Modena Motor Valley Fest. A Festival Completely Dedicated To Supercars.

The city of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modern city is known for its rich medieval history, cuisine, and is best known for its luxury car-making prowess. The city is home to sports car brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, De Tomaso, and Lamborghini. This makes the city a tourist center, drawing enthusiasts from all around the world to its events and attractions, of which the Modena Motor Valley Fest is a part. The Motor Valley Fest in Modena is an homage to its car-making excellence, which tourists from Italy and all over the world come to celebrate annually.

What is Motor Fest in Modena

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The Motor Valley Fest in Modena has been a great success since its premiere in 2019. It hosts a gathering of key players in the automotive sector in one place; the first of its kind. The annual festival’s goal is to promote Italian art, fashion, and culture, of which the automobile is an integral part. It especially celebrates the excellence of Italian super cars—the world’s luxurious cars leaders, and other motorsport events.

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The Motor Valley Fest in Modena has been a success, with an annual visitor of 80,000. It is an open-air public festival in Modena showcasing Emilia-Romagna motors.Although the COVID-19 pandemic meant the 2020 edition was held virtually. With COVID restrictions lifted and the pandemic scare lessened, the motor fest returns to Modena after the COVID pandemic with 8,000 visitors. The general public and enthusiasts of luxury cars and motorbikes can now enjoy the festival, which is held annually between May and July.

The annual fest welcomes tourists and car and engine enthusiasts from all over the world to the heart of Emilia-Romagna, historic city of Modena, for an exhilarating motor experience. The four-day fest is for car and sports enthusiasts to appreciate two and four-wheel automobiles in the center of luxury automobile – Modena.

Italian excellence in race cars and automobiles is best appreciated and experienced in Modena during the Motor Valley Fest. The festival celebrates the passion for luxury cars, engines, and the spectacle of engineering and design. Enthusiasts and tourists are able to appreciate the beauty of luxury cars, their designs, and a peek at how technology and innovation will affect future cars. A window into the past is also opened, with the public experiencing old motor technology. The Fest gives a holistic automobile experience in its current, future, and past glories, all beauties to behold.

Little compares to the Modena Motor Valley Fest, a true motor experience, where passion for cars and motorbikes is celebrated through exhibitions. The exhibitions include Italian exemplars like Maserati, Lamborghini, Dallara, Ducati, Ferrari, and Pagani, as well as the best international automobiles. There are just a few experiences in life that beat the test-drive adrenaline, speed, or the roar of luxury car engines. What makes the fest an experience to be had at least once in a lifetime is how participants don’t have to be only passive observers. The passion and adrenaline can be experienced first-hand, behind the wheel of supercars. This makes the Motor Valley Fest an experience not sufficiently explained in words but one that should be actively experienced.

The popular motor fest is dedicated to the world of engines, competition, technology, innovation, and sustainable mobility. The event introduces the public to new technologies concerning the future mobility of automobiles. This includes conferences and sessions from global leaders in the automotive industry on related topics, especially future sustainable mobility in automotive. This makes the fest not only an opportunity to experience motoring in its glory and beauty, but a learning and networking opportunity with key players in the sector.

The fest showcases to the world and public, Italian excellence; the world’s most luxurious and beautiful cars and motorcycles. Although greatly centered around a passion for luxurious automobiles, tourists and enthusiasts also get to enjoy the rich, ancient history and cultural heritage of Modena. This includes museum tours and visits, delicate cuisines, and the region’s finest wine.

Motor Gallery Also Worth Considering

Modena is known to be the global hub of Italy’s motor excellence. It is home to renowned luxury car brands and figures, and a center to showcase the beauty and excellence of Italian finest. The Modena Motor Gallery is one of the ways to experience the Italian motor experience.

The Modena Motor Gallery hosts an exhibition of classic, vintage cars and motorcycles. The evolution of motor design, mechanics, and construction techniques, can be seen in the motor gallery, giving a window into the past. The gallery offers not only a visual experience, but the ability to touch these relics and ask for advice and explanations.

The gallery isn’t limited only to car lovers interested in classics but also collectors. Collectors have a wide selection of vintage objects and spare parts, maintenance manuals, automobiles, and much more. This also includes motorcycles from all eras, which collectors can purchase.

The Modena Motor Gallery isn’t restricted to admiring classic cars and motorcycles only, but acquisition, making it an important stop for all car enthusiasts.

