Bologna-Modena: Weekend del Gusto – A Culinary Journey You Don’t Want to Miss

Bologna–Modena: Weekend del Gusto

Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region is renowned for its deep-rooted culinary traditions, and the Bologna–Modena: Weekend del Gusto offers an excellent opportunity to experience them first-hand. Running from September 21 to October 27, 2024, this six-week initiative transforms weekends into immersive food and wine experiences across the territories of Bologna and Modena.

Designed for both locals and visitors, the event celebrates regional excellence through guided visits, tastings, and encounters with producers who preserve traditional methods and local identity.

What to Expect

Each weekend features a curated selection of experiences, ranging from visits to artisanal producers to guided tastings of iconic products such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Lambrusco, and honey. Participants can explore dairies, farms, and wineries while learning about production techniques passed down through generations.

Typically, experiences are split between Saturday and Sunday, with optional transport available from central Bologna or Modena. Visitors may book individual activities or combine multiple experiences over the course of a weekend.

Highlights and Producers

The Weekend del Gusto focuses on some of the region’s most representative producers, offering insight into both food craftsmanship and rural life.

• Caseificio Oratorio San Giorgio (Carpi, Modena) – A historic Parmigiano Reggiano dairy active since 1933. Visitors can observe the full cheese-making process and sample aged Parmigiano, ricotta, and mascarpone. (official site)
• Podere 101 (Anzola dell’Emilia) – A small farm focused on honey production, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. The visit includes tastings of honey and garden produce while highlighting agroforestry practices.
• Cantina Ventiventi (Medolla) – A family-run winery combining tradition with innovation, known for Metodo Classico sparkling wines. Tours include vineyard walks and tastings of Lambrusco and other varietals. (Ventiventi)
• Caseificio Bazzanese (Valsamoggia) – Founded in 1968, this dairy offers in-depth visits focused on Parmigiano Reggiano aging, including tastings of long-matured cheeses.

Bologna and Modena: A Shared Food Heritage

The collaboration between Bologna and Modena reflects the complementary nature of their food cultures. Bologna is widely known for fresh pasta, ragù, and mortadella, while Modena is synonymous with traditional balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

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These weekends emphasise that food in Emilia-Romagna is not just about taste, but about history, landscape, and community — from the Apennine foothills to the fertile plains between the two cities.

Practical Information

Most experiences are available in both Italian and English and are designed to be accessible to international visitors. Transport options from Bologna and Modena make it possible to reach rural producers without a car, and prices are generally set to encourage broad participation.

Because many visits involve small producers with limited capacity, booking in advance is recommended, particularly for popular dairies and wineries.

Want to Explore Modena’s Food Culture Year-Round?

If you’re visiting Modena outside the Weekend del Gusto dates, or would like a more in-depth introduction to local products and markets, a guided Modena food tour can be a good way to experience the city’s culinary traditions in a single morning or afternoon.

Conclusion

The Bologna–Modena: Weekend del Gusto offers a thoughtful way to engage with Emilia-Romagna’s food culture, combining tastings with education and direct contact with producers. Whether discovering Parmigiano Reggiano at a historic dairy or sampling local honey and wine, each experience provides insight into the traditions that make this region one of Italy’s most important gastronomic destinations.