A full-day food experience in the hills south of Parma, combining three of the area’s most important producers with a winery visit at Torrechiara Castle. The day covers Parmigiano Reggiano production, an aperitivo overlooking the castle, a Parma ham producer tour, and a sit-down lunch — all within the same stretch of the Parma countryside.
Parmigiano Reggiano — from milk to aged cheese
The day begins at a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, where the full production process is explained in detail. You follow the journey from fresh milk to finished cheese — through the copper vats, brine rooms, and ageing cellars — before a guided tasting of wheels at different stages of maturity. Watching the 40kg wheels take shape gives real context to a cheese that takes a minimum of 12 months before it can be sold.
Winery aperitivo overlooking Torrechiara Castle
After the dairy, the tour moves to a winery set directly above Torrechiara Castle — a 15th-century fortress built by Pier Maria Rossi between 1448 and 1460. The aperitivo here includes three local wines — sparkling Malvasia, Lambrusco, and selected DOC wines — paired with reserve Parma ham, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and traditional breadsticks. After the tasting, a short walk through the vineyards leads to the castle itself. Note that the castle is closed on Mondays.
Parma ham producer visit and lunch
The afternoon continues at a traditional Prosciutto di Parma producer, part of the guided food experience in Parma. The visit covers every stage of production, from the pre-ageing rooms to the long maturation cellars, with a guide explaining how the ham earns its PDO status. A tasting follows, featuring Prosciutto di Parma alongside culatello and other local cured meats. The day concludes with a relaxed lunch including a pasta main course and dessert.
Book this experience
For availability, group sizes, pricing, and to book, use the contact page or get in touch directly. Private and small group departures can be arranged on request.
See where the food actually comes from.
The Emilia Delizia food tour takes you inside working Parmigiano, balsamic, and ham producers — rated 4.9 stars on TripAdvisor.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy with tasting, an aperitivo at a winery overlooking Torrechiara Castle (three wines with food pairings), a Parma ham producer visit with tasting of Prosciutto di Parma and culatello, and a lunch with pasta and dessert. Transport between stops is included.
How long does the tour take?
A full day — typically departing in the morning and finishing in the mid to late afternoon. Exact timings depend on the group and departure point. Contact us for the current schedule.
Where does the tour depart from?
Departure points and pick-up options vary. Contact us for current arrangements and to confirm your meeting point.
Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
The Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and winery sections are suitable for vegetarians. The Parma ham visit and lunch include cured meats — please mention any dietary requirements when booking and alternatives can be arranged where possible.
Can the castle be visited on the same day?
Yes — after the winery aperitivo, a short walk through the vineyards leads directly to Torrechiara Castle. Note that the castle is closed on Mondays, so tours including a castle visit are scheduled on other days of the week.
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