Car Museums you can always Visit in Modena if you missed the Fest

Modena, the Land of Motors, is a global hub for automobiles, which includes a wide range of car-themed museums. With its wide selection of museums, car lovers are left with a plethora of options to choose from.

Some of the must-visit car museums in Modena include:

� Enzo Ferrari Museum

� Umberto Panini Historic Cars & Motorcycles Collection

� Maserati Factory and Showroom

� Lamborghini Factory and Museum

� Pagani Automobili

These are all great car museums with exhibitions of past and current models of Italian luxury cars. Missing the Modena Motor Valley Fest shouldn’t mean missing out on these museums.

Conclusion

Modena is a city all car enthusiasts should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is the global hub and home to luxury cars, and is popular for its Modena Motor Valley Fest held annually. Due to its popularity amongst motor enthusiasts, thousands from different places in the world come to experience the Italian motor experience and passion in Modena. No luxury car enthusiast should go without experiencing Italian excellence and car passion in Modena, the Land of Motors.

Where to Buy Balsamic Vinegar in Modena.

Emilia Romagna are most famous for its food and with a particular attention to balsamic vinegar. if you want to buy genuine and high-quality balsamic vinegar, these regions of Italy are famous for it. You can easily buy balsamic vinegar in Modena, Bologna, and Reggio. Today specifically, we will share with you 5 different stores where you can buy balsamic vinegar in Modena. The stores which we have highlighted are all within walking distance of the city center enabling you to buy balsamic quite easily.

1)Enoteca Ducale:

Modena

Address: Enoteca Ducale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

Enoteca Ducale is located on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. It is within 250 meters of the city center. As a result, it is easily reachable on foot. It sells the balsamic vinegar from the brand Acetaia Leonardi. If you’re looking for authentic balsamic, this is the store which you should visit. They offer tasting options which help you in choosing the right balsamic. In addition to that, the owner is hands on. The owner likes to interact with the customers and is happy to answer all the questions. As a result, if you know very little about balsamic but will like to explore more; this is the perfect place to visit. They have also balsamics in all variants ranging from the fancy ones all the way up to 100 years old. Thus, you will be able to choose from the entire range as per your requirement. Enoteca Ducale is famous for its amaretti and Lambursco, so don’t forget to try it out. The happy to assist owner makes this balsamic tasting bar a much better option as compared to others.

• What to buy: Amaretti, Lambruco, balsamic vingar, upscale wines from Italy and champagne.

• Working Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM (Monday Closed)

2)Mercato Albinelli:

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albinelli

Address: Via Luigi Albinelli, 41100 Modena MO

Mercato Albinelli is the perfect place to buy not just balsamic but also other local produce. The market is full of vendors selling fresh local produce. Also, there are quite a few vendors selling balsamic as well as Italian wine. It is located right in the city center and therefore is hard to miss. Most of the vendors selling balsamic vinegar will offer free tasting sessions. You can easily try out the different balsamics before finally picking one. Also, you can buy each and every type of balsamic vinegar from the latest ones up to 50-year-old as well. You can also buy certified DOP Traditional balsamic vinegar. We can’t recommend a single vendor here, but many stalls have balsamic vinegar on stock here, so it is worth to ask around and taste it. The best thing about buying balsamic from this place is that you can taste the balsamic variants from different vendors before finally choosing the one which you like.

• What to buy: Certified DOP Traditional balsamic, 12 and 24 years old.

• Weekday Working Hours (Monday to Thursday): 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM

• Weekend Working Hours (Friday & Saturday): 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 12 AM (Sunday Closed)

3) Acetaia di Giorgio:

tasting of balsamic vinegar
trying the balsamic vinegar

Address: Via Sandro Cabassi, 41100 Modena MO, Italy

At Acetaia di Giorgio you will not just buy vinegar but head on to a culinary journey. It is a family operated business for decades. If you like traditional balsamic vinegar, this is the place to go, in fact they are producers of certified traditional and you can buy directly at their villa. Right from the time when you enter the gates to the time you head out, it will be a personalized tour which will not just offer you insights into the balsamics which they have on offer but also educate you regarding balsamics in general. The gracious personal tour will leave you wanting for more. The aged balsamics are well worth the price. The family has been in the business for more than 150 years which ensures that you are able to get some of the finest aged balsamic vinegar in Modena. You should definitely try out the 24 year old Ciliegio and the Giorgio Primo, and Carlotta during your tasting session. Moreover, it is just located at a distance of 900 m from the city center which makes it easier to reach. Thus, if you’re looking for traditional balsamic vinegar with rich authenticity, this is the place which you should definitely visit. You will be surprised not just by the quality of balsamic but also the hospitality on offer.

