Where This Famous Italian Cheese Is Made

By Gabriele Monti – Updated for 2025

A few years ago, the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano published a detailed map showing exactly where this iconic Italian cheese can legally be produced. The goal was to educate consumers and travellers about the protected production area and the deep connection between territory, tradition, and quality.

Understanding where Parmesan cheese comes from helps visitors appreciate why authentic Parmigiano Reggiano tastes the way it does — and why imitations simply cannot match it.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

The PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is a European food certification that protects products made exclusively in specific geographic areas using traditional methods. Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the most strictly regulated PDO foods in the world.

To carry the Parmigiano Reggiano name, the cheese must be produced using milk sourced only from the approved production zone. The climate, pasture, water, and local bacterial cultures all influence the milk’s organoleptic characteristics — qualities that are transferred directly into the final cheese. This is why genuine Parmigiano Reggiano cannot be authentically reproduced elsewhere.

The Discipline of Cheese Making

The Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium enforces a strict production code known as the disciplinare. This document defines every step of the process: milk quality standards, feeding practices, production methods, ageing requirements, and quality inspections.

In short, making Parmigiano Reggiano requires exceptional raw materials — especially high-quality milk — and the expertise of skilled cheese masters who preserve centuries-old techniques across Emilia-Romagna.

Bologna and Parmigiano Reggiano

In the Bologna province, Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced on the left bank of the Reno River. There are relatively few dairies here — roughly 10 to 12 producers — so if you stay in Bologna and want to visit a cheese dairy, you will most likely travel into the Modena countryside for production visits.

Modena – Where Real Production Begins

Moving eastward, Modena marks the heart of Parmigiano Reggiano production. The Apennine mountain zone is particularly prized, as cleaner air, better water quality, and traditional pasture grazing often produce exceptionally complex cheeses.

In this area you can also find rare organic Parmigiano Reggiano made from heritage cattle breeds such as the Bianca Modenese, a protected native cow known for producing rich, aromatic milk.

If you are planning your visit, you may also enjoy exploring other experiences in the area. Here is a practical guide to things to do in Modena, including museums, food markets, and cultural highlights.

Mantova

Although Mantova lies in Lombardy rather than Emilia-Romagna, part of its territory south of the Po River is included in the Parmigiano Reggiano production zone. Several dairies operate here alongside Grana Padano producers, making it an interesting comparison area for cheese enthusiasts.

Reggio Emilia – The Cradle of Parmigiano Reggiano

Bibbiano, a small town approximately 20 km south of Reggio Emilia, is widely considered the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano. Historical documents confirm that cheeses very similar to modern Parmesan were already produced here over nine centuries ago.

While Reggio Emilia is often overlooked by tourists, it is well worth visiting if you are passionate about Italian food culture, traditional markets, and authentic regional cuisine.

Parma and Its Cheese Heritage

Parma, together with Reggio Emilia, accounts for the highest production volumes of Parmigiano Reggiano. The city has long established itself as one of the world’s leading gourmet destinations and is often referred to as the “food basket of Italy.”

Visiting a Parmesan Cheese Dairy in Emilia-Romagna

Many dairies welcome visitors, but timing is crucial. Cheese production usually takes place early in the morning, often once per day. To witness the full process — from milk transformation to wheel extraction — it is best to arrive the night before and plan an early visit.

Thanks to high-speed train connections, travellers can now reach Modena, Bologna, or Parma easily from cities such as Milan and Florence.

Emilia Delizia proudly organises guided visits and tastings through its Parmesan cheese tours in Italy from Modena, Bologna and Parma, offering behind-the-scenes access to traditional dairies and local producers.