Tour Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy and Parma Ham

This small-group food tour immerses you in the production and tasting of iconic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. You’ll visit traditional factories, witnessing skilled cheesemakers and prosciutto artisans at work. Taste the rich flavors of aged Parmigiano and savory Parma ham, accompanied by local wines. The tour includes pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. An English-speaking guide provides insights and facilitates discussions, enhancing your understanding of the region’s culinary traditions. This tour offers a true taste of Italian food culture – continue reading to uncover more details.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Parma.

Key Points

• Immersive small-group food tour focusing on the production of iconic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham in the heart of Parma, Italy.
• Includes pickup and drop-off service, eliminating the need for travelers to arrange their own transportation.
• Led by an English-speaking guide who provides insights and commentary on the history, production methods, and cultural significance of the regional delicacies.
• Offers a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory, where participants can observe the cheesemaking process and taste the aged cheese.
• Includes a visit to a Parma ham factory, allowing travelers to explore the seasoning rooms, witness the curing and aging process, and sample the final product.

Overview of the Tour

This small-group food tour provides an immersive experience in the heart of Parma, focusing on the iconic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.

Over the course of the tour, you’ll visit traditional factories to witness the production process and engage in tastings of these renowned Italian delicacies.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Parma, an English-speaking guide, and entry fees to the factories.

You’ll have the opportunity to see how Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is pulled from milk vats, seasoned, and stored, as well as learn how the best Parma hams are selected and aged.

Tastings of both products are accompanied by local wines, offering a true taste of Italian food culture.

Pickup and Drop-off Service

The tour conveniently includes pickup and drop-off services in Parma, allowing participants to easily access the tour’s starting and ending points. This service eliminates the need for travelers to find their own transportation to and from the tour locations. The pickup and drop-off service is included in the price of the tour, providing an added convenience for guests.

After meeting the tour guide, participants are transported to the Parmigiano Reggiano factory and Parma ham factory in an air-conditioned vehicle. At the end of the tour, the same vehicle returns guests to their original pickup location in Parma. This seamless transportation ensures a smooth and stress-free experience throughout the entire culinary adventure.

Guided by an English Speaker

Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off service, the tour is guided by an English-speaking expert who provides insights and commentary throughout the experience.

The knowledgeable guide brings the tour to life, sharing fascinating details about the history, production methods, and cultural significance of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.

Guests can ask questions and engage in discussions, gaining a deeper appreciation for these renowned Italian delicacies.

The guide’s fluency in English ensures that all participants, regardless of their native language, can fully enjoy the tour and come away with a richer understanding of the region’s culinary traditions.

Visiting Parmigiano Reggiano Factory

Visitors begin their exploration of the Parmigiano Reggiano factory by witnessing the skilled cheesemakers pull the curds from the large milk vats, a process that has changed little over the centuries. They then observe as the curds are seasoned, salted, and carefully stacked in the aging rooms. Here, the large wheels of cheese will sit and mature for a minimum of 22 months, developing their distinctive flavor and texture.

Step	Description	Duration
Curd Extraction	Curds are pulled from milk vats	–
Salting	Curds are salted and seasoned	1 day
Aging	Wheels are stored and aged	22-36 months

Tasting Aged Parmigiano Reggiano

After witnessing the cheesemaking process, visitors are then invited to sample the aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

They’ll have the opportunity to taste a 22 to 36-month-old Parmigiano, expertly paired with a local Italian wine to enhance the flavors.

The cheese’s complex, nutty, and slightly salty profile is a delight for the senses, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship behind this iconic Italian delicacy.

Guests can savor the cheese’s rich texture and deep, satisfying flavors, learning about the meticulous aging process that transforms the simple ingredients into a masterpiece of the culinary world.

This tasting experience provides a true appreciation for the artistry and tradition behind Parmigiano Reggiano, one of Italy’s most beloved gastronomic treasures.

Visiting Parma Ham Factory

The tour then takes visitors to a Parma ham factory, where they can explore the seasoning rooms and learn how the best hams are selected for their exceptional quality and flavor.

Visitors will get an inside look at the meticulous process behind creating authentic Parma ham. This includes:

• Observing the careful curing and aging of the ham, which can take up to 24 months to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Sampling the final product, a deliciously salty and savory Parma ham, paired with a sparkling white Malvasia wine.

Gaining an appreciation for the skilled artisanship and centuries-old traditions that go into producing this iconic Italian delicacy.

Discovering the strict regulations and quality standards that safeguard the unique terroir and craftsmanship of Parma ham.

Sampling Parma Ham and Wine

Delighting the palate, visitors sample the aromatic Parma ham, its rich and savory flavors perfectly complemented by the crisp and fruity notes of the accompanying sparkling Malvasia wine.

At the Parma ham factory, guests are guided through the seasoning rooms, learning how the finest hams are carefully selected and aged. They’re then invited to savor the culmination of this meticulous process, as the 24-month-aged Parma ham is expertly paired with the refreshing local wine.

This harmonious blend of flavors offers a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage, providing an immersive sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who partake.

Cancellation Policy and Accessibility

Participants can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of booking, giving participants peace of mind.

The air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board provide a comfortable and connected journey.

Participants can look forward to a delightful combination of tastings, factory visits, and learning about Italian food traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Book Additional Food Tastings or Experiences?

To book additional food tastings or experiences, customers should contact the tour provider directly. Many tour companies offer customizable options or add-ons that can be arranged prior to the tour date. Inquiring about these possibilities is the best way to enhance the experience.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Factory Visits?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the factory visits, though they may need to respect any restrictions or rules set by the factories. It’s best to check with the tour guide before photographing or filming.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies Accommodated?

This tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Participants should notify the guide of any dietary needs when booking to ensure the appropriate accommodations are made.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. The factories can be chilly, so it’s recommended to dress in layers for the tour.

Can I Purchase Parmigiano Reggiano or Parma Ham On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham on-site during the tour. The tour includes tastings of both products, and there’s an opportunity to purchase them from the factory shops at the end of the visit.

Recap

This immersive food tour provides a unique glimpse into the age-old traditions and meticulous processes behind Parma’s renowned specialties.

Visitors will witness the making of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and the curing of Parma ham, sampling these iconic Italian delicacies alongside local wines.

The tour promises to ignite the senses and deepen one’s appreciation for the gastronomic wonders of Parma.