• What to buy: 25 year old Ciliegio

• Working Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM

4) Acetaia Malpighi showroom:

balsamic vinegar
The balsamic vinegar barrels

Address: Piazza Roma, 41121 Modena

Acetaia Malpighi showroom is located within a radius of 200 m from the city center. Thus, it is at a walkable distance from the city center. The hostess not only provides you with insights into the balsamics on offer but also educates you regarding the actual production process. Thus, you will be able to easily understand how to judge the quality of balsamics as well. The Malpighi family has been in this business for more than a century. Some of the barrels which they use are as old as 1730. You will easily be able to find balsamics which are 40 years old as well. The tasting will provide you with a good idea regarding the ones which you should buy. Generally speaking, if you like a well-balanced taste when it comes to your balsamics, the 25-year-old is going to be the perfect option for you. Thus, when you’re in the city center, this place is a must visit.

• What to buy: 25-year-old Balsamic

• Working Hours: Weekdays Working hours (Tuesday to Friday): 10 AM – 1:30 PM, 2 PM – 6:30 PM

• Weekends working hours (Saturday): 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 2 PM – 7 PM (Sunday & Monday Closed)

5) la consorteria 1966:

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drops of balsamic vinegar

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, 41121 Modena

The la consorteria 1966 is located right at the city center. It is hard to miss when you’re exploring the city. The vinegar tasting is pretty extensive as they have on offer every type of balsamic ranging from 12 years old to 60 years old. Moreover, during the tasting, they will explain to you not just the different types of vinegar but how the aging process affects all of them. They also have on offer specialized vinegars like the balsamics which are aged in Cherrywood. Thus, when it comes to variety, la consorteria 1966 definitely provides you with plenty of choices. The hostess is well versed in English and will suggest you the suitable type of balsamics depending on your reactions to the 1st one which you taste. Thus, instead of experimenting, they will provide you with the tasting options which you are most likely to prefer. La consorteria 1966 is the place where you should definitely try out unique balsamics like balsamic aged in cherrywood. If you would like to explore some of the most unique balsamics on offer, this is the place to be.

• What to buy: Cherry wood only balsamic

• Working Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (Sunday Closed)

Thu, when you are visiting Modena, there are plenty of stores where you can explore many unique variants of balsamic. These are the 5 places which not only offer you some of the best balsamics but also are within walking distance of the city center which helps you explore all of them within a day without traveling far and wide. Most of them allow you to ship the balsamic directly to your home country rather than carrying it with yourself. Thus, you will not have to worry about the packaging and the bottle. You should definitely visit these few stores when you are in Modena to get your hands on some of the finest balsamic.

What makes Modena a unique destination for balsamic vinegar enthusiasts?

Modena is the birthplace of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, a product that has been crafted in this region for centuries. The unique climate, local grape varieties, and traditional production methods contribute to its distinct flavor. The city is home to numerous acetaie (vinegar producers) where visitors can learn about the meticulous process of making balsamic vinegar, from grape harvesting to aging in wooden barrels.

What should you expect when visiting an acetaia in Modena?

When visiting an acetaia in Modena, you can expect a guided tour that includes a detailed explanation of the balsamic vinegar production process. You’ll see the various stages of fermentation and aging, often in centuries-old barrels. Most tours conclude with a tasting session, where you can sample different ages and grades of balsamic vinegar, from the youngest to the most aged, and learn how to distinguish quality.

How can you purchase authentic Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena?

Authentic Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena can be purchased directly from acetaie during your visit. Many producers offer a range of products, including younger vinegars suitable for everyday use and older, more expensive varieties ideal for special occasions. When purchasing, look for the DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) label, which guarantees that the vinegar meets strict production standards.

Are there any specific times of the year that are best for visiting Modena for balsamic vinegar tours?

While balsamic vinegar production is a year-round process, visiting during the harvest season (late summer to early autumn) offers a unique opportunity to see the grape harvest and the initial stages of production. This is also a great time to enjoy the beauty of the Modena countryside.

Can you combine a visit to an acetaia with other culinary experiences in Modena?

Yes, many visitors to Modena combine their acetaia tours with other culinary experiences such as visiting Parmigiano Reggiano dairies, prosciutto producers, or participating in cooking classes that highlight traditional Modenese cuisine. This makes for a well-rounded gastronomic tour of the Emilia-Romagna region.

