Parmesan, Balsamic Vinegar, Ham & Salami Tour with Organic Lambrusco Farmer’s Brunch

This countryside experience brings together the very best of Modena in a single day: Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, cured meats, and organic Lambrusco, finished with a generous farmer’s brunch at an organic estate. Beyond food, this experience introduces you to Lambrusco in its authentic homeland — a sparkling red wine deeply rooted in Emilia-Romagna’s farming tradition. The Farmer’s Brunch can be booked as part of our Foodie’s Delight food tour.

This is one of our most popular experiences for visitors who want to understand Emilia-Romagna’s food culture beyond restaurants, focusing on small producers, traditional methods, and organic farming rather than industrial facilities.

1) Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Visit

After pick-up from your hotel or a designated meeting point, you’ll visit a PDO Parmigiano Reggiano dairy near Modena. With an expert gourmet guide, you’ll observe the full production process: milk coagulation, curd extraction, moulding, brining, and the ageing cellars.

The visit concludes with a tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano at different stages of maturation, helping you understand how flavour and texture evolve over time.

2) Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Producer Visit

Rather than visiting commercial “balsamic factories”, this tour takes you into the home of a traditional balsamic vinegar producer in Modena. Following centuries-old practice, the vinegar is aged in a series of barrels stored in the attic.

You’ll learn about the long ageing process — typically 12 to 25 years — and enjoy a guided tasting around the family table, discovering how different vinegars pair with food.

3) Ham & Salami Experience

The cured meats part of the tour includes a visit to Villani, one of Italy’s most respected charcuterie producers, and the MU.SA – the world’s first charcuterie museum. Here you’ll learn how products such as Parma ham, mortadella, and traditional salami are made.

For more information, see our page about the MU.SA charcuterie museum.

Organic Lambrusco Winery & Farmer’s Brunch

The final stop is an organic winery and agriturismo producing classic-method Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that expresses the true character of the Modena countryside. Unlike mass-produced versions found abroad, this Lambrusco is dry, structured, and food-oriented, made using traditional methods that highlight freshness and natural fermentation.

After a walk through the vineyards and cellar, you’ll sit down to a rustic farmer’s brunch. The meal typically includes hand-carved cured meats, ciccioli, fresh and aged cheeses served with traditional condiments, sourdough focaccia made from ancient grains, and organic wines such as Lambrusco and Trebbiano — carefully paired to enhance the flavours of each course.

Why Lambrusco Works So Well with Emilia’s Cuisine

Lambrusco’s lively acidity and gentle sparkle make it the perfect companion to rich regional foods such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. The wine cleanses the palate, balances salt and fat, and enhances the natural sweetness of aged balsamic vinegar. To explore Lambrusco in greater depth, you can also read our complete guide to Lambrusco in Modena and Parma.

Optional: Cooking at the Organic Farm

Cooking classes can be added to the experience and are held directly at the organic farm. Guests collect herbs and vegetables from the fields before preparing fresh egg pasta using organic ancient-grain flour produced on-site.

The classes are hands-on and typically include pasta, a meat or vegetarian main course, and a simple dessert inspired by traditional Italian farmhouse cooking. You can read more about our pasta cooking classes.

Explore Modena’s Food Culture in the City

If you’d like to complement the countryside visits with an urban perspective, you may also enjoy a guided Modena food tour, focused on local markets, traditional dishes, and everyday food culture in the historic centre.

Why Choose This Experience

• Visit three top-quality food producers and an organic winery
• Short transfer times with more time spent at each stop
• Unique classic-method Lambrusco tasting directly at the producer
• Authentic rustic dishes from the farming tradition
• Panoramic countryside views around Modena and Castelvetro
• Opportunity to purchase products directly from producers

Stay at the Organic Farm

It is also possible to stay overnight at the organic farm. Accommodation offers a peaceful rural setting and is ideal for guests who want to extend their countryside experience.