with ham, regional cheeses, and pickled sides.
• Pair the lunch with local wines, including Friulano and Merlot.
• Small group experience limited to 10 participants, with live guides in Italian and English.
• Duration of about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable addition to any trip near Udine.

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Visit to La Casa del Prosciutto “Alberti 1906” in San Daniele del Friuli

The tour begins at La Casa del Prosciutto “Alberti 1906”, a factory with roots dating back to the 19th century. Located just 20 minutes from Udine, it sits in the countryside, surrounded by the region’s lush landscape. As you arrive, the aromas of aging ham fill the air, setting the stage for a deep dive into Italy’s renowned cured meat tradition.

This historic family-run hotel has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality prosciutto. The guided visit provides insights into how fresh pork legs are salted, rested, and cured in chambers that capitalize on Friuli’s ideal microclimate—positioned between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps—which imparts a distinctive flavor to the ham.

Exploring the Art of San Daniele Ham Production

The 30-minute guided tour walks you through every step of prosciutto production. Expert guides explain how salt curing preserves the pork delicately, while the controlled aging process can last up to 18 months. Visitors learn about the importance of the microclimate in San Daniele for developing flavor and texture.

Visitors observe the aging rooms where the ham matures and see how the traditional methods are combined with careful craftsmanship. The guides’ explanations highlight the importance of heritage and tradition in maintaining the high standards associated with Prosciutto Crudo San Daniele.

Tasting Lunch: Ham, Cheeses, and Pickled Sides

Following the factory tour, the experience continues at an adjoining family-run osteria with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The lunch lasts about an hour and begins with a curated platter featuring thin slices of San Daniele ham, paired with sweet-and-sour pickled vegetables and regional cheeses.

This tasting is designed to showcase the harmonious balance of flavors and highlight the regional delicacies. The freshness and quality of the cured meats and cheeses make this a memorable tasting experience. The lunch also includes local wines from nearby vineyards, with Friulano offering a crisp white experience and Merlot providing a smooth red to complement the savory ham.

Pairing Local Wines: Friulano and Merlot

The wine selection is carefully chosen from nearby vineyards, emphasizing the region’s rich viticultural traditions. The Friulano wine, with its delicate floral notes, pairs nicely with the ham and cheeses, enhancing their flavors. The Merlot, known for its smoother profile, balances the saltiness and richness of the cured meats.

Guests have the opportunity to learn about the regional wine-making practices that make these pairings authentic and special. The wine offerings are included in the experience, adding to the appreciation of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s culinary scene.

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History and Heritage of the Ham Factory

The factory at La Casa del Prosciutto traces its origins back to the 19th century, with the Alberti family maintaining its craft through generations. This long history adds a layer of authenticity to the experience, as guides share stories of the family’s dedication to quality and tradition.

The company’s legacy is reflected in the attention to detail during each step of production, from selecting the best pork legs to the careful aging process. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of how Italy’s famous cured meats are crafted with passion and precision.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from La Casa del Prosciutto “Alberti 1906” in San Daniele del Friuli. The location is easily reached by car, just 20 minutes from Udine. The tour is conducted in small groups, limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Guides speak Italian and English, making the tour accessible for international visitors. The tour is wheelchair accessible, although visitors should be aware that some physical aspects of the factory may not be suitable for all mobility levels.

Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

Reservations can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travel planning. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for peace of mind in case of schedule changes.

The experience is designed for those wanting a manageable, engaging introduction to Italy’s cured ham and regional gastronomy in a short, 1.5-hour format.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour offers a combination of authentic factory insights and tasting experiences. The handcrafted process of prosciutto production, paired with the regional wine and cheese tasting, makes for a well-rounded immersion into Friuli’s culinary traditions.

Visitors appreciate the friendly guides, the historic setting, and the delicious food and wine. Its small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for learning and savoring without feeling rushed.

Limitations and Considerations

While the experience is generally accessible and highly regarded, wheelchair users may face some limitations due to the factory’s physical environment. The tour duration is relatively short, so it works best as part of a broader itinerary.

The cost is not specified explicitly, but the value lies in the combination of factory tour, tasting, and local pairing in an intimate setting.

Prosciutto and Wine Tasting near Udine: An Authentic Italian Experience

This Prosciutto Ham Factory Visit & Lunch Tasting near Udine offers a chance to witness the art of prosciutto making firsthand. The tour combines education, tradition, and flavor in a way that appeals to lovers of food, history, and regional culture.

The small group size, friendly guides, and local wines enhance the experience, making it a memorable addition for anyone exploring the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. The 1.5-hour duration makes it a convenient, enriching activity that complements any itinerary near Udine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the factory tour last?
The entire experience, including the visit and lunch, lasts about 1.5 hours.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features thin slices of San Daniele ham, regional cheeses, pickled vegetables, and local wines such as Friulano or Merlot.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but some areas of the factory may present challenges for those with mobility restrictions.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at La Casa del Prosciutto “Alberti 1906” in San Daniele del Friuli, about 20 minutes from Udine.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Italian and English.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but the short duration and focus on food suggest it may suit older children and adults.

How many people participate?
Tours are limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small, personalized group.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of an authentic factory visit, heritage storytelling, regional wine pairing, and culinary tasting creates a rich, genuine experience.

Can I visit other attractions in the area afterward?
Yes, the location’s proximity to Udine makes it easy to include other local visits or explorations.

Is this experience offered in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is led in Italian and English.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made through the provider, with options to reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

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