The Hidden (Vintage) car museums of Modena

Visit Italy for cathedrals, cuisine and culture, but stay in Modena for vintage cars. Most importantly, visit the vintage museums such as Stanguellini and Museo Umberto Panini. The later displays a variety of racing cars and bikes, while Stanguellini has different vintage vehicles.

Stanguellini Car Museum in Modena

Who are they?

 

At 72 years of age, in 1981 Dec 4th, Vittorio Stanguellini passed on. He had a great spirit for racing, which he passed to his junior – Francesco. Hence, as a cautious car driver, Francesco’s children have inherited his enthusiasm. The car museum has a name, tradition and flag that need to be secured. Thus Francesca had not option other than adapt great motivation. Therefore, both Francesca and Simone have kept that legacy.

Stanguellini FJ

Where is it?

Stanguellini is a car museum located in Modena, Italy. Currently run by Francesco Stanguellini, it has a collection of different car models. These vintage cars include Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini, among others.

Most visitors do acknowledge the honor to tour in this museum with the Arturo Vicario – a Stanguellini curator. The museum has a vintage machine store downstairs. Arturo is a precious trove in the history of automotive. He shares his experience with a reputable museum such as Stanguellini and others.

When to visit

Stanguellini museum operates from 9 am to noon, and 3 to 6 pm. It is open from Monday to Saturday and closes on Sundays. However, it would be great and convenient to get a reservation before visiting. The Modena museum opens only by appointment.
This is not the kind of museum to miss especially if you love vintage cars or anything related to it. It has a really interesting collection, as we will discuss in the next point.

What to see

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The museum displays top cars such as Colibri, 750 Sport Internazionale, and 750 Corsa. It has a well-displayed collection of these cars and more. Inside, you will learn lots of history about Stanguellini origin, yes more than you have learned from this article. Also, you will view a nice variety of vehicles such as Carrera Panamerica and Mile Miglia, just to mention but a few.

Another thing you will love about Stanguellini museum is its great presentation. The personals are willing to spend whatever amount of time with you. Just to ensure you capture everything you want. They will ensure you see the entire car collection.

Definitely, you should make an effort to visit. However, you should book before a visit and teach yourself some Italian language – would you? Nevertheless, this Modena museum is located on a great atmosphere.

Motors tradition

Back then, engineering degrees never existed. So, Francesco’s dad had to teach himself about cars. In fact, Ferrari himself attained his degree in engineering at the age of 62. According to Francesco, they produced these cars from their heart. Also, Enzo Ferrari and Francesco’s dad exchanged advice and opinions.

After work, they used to meet at a trattoria, have few glasses of wine and allow ideas to flow. Eventually, they discovered world-breaking ideas such as Stanguellini Guzzi Colobri. Such a model had a 250 cc engine, which helped it to break 6 world records (at 1963 Monza).

How to book

This is a small workshop and its founders are pioneers of all the racing vehicles. Today, you must visit this museum whenever you visit Italy. You can book by email. Alternatively, you can make a phone call through +39 059 361105.

Museo Umberto Panini

Galleria

Who are they?

Umberto Panini is one of the members of a successful business family in Italy. He took a step to invest in car collection. Unfortunately, he passed on in 2013. However, his legacy is still ongoing to-date. Initially, Maserati brothers established the Maserati Collection. Later on, Omar Orsi expanded it.

Since its expansion, the collection has kept intact. The Umberto Panini motorcycles and cars collection is still free to anyone. So far, the collection has 60 motorcycles and 40 cars.

Where is it?

Museo Umberto Panini is in Cittanova di Modena, Italy. It belongs to the most elegant Maseratis collections situated in a farmhouse.

What to see

The 1953 Maserati A6 GCS Pininfarina is a highlight from Panini collection. Besides showing cars and motorcycles, people know the farm for the rich Parmigiano Reggiano. This is an Italian cheese. Some people think this museum is just for food. Some people visit the museum just for its cheese, but they find themselves staying for its vehicles. Well, they are wrong because they can find more like cars, tractors, and motorbikes.

Stirling Moss

In addition, the museum displays the Tipo 61 Birdcage. This collection has an extraordinary frame with 200 tubes made of alloy. It has a frame weighing 38 kilograms and a unique Drogo bodywork. More so, you will come across Maserati 420M58, which is an Eldorado. Stirling Moss used this Maserati to participate in Monza 500 Miglia spots.

When to visit

Museo Emberto Panini operates on Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm. It also opens on Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm, Italian time. It closes on Sundays. This time is really flexible to suit all customers.

