Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Tasting Tour

Step back in time to learn how Parmigiano-Reggiano, known as the 'king of cheeses,' is made with this visit to a 'caseficio,' or cheese factory. Find out why this is the provinces of Parma, Modena and Reggio Emilia, plus parts of Bologna and Mantova, are the only ones that can produce authentic parmigiano-reggiano – elsewhere it has to go by another name. Watch cheesemakers at work as they cook the milk to separate the whey and lift the Parmigiano-Reggiano. See how the cheese goes on to be salted and shaped next, followed by placement in the aging room (the 'stagionatura' in Italian). Admire the rows and rows of aging wheels of cheese that perfume the air. Learn about the strict tests required by the consortium before the cheese wheels are permitted to be sold as authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, including hammering the wheels, and the fire branding that takes place. Finish the tour by tasting cheese along with honey and local wine. Pickup and drop-off from your Parma hotel is included.