Bologna–Modena Weekend del Gusto: Guide to the Annual Food Producer Event

Weekend del Gusto is an annual event run jointly by the Bologna and Modena tourist territories, opening farms, dairies, wineries, and producers to visitors across two seasons each year — a spring edition in May and June, and an autumn edition from September through October. Each weekend offers around a dozen curated experiences, with optional bus transport departing from central Bologna and Modena so it is possible to reach rural producers without a car.

The event started in 2023 covering border territories between the two provinces, expanded across the full area in 2024, and by 2025 was running 12 weekends of experiences across both seasons. For current dates and booking, check the official programme on extrabo.com or visitmodena.it when each edition opens.

How It Works

Each weekend runs Saturday and Sunday with separate programmes. On Saturday mornings, bus tours typically depart from Modena for Parmigiano Reggiano dairies and balsamic vinegar producers. On Sunday afternoons, tours run from Bologna to farms and estates in the surrounding countryside. Experiences run in Italian and English and are open to individuals — you can book a single visit or combine several across a weekend. Places are limited and popular producers sell out early, so booking in advance is essential.

What to Expect

The visits are working producer tours rather than tourist attractions. At a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy you follow the morning production — the copper vats, the curd breaking, the forming of the wheels — and taste the cheese at different ages. At a balsamic vinegar acetaia you see the battery of wooden barrels in the attic and understand why a 25-year traditional balsamic is priced the way it is. Wineries include both Lambrusco producers and smaller estates working with native varieties.

Past editions have included visits to:

• Caseificio Oratorio San Giorgio (Carpi) — a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy active since 1933, with tastings of aged Parmigiano, ricotta, and mascarpone
• Podere 101 (Anzola dell’Emilia) — a small farm focused on honey production, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture
• Cantina Ventiventi (Medolla) — a family winery known for Metodo Classico sparkling wines and Lambrusco, with vineyard walks and tastings
• Caseificio Bazzanese (Valsamoggia) — a dairy founded in 1968 specialising in long-matured Parmigiano Reggiano

Producers vary each edition. The list above is from recent years; the current programme will have its own selection.

Bologna and Modena Food Culture

The event works because the two cities cover complementary ground. Bologna’s food identity is built around fresh pasta, ragù, and mortadella — products of the city and its immediate surroundings. Modena’s is built around aged products: traditional balsamic vinegar, long-matured Parmigiano Reggiano, and Lambrusco from the plain. Weekend del Gusto draws on both, which is why the transport runs in both directions.

Year-Round Producer Visits

If you are visiting outside the Weekend del Gusto dates, producer visits to Parmigiano Reggiano dairies, balsamic vinegar acetaie, and other food producers in the region can be arranged year-round through a guided food tour in Modena or the balsamic vinegar tour, which includes acetaia visits throughout the year.