You can reach Museo Emberto Panini by car. When on the exit of Modena Nord, take the Via Emilia and turn on the direction to Reggio Emilia. Alternatively, you can use Google map. It will take you only 20 minutes from Modena city to reach this museum.

How to book

You can visit the collection individually or as a group. However, you can only do so via a reservation. Most importantly, a guide should accompany you. If you want to visit as a group, then you must not exceed 50 persons. The family groups should be a maximum of five persons. You can visit as a family in absence of a guide, but you need permission. You can get authorization via email at [email protected].

The bottom line

Italy has great cultural events, which you can visit when done with their vintage museums. You should not worry about where to spend because the city has many nearby restaurants. In addition, you will find many places to dine and wine such as restaurants, canteens or holiday farms. If you love nature, you can go to the parks, botanical gardens or natural reserves. Either way, just make a point to visit either Museo Emberto Panini or Stanguellini museum.

Supercars, Super Foods of Modena

Connoisseurs of wonderful cars and superb cuisine will find a holiday in the delightful medieval town of Modena in northern Italy most rewarding.  Modena and near-by Parma are the home of Italy’s greatest exports, Parma Ham, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic vinegar and, of course, Ferrari and Maserati.  Plan your next holiday to include enough time in this region to get a true taste of some of the best that Italy has to offer.  Here are some of the attractions that you must include in your holiday plans.

Romanesque cathedral
Cathedral of Modena

Hombre Farm – Motorvalley Panini Collection Tour.

Matteo Panini is a young farmer in the region, one of many Parmesan cheese producers, who also happens to  have an amazing collection of motor vehicles which have been passed down to him from his illustrious family which included his father Umberto, who together with his brothers Benito, Franco and Guiseppe, invented the famous Panini stickers.

The motor collection started with tractors, which all farmers needed, and one of the exhibits is a 1934 Landini, still in perfect working order.  After tractors came motorcycles, the most common mode of transport after WWII, and after that came the wonderful cars, featuring examples from Maserati that are thought to be the most important collection of these super cars in the world.  In addition to Italian motor vehicles, there are also many examples from other countries such as British motorbikes from Norton, and even a Messerschmitt car and a Lotus!

A visit to the Hombre farm is an excellent family day trip.  First visit the dairy, where 12 wheels of Parmesan are produced daily, and then enjoy the motor museum.

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The Maserati Eldorado at the Panini Museum

Osteria Francescana

No culinary visit to Modena would be complete without having a meal at this wonderful restaurant, the brain-child of world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura, who grew up in Modena and developed his love of cooking by watching his mother prepare food.  Massimo has come a long way since then!  His food is a modern interpretation of classic Italian cuisine, but this chef, who has worked with some of the big names of the culinary world, such as Alain Ducasse and Ferran Adrio (of El Bulli) is forever pushing the boundaries.  He won his first Michelin star in 2002, a second in 2006 and a third in 2011, as well as numerous other awards and distinctions.  This year, 2013, La Francescana came in 3rd of the 50 best restaurants in the world.  Of course you have to book well in advance, and of course it is expensive, but it is worth it!  His signature dish for 2013 is called Camouflage – a hare in the woods; it is made up of a thin layer of foie gras decorated with various powders composed of hare blood, chestnut and several herbs – perhaps this dish is not for everyone, but it is an example of the chefs’ innovation.  Of course, there are more conventional dishes to suit all palates.

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Chef Massimo Bottura at his restaurant La Francescana in Modena – Source

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Genuine Balsamic Vinegar has been produced in Modena for centuries, and is a unique artisanal product, completely unlike regular vinegar.  The basic ingredient is grape Must (juice) from predominantly Trebbiano grapes (sometimes with the addition of Lambrusco grapes).  The must is simmered (never boiled!) for a lengthy period to reduce and concentrate the liquid.  This liquid is then allowed to ferment and mature for a minimum of 12 years in the case on a “true” Balsamic.  This wonderful product, known as Black Gold, can sometimes be matured as long as 25 years and a new batch is traditionally started to mark the birth of a baby girl, and treasured to become a part of her dowry!  Balsamic vinegar should be used sparingly – just a drop or two to enhance a sliver of Parmesan or a slice of Parma Ham.  Make sure to visit one of the Balsamic producers of Modena during your visit to learn the process of the production, learn how to use it, taste the wonderful nectar and, of course, buy some to take home with you to remind you of Modena.

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