Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar Tour in Parma

Inside the caveau where thousands of cheese wheels age in rows

A 6-hour tour of Parmigiano Reggiano production in Parma that takes you from the cow farm through the cheese factory and into the massive aging caveau, with a guide in English. You'll see newborn calves, watch milk being processed and cheese wheels being made, then taste three ages of Parmigiano Reggiano alongside aged balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine and local cured meats. Minimum age is 12; transfer from Parma train station is available as an add-on option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Tour

• Arrive at ancient farmhouse
• Enjoy morning coffee break
• Visit farm with cows and calves
• Enter cheese factory and see production
• Observe salting and maturing process
• Tour ancient vinegar factory
• Taste cheeses, salami, wine, and vinegar

The Experience

The tour starts at a working farm where the cows are milked and, if the timing works, you'll see newborn calves. From there you move into the cheese factory itself during production — you'll get a lab coat and cap for access to the production area — and watch milk being processed and cheese wheels being made and salted. The scale of it becomes clear when you enter the caveau, the enormous aging room where thousands of wheels lie in long rows, maturing in silence. The scent alone is enough to prepare you for what comes next.

The tasting happens at an ancient farmhouse that's been converted into a tasting space. You'll sample Parmigiano Reggiano aged 12, 24 and 36 months, each one noticeably different, alongside typical Emilian cured meats — salami, Parma ham, coppa — and a glass of Lambrusco DOC wine. A separate tasting of balsamic vinegar follows, with three ages: 8, 15 and 30 years old. Vanilla ice cream dressed with the oldest balsamic closes the food part of the day. A cappuccino and sweet and savoury cakes come at the start, during the morning coffee break.

The tour runs 6 hours total. If you're arriving by train, you can add transport from Parma station to the farm and back; otherwise you'll need your own way there. The guide speaks English. Large bags and suitcases need pre-authorization and may carry an extra fee, so check availability before you book.

What’s included

• Coffee and cake on arrival.
• tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano aged 12, 24 and 36 months with typical Emilian salami, Parma ham and coppa.
• one glass of Lambrusco DOC wine.
• tasting of balsamic vinegar aged 8, 15 and 30 years.
• vanilla ice cream with aged balsamic.
• disposable coat and shoe covers for the production areas.
• English-speaking guide for the full 6 hours.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Claudio Bonoretti

Is this one for you?Book with transfer if you're arriving by train; book without if you have your own transport or are staying nearby. The morning start lets you watch milk processing and cheese-making as they happen, not during downtime.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

73 verified traveler reviews

5 ★70

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly happens inside the Parmigiano Reggiano factory on this tour?

You'll enter the production area during active milk processing and watch cheese wheels being made and cooked. You'll see the salting process and then move into the caveau, the aging room where thousands of wheels rest in rows for months, developing the flavour and texture that makes Parmigiano Reggiano distinct.

Will I actually get to see newborn calves on the farm?

The farm has calves born regularly, and the tour includes time at the cow farm where you can touch them — though whether a newborn is present depends on the day you visit, since births happen most often in the morning.

How many different cheeses and vinegars will I taste?

You'll taste Parmigiano Reggiano at three maturation stages — 12, 24 and 36 months — and balsamic vinegar aged 8, 15 and 30 years. The tasting also includes Lambrusco wine, local cured meats, and vanilla ice cream finished with aged balsamic.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the farm, or is it included?

Transport is not included in the base tour price, but you can add a transfer option from Parma train station at checkout. If you don't add it, you'll need to arrange your own way to the farm.

Can I buy cheese or vinegar to take home?

Yes — at the end of the tour you can purchase Parmigiano Reggiano or balsamic vinegar to take with you, though this is separate from the tasting and not included in the tour price.

What should I wear or bring for the factory visit?

The tour provides disposable coats and shoe covers for access to the production areas. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind covering up, and note that large suitcases and backpacks need pre-authorization before booking.