Emilia-Romagna: Parmigiano Reggiano, Dallara, and Wine Tour

Exploring Emilia-Romagna: A Taste of Tradition and Innovation

When it comes to Italy, Emilia-Romagna is often celebrated for its exceptional food and innovative engineering. This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into both worlds — from the traditional craft of making Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the cutting-edge of automotive racing at the Dallara Academy, topped off with a regional wine experience. If you’re curious about how Italy’s historic flavors meet modern ingenuity, this is a day packed with memorable sights, tastes, and stories.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances cultural authenticity with fun and education — no boring museum here. Plus, the small-group setting ensures a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. But keep in mind, it’s a full day, so some sightseeing involves walking and outdoor time, which might not suit everyone. Still, if you’re passionate about food, cars, or regional wines, this tour will hit all the right notes.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy true local craftsmanship and want a taste of Italy’s best — whether you’re a foodie, car enthusiast, or simply looking to explore Emilia-Romagna’s scenic countryside without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Authentic cheese-making at Bertinelli Dairy Farm offers a genuine look at Parmigiano Reggiano production.
• Innovation meets tradition at the Dallara Academy with interactive exhibits on racing technology.
• Enjoy regional wines with a tasting of Lambrusco, Malvasia, and more, paired with a picnic in the vineyards.
• Visit Fontanellato Castle and admire the Renaissance architecture and the unique Camera Ottica optical chamber.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• All transportation, guided tours, and tastings are included, making it a convenient way to explore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Emilia-Romagna: Parmigiano Reggiano, Dallara, and Wine Tour

Starting Point: Parma’s Train Station

The journey begins early, with the meeting point at Parma’s train station in front of piazza Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa. Arriving on time and wearing comfortable shoes is recommended — there’s a fair bit of walking involved across different stops.

Parmigiano Reggiano at Bertinelli Dairy Farm

The first highlight is visiting Azienda Agricola Bertinelli, one of the oldest and most respected producers of Parmigiano Reggiano. Here, we loved the way the guide explained the cheese-making process step-by-step, from fresh milk to the aging of what many consider Italy’s King of Cheeses.

Expect a guided tour lasting about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll see traditional methods in action. Travelers have described the process as “fascinating” and “authentic,” with the chance to taste cheese at different ages — a real bonus for cheese lovers. The tasting session is arranged exclusively for the group, allowing you to savor the complex flavors of cheeses aged from young to mature, revealing the cheese’s buttery, nutty, and savory notes.

Dallara Academy: Italy’s Automotive Innovation Hub

Next, the tour shifts gears at the Dallara Academy — a must-visit for racing fans or anyone curious about high-tech engineering. The guided visit provides insight into Dallara’s history, focusing on their race cars used in Formula 1, IndyCar, and Le Mans.

The attraction here is the blend of interactive exhibits and real car displays. You’ll get a close-up look at some of the most advanced racing vehicles and learn about the innovations that make them perform under intense conditions. Multiple reviews praise the way the guided tour makes complex engineering accessible, noting that “it’s a surprisingly fascinating look at Italian innovation beyond just cars.” If you’re into technology or motorsport, this stop offers a behind-the-scenes feel that’s rare for a day trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Vineyard Visit and Picnic at Monte delle Vigne

After the high-speed excitement, it’s time to slow down and enjoy some scenic beauty. The tour moves to the Monte delle Vigne winery, where the rolling hills and lush vineyards set a perfect backdrop for a leisurely wine tasting.

You’ll learn about the production of Lambrusco, Malvasia, and other local wines. The tasting is complemented by a delightful picnic lunch in the vineyard — a generous basket filled with cured meats, cheeses, bread, a slice of sweet cake, and local wine, all laid out on a cloth among the vines. Reviewers mention how special this moment is, with “stunning views and fresh, delicious food that captures the region’s best flavors.”

Fontanellato Castle and the Camera Ottica

The final stop is Fontanellato Castle, a Renaissance fortress built with a moat and exquisite frescoed rooms. The guided tour includes the famed Camera Ottica — a unique optical chamber that offers a hidden view of the town’s square. This quirky feature makes the visit memorable and showcases Italy’s creative architectural ingenuity.

Visitors describe the castle as “beautifully preserved,” with the Camera Ottica being a “fascinating optical illusion,” giving insight into historical secret viewing devices.

Returning to Parma

The tour wraps up back at the train station, generally around 8.5 hours after departure. The transportation by coach is comfortable, and the small group size helps maintain a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

Analyzing the Value

The price of this tour includes guided visits, tastings, the picnic lunch, and transportation — a package that offers convenience and a wealth of experiences. We believe the value is high considering the diversity of stops, the expert guides, and the inclusion of exclusive tastings. It’s especially appealing for those who want to see and taste authentic Emilia-Romagna without the hassle of arranging multiple visits on their own.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is wheelchair accessible, some walking is involved, and outdoor elements mean comfort with variable weather is wise. The early start requires punctuality but ensures a full day of discovery. Small group size means you’ll likely get more personalized insights, but it also means booking early is advised.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits curious travelers eager to understand Italy’s culinary heritage and see how tradition and innovation come together. Foodies will appreciate the cheese and wine stops, car enthusiasts will enjoy the Dallara exhibit, and history buffs will find the castle visit charming. It’s ideal for those who enjoy scenic countryside views and authentic local flavors.

The Sum Up

This Emilia-Romagna tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of the region’s best features. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Parmigiano Reggiano, the technological marvels of Italian racing cars, and the simple pleasure of regional wines enjoyed in a beautiful setting. The guided approach and small groups make it a relaxed yet immersive experience, perfect for travelers wanting to explore beyond the usual sights.

While it’s a full day, the variety and authenticity make it a worthwhile investment for those eager to see what makes Emilia-Romagna special. Whether you’re into cheese, cars, or wine, this tour delivers a taste of Italy’s finest — in flavor, innovation, and scenery.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour starts at Parma’s train station, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because there will be some walking involved. Bringing a camera, hat, and sunscreen for outdoor activities is also wise.

Can I bring my pet or smoking during the tour?
Pets are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited during the activities.

How long are the guided tours at each stop?
The cheese farm tour lasts about 1.5 hours, the castle tour is approximately 1 hour, and the Dallara Academy visit is around 45 minutes.

What’s included in the picnic lunch?
A basket with cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh cheeses, bread, focaccia, a sweet cake, water, and wine for every two people.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
It is wheelchair accessible, but some walking and outdoor elements could pose challenges, so it’s best to confirm specific needs in advance.

This tour combines the best of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary and industrial pride, making it a perfect choice for those eager to experience Italy’s authentic flavors with a splash of innovation.

You can check availability for your dates here: