Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, and the Bologna-Modena: Weekend del Gusto offers the perfect opportunity to experience its gastronomic treasures. Running from September 21 to October 27, 2024, this six-week event transforms weekends into immersive culinary experiences across the territories of Bologna and Modena. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these weekends are designed to celebrate the best of local food and drink, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about authentic Italian cuisine.
What to Expect
Every weekend offers a total of 12 unique experiences, ranging from tours of artisanal producers to hands-on tastings of world-famous products like Parmigiano Reggiano and Lambrusco. Visitors can explore the region’s farms, dairies, and wineries while learning about traditional production methods that have stood the test of time.
Each weekend is divided into six experiences on Saturday and six on Sunday, offering a variety of opportunities to delve into local specialties. With 72 individual experiences over the course of the event, visitors can choose to partake in single tastings or book packages that include bus transport from central Bologna or Modena.
Highlights of the Event
The Weekend del Gusto is centered around some of the most iconic culinary products in Italy. Participants will not only taste these items but also get a behind-the-scenes look at how they are produced.
- Caseificio Oratorio San Giorgio in Carpi (Modena) is one of the key stops, where you can witness the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, from fresh milk to aged cheese. This historic dairy has been producing cheese since 1933, following traditional methods(Caseificio San Giorgio)(Snap Italy). The dairy offers tours where you can see the entire cheese-making process and enjoy tastings of its various products, including ricotta and mascarpone.
- Podere 101 in Anzola dell’Emilia offers a unique experience centered on honey and biodiversity(Bologna Welcome)(WeVux). This sustainable farm is involved in agroforestry and focuses on creating resilient ecosystems. During your visit, you’ll be able to taste honey produced by the farm’s own bees, along with fresh organic products from their gardens. The tour also showcases their efforts to protect local biodiversity through sustainable farming practices.
- Cantina Ventiventi, located in Medolla, is a family-run winery that blends tradition and innovation(Ventiventi)(Ventiventi). Known for producing high-quality wines using the Metodo Classico, the winery offers tastings of sparkling wines made from Lambrusco, Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco. Visitors can book a guided tour through the vineyards and enjoy a comprehensive tasting session while learning about the art of winemaking.
- Caseificio Bazzanese in Valsamoggia provides a deep dive into the world of Parmigiano Reggiano(Caseificio Bazzanese). Founded in 1968, this dairy adheres to time-honored traditions in producing some of the best Parmigiano in the region. Tours offer the chance to witness the meticulous production process and taste cheeses aged for different lengths of time, including their signature 36-month Parmigiano.
The Regions: A Marriage of Culinary Excellence
The partnership between Bologna and Modena in creating the Weekend del Gusto is a natural one. Both cities are pillars of Italian cuisine, each offering unique contributions to Italy’s culinary heritage. Bologna, often called the food capital of Italy, is famous for its ragu (Bolognese sauce), mortadella, and tagliatelle. Modena, meanwhile, is known for balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
These weekends are designed to show how intertwined food and culture are in this region. It’s not just about eating; it’s about understanding the heritage, the passion, and the dedication that goes into each product. From the hills surrounding Bologna to the plains of Modena, every experience is an opportunity to learn, taste, and celebrate the richness of Emilia-Romagna’s food culture.
A Convenient and Immersive Experience
One of the standout features of the Weekend del Gusto is its accessibility. Whether you’re staying in Bologna or Modena, you can easily participate in the events thanks to the bus services that transport visitors from the city centers to the rural producers. You can choose to book individual tours or a package that includes transportation and multiple experiences, making it a convenient way to explore the region.
The tours and tastings are available in both Italian and English, ensuring that international visitors can fully immerse themselves in the experience. With prices designed to be affordable, these weekends cater to a wide audience, from curious locals to dedicated foodies traveling from abroad.
Booking and Availability
Due to the popularity of the event, it’s essential to book your experiences in advance. Many of the tours and tastings sell out quickly, especially those involving high-demand producers like Parmigiano Reggiano dairies and Lambrusco wineries. Reservations can be made online through the event’s official website or at local tourist offices in Bologna and Modena.
Conclusion
The Bologna-Modena: Weekend del Gusto is more than just a series of tastings—it’s a celebration of Italy’s finest food traditions. Whether you’re exploring the intricate process of cheese-making at Caseificio San Giorgio or savoring organic honey at Podere 101, each weekend promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary landscape. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the flavors, stories, and traditions that make this region a food lover’s paradise.