Begin with a welcome at the dairy and the distribution of a visitor hygiene kit (protective cover garments) to ensure safe access to the food production areas. An expert guide will introduce you to the history of Parmigiano Reggiano, an excellence that for more than nine centuries has followed a strict production code based on just three ingredients: milk, salt, and rennet.
Step into the heart of the process and witness the magical transformation of milk. During the morning tour, inside the iconic copper vats, observe the master cheesemakers at work as they extract the “gemella”, the mass of cheese that will become a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano. It is here that artisanal precision makes the difference between an ordinary product and a PDO excellence.
Continue into the draining room, where the newly formed cheese is placed into molds to take its final shape. See how each wheel receives the distinctive origin markings that guarantee its authenticity and traceability.
Next, visit the brine room, a crucial stage where the wheels are immersed in a natural solution of water and salt for several weeks. This process not only gives Parmigiano Reggiano its characteristic savory flavor but also allows the natural formation of the outer rind without the use of preservatives.
The most impressive stop on the tour is undoubtedly the aging warehouse. Here you will find yourself surrounded by thousands of wheels arranged on towering wooden shelves. In this almost sacred silence, discover how time transforms the cheese. Watch the cleaning and inspection of the wheels, learn the differences between aging stages (12, 24, and 36 months), and discover how the traditional “hammer test” performed by certified experts guarantees the quality of the final product.
At the end of the guided tour comes the most anticipated moment: the Parmigiano Reggiano tasting. In a welcoming and authentic setting, discover how time transforms the flavor, texture, and aromas of the King of Cheeses.
Choose between two different experience options:
- Option 1: Guided Tour with Parmigiano Reggiano Tasting
A complete sensory analysis designed to appreciate the evolution of flavor across the main aging stages of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: 12 months, 24 months and 30+ months.
The tasting is accompanied by artisanal puff pastries, Parmigiano biscuits, and mineral water. A simple and pure proposal, ideal for those who want to focus entirely on the cheese.
- Option 2: Dairy Tour with Emilian Light Lunch
For those who want a complete gastronomic experience in the heart of the Food Valley, this option pairs the visit with a generous platter of typical Emiliano specialties.
The Light Lunch includes:
- Selection of Artisanal Cured Meats (Prosciutto Crudo di Parma, Traditional Salame and the prized Fiocco di Culatello);
- Cheese Tasting (Parmigiano Reggiano aged 24 months and fresh local specialties such as caciotta and ricotta);
- Gourmet Pairings.
You can accompany your lunch with a glass of local wine.