Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parma Ham Gastronomic Half Day tour -from Parma

The tour begins with a visit to a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, where you will explore the casello, a pivotal area where fresh milk is carefully cooked in large caldere to create the iconic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. You will have the opportunity to witness the cheese making process up close, learning how the milk is transformed into this world renowned cheese. As you continue your journey, you'll visit the brine room and aging warehouse, where you can try your hand at beating the Parmigiano Reggiano, just as the experts at the Consortium do, to check its quality. The experience concludes with a delightful tasting of different aged Parmigiano Reggiano, complemented by local mustards and a selection of fine red wines from the region.

The tour then moves on to the Parma Ham factory, where you'll uncover the meticulous process behind the creation of the world famous Prosciutto di Parma. The journey starts in the processing rooms, where only the finest cuts of pork are selected to become Parma ham. You'll explore the maturing cellars, where the distinct aroma of aging hams fills the air. Here, you'll learn about the sugnatura process, a critical step in curing the hams, and observe the fascinating moment when each ham is stapled, marking its readiness for aging. The tour wraps up with a tasting of Parma ham, paired with local hill wines, allowing you to savor the depth and richness of this exquisite delicacy.

This gastronomic journey offers not only a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind two of Italy’s most beloved products but also an authentic taste of Parma’s culinary heritage, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Italian countryside.