Wine Tasting with Food Pairing near Bologna

Discover an Authentic Wine and Food Experience Near Bologna

This wine tasting with food pairing takes place in a charming local winery in Emilia-Romagna, just a 30-minute drive from Bologna. For $55.80, participants enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour that highlights three exceptional regional wines matched with delicious local foods. The experience is perfect for those seeking to deepen their appreciation of Italy’s renowned wine culture in an intimate setting.

The tour starts at Umberto Cesari and includes a visit to the barrel room, where the process of wine production and aging becomes clear. Participants also receive a guided tasting led by knowledgeable guides in English or Italian, making this an accessible option for international visitors. While transportation is not included, the scenic setting and high-quality pairings make this a memorable activity for wine lovers and foodies alike.

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Key Points

• Price: $55.80 per person for a 1.5-hour experience
• Location: Emilia-Romagna, in the winery near Bologna
• Inclusions: Visit to the barrel room, guided tasting of 3 high-quality regional wines, local food pairings
• Highlights: Tasting Colle Belvedere, Costa di Rose Rosé, and Annata Sangiovese with carefully curated accompaniments
• Food Pairings: Pecorino cheese with pistachios, Mortadella with croissants and raspberries, dried sausage with blueberries and piada
• Suitability: Best for those interested in regional wines, food pairing, and authentic winery visits

Visiting the Winery in Castel San Pietro Terme

The tour departs from the white building at Umberto Cesari in Castel San Pietro Terme, a village perched on Bologna’s hillside. After arriving, participants enter through a gray gate where the experience begins. The scenic setting in Emilia-Romagna enhances the tasting, with rolling hills and vineyard views adding to the atmosphere. This location is easily accessible from Bologna, taking around 30 minutes by car.

The visit to the winery includes a guided tour of approximately 30 minutes, where the guide explains the production techniques and aging process of the wines. This behind-the-scenes look helps participants better understand what goes into each bottle. The setting is intimate, enabling a relaxed yet informative exploration of the winery’s craftsmanship.

Tasting Three High-Quality Wines

Following the tour, the guided tasting lasts about one hour. The first wine, Colle Belvedere, is a sparkling Pignoletto. It is paired with Pecorino cheese sprinkled with green pistachios from Bronte DOP, complemented by citrus jam and crispy grissini. This pairing balances refreshing bubbles with savory, nutty, and tangy flavors that showcase regional ingredients.

The second wine, Costa di Rose Rosé, offers a vibrant, fruity profile. It is paired with Mortadella La Favola di Palmieri, presented with a mini savory croissant and fresh raspberries. The rosé’s lively character complements the delicately layered meats and berries, creating a bright and satisfying flavor combination.

The final wine in the tasting, Annata Sangiovese Riserva, is a robust red that pairs beautifully with Golinelli’s dried sausage. Accompanying blueberries and piada on the BBQ, this pairing emphasizes the wine’s depth and the meat’s richness. The fleshy, full-bodied taste provides a lasting finish to the experience.

The Food Pairings: Local Specialties with Perfect Complements

The food offerings are carefully chosen to highlight regional flavors. The pecorino cheese with pistachios gives a salty, nutty contrast to the sparkling wine. The Mortadella with raspberries and croissant offers a delicate balance of savory and sweet, enhancing the rosé’s fruity notes. Meanwhile, the dried sausage with blueberries and piada accentuates the full body of the Sangiovese Riserva, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

These pairings embody the regional culinary tradition and are thoughtfully designed to showcase the wines’ versatility. The local ingredients like Pecorino and Mortadella are authentic and widely appreciated, making this experience both delicious and educational.

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The Guided Tour of the Barrel Room

A key highlight of this experience is the visit to the winery’s barrel room. Here, the guide explains the production process, including how wines are aged and the traditional methods used. This tour provides valuable insight into the craftsmanship behind each bottle, enriching the tasting with context and appreciation.

The setting of the barrel room adds to the overall ambiance, allowing participants to connect with the wine’s journey from grape to glass. This part of the experience is especially suited for those curious about winemaking techniques and regional traditions.

Practical Details and Logistics

The activity begins at Umberto Cesari in Castel San Pietro Terme, easily reachable from Bologna. The meeting point is well-marked, and the location features a white building with a gray gate. No transportation is included, so visitors need to arrange their own travel.

The experience lasts 1.5 hours, with the tour and tasting scheduled at specific times based on availability. It’s recommended to reserve in advance, especially during busy periods. Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes for the winery visit, which involves some walking around the facility.

The tour guides speak English and Italian, making this accessible for international visitors. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women due to the wine tasting.

What Sets This Tour Apart: Authenticity and Quality

This wine tasting experience shines through its focus on regional wines and local culinary pairings. The visit to the barrel room offers a rare behind-the-scenes look, and the careful selection of foods elevates the tasting. The guides’ explanations deepen understanding without overwhelming, making it a relaxed yet informative activity.

The price point of $55.80 is reasonable for a dedicated wine and food experience in such a scenic setting. The reviews, which rate this experience a perfect 5 out of 5, highlight the beautiful location, delicious pairings, and informative tour as particularly notable.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most

This tour is ideal for wine lovers eager to explore high-quality regional wines, as well as foodies interested in local specialties. It suits those who appreciate guided experiences that combine education with tastings. Since the activity requires comfortable shoes and involves a walkthrough of the winery, it’s best for guests without mobility restrictions.

While not suitable for pregnant women, the intimate setting and delicious pairings make this a wonderful choice for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a taste of Emilia-Romagna’s rich wine and culinary traditions.

Final Thoughts on the Emilia-Romagna Wine Tasting

This 1.5-hour guided wine and food pairing near Bologna offers excellent value for those seeking to experience regional wines in an authentic setting. The visit to the barrel room, combined with three carefully paired wines and local delicacies, provides a comprehensive snapshot of Emilia-Romagna’s vinicultural and culinary heritage.

While transportation is not included, the scenic location and high-quality offerings compensate for this small inconvenience. The positive reviews underline the warmth of the guides, the beautiful setting, and the delicious pairings as standout features.

This tour presents a well-rounded, enjoyable experience for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike, especially those looking for a personalized, educational taste of Italy’s famous wine country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation to and from the winery is not included. Visitors need to arrange their own travel to Castel San Pietro Terme.

What wines are tasted during this experience?
Participants taste Colle Belvedere (Pignoletto sparkling wine), Costa di Rose Rosé, and Annata Sangiovese Riserva.

Are food pairings included in the tour?
Yes, each wine is paired with local specialties like Pecorino cheese, Mortadella, dried sausage, blueberries, and piada.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Is this experience suitable for pregnant women?
No, due to the wine tasting, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

Do guides speak multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English and Italian, making the experience accessible for most visitors.

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