Parmesan Wheels Near Parma: Tasting & Factory Tour

Exploring the rich heritage of Parmigiano Reggiano is a must-do experience for any cheese enthusiast visiting the Parma region. The "Parmesan Wheels near Parma: Tasting & Factory Tour" offers a unique opportunity to witness the intricate process of crafting this revered Italian cheese. From observing the milk’s transformation to savoring the aged varieties, this immersive tour promises an educational and flavorful journey into the world of Parmesan. With expert guidance and a chance to indulge in the freshest offerings, this experience may just leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of cheesemaking.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cheese-making process of Parmigiano Reggiano, including milk arrival, curdling, cooking, and forming.
• Visitors can choose between two tour options: a comprehensive cheese-making experience or a tasting-focused tour with in-depth explanations from master cheesemakers.
• The tour includes tastings of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, and grissini, accompanied by water.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, but the toilet facilities are not accessible.
• The tour is priced from $52.88 per person, with flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour titled "Parmesan Wheels near Parma: Tasting & Factory Tour" provides visitors with a 1.5-hour experience that includes a guided tour (1 hour) followed by a food tasting (30 minutes).

The tour starts at the Caseificio – Parmigiano Reggiano – Società Agricola Saliceto location, with tours offered in both English and Italian.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though the toilet facilities are not.

Guests can expect to witness the entire cheese-making process, receive expert insights from master cheesemakers, and sample various aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water.

Cheese-Making From the Start

Participants who select the "Cheese-making from The Start" option will begin their tour at 8:45 AM, embarking on a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the entire cheese-making process. This immersive experience includes:

| Stage | Description |

| — | — |

| Milk Arrival | Fresh milk from local dairy farms is delivered and tested for quality. |

| Curdling | Cultures and enzymes are added to the milk, causing it to coagulate into curds. |

| Cooking & Cutting | The curds are carefully heated and cut to release the whey. |

| Forming | The curds are compacted into large wheels and allowed to age. |

The tour concludes with a tasting of various aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, and grissini, accompanied by water.

Cheesemakers & Tasting

For those who select the "Cheesemakers & Tasting" option, the tour commences at 10:30 AM, focusing primarily on the tasting experience and skipping the initial production stages.

Visitors receive an in-depth explanation from master cheesemakers, learning about the different maturations of Parmigiano Reggiano.

The tasting includes three varieties of the aged cheese, as well as fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water.

An optional farm visit is available from April to September.

This tour offers a more concentrated focus on the flavors and expertise behind this renowned Italian delicacy.

Pricing and Reservation

From $52.88 per person, the tour offers flexible booking options, allowing visitors to reserve their spot without upfront payment. Guests can also take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

| Tour Option | Start Time | Inclusions |

| — | — | — |

| Cheese-making from The Start | 8:45 AM | Complete behind-the-scenes look, Parmigiano Reggiano tasting, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, water, optional farm visit |

| Cheesemakers & Tasting | 10:30 AM | In-depth explanation from cheesemakers, Parmigiano Reggiano tasting, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, water, optional farm visit |

Visitors are advised to arrive at the meeting point in Mulazzano Ponte, located 30 minutes from Parma by car.

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Highlights and Inclusions

The tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, allowing them to witness the entire cheese-making process firsthand.

Participants receive expert insights from master cheesemakers, who provide an in-depth explanation of the different maturations of Parmigiano Reggiano.

The tasting experience includes:

• 3 differently aged Parmigiano Reggiano

• Fresh ricotta

• Seasonal fruits

• Grissini (breadsticks)

• Water

During the warmer months (April-September), guests have the option to visit a nearby farm and observe the calves.

However, transport to the farm is not included in the tour.

Important Information

The meeting point for the tour is located in Mulazzano Ponte, approximately 30 minutes by car from Parma.

It’s important to note that the facility does not have a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Guests should plan accordingly.

The overall tour experience has received a 5/5 rating from a previous customer based on one review. This indicates a high level of satisfaction with the tour.

A previous customer’s 5/5 rating reflects high satisfaction with the overall tour experience.

Visitors should be aware that transportation to the farm is not included in the tour price. However, an optional visit to the farm is available during the tour season from April to September.

Customer Reviews

Guests who have experienced the Parmesan Wheels near Parma tour have overwhelmingly praised the experience.

The tour receives an overall rating of 5/5 based on a single review from a visitor from Germany:

• The reviewer, Olga, highlighted the expert insights provided by the master cheesemakers, calling the experience "informative and fascinating."

• She also praised the opportunity to witness the entire cheese-making process, noting that it was a "unique and memorable" aspect of the tour.

• Olga concluded by stating that the tasting of the various Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, fresh ricotta, and other accompaniments was a "delightful" and "high-quality" addition to the experience.

Getting There

Although the tour meeting point is located 30 minutes from Parma by car, the experience provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the heartland of Parmigiano Reggiano production. The cheese factory is situated in the picturesque town of Mulazzano Ponte, nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush farmlands of the Emilia-Romagna region. While the tour does not include transportation, the scenic drive through the Italian countryside adds to the authenticity of the experience. Wheelchair users should note that the on-site facilities do not have a toilet, but the tour itself is wheelchair accessible.

| Getting to the Tour | |

| — | — |

| By Car | 30 minutes from Parma |

| Public Transportation | Not provided |

| Parking | Available on-site |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible tour, no toilet facilities |

Ask Away

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Photography is generally permitted during the tour, allowing visitors to capture the cheese-making process and the tasting experience. However, it is recommended to refrain from using flash photography to avoid disrupting the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking. The tour involves some time in a working cheese factory, so practical attire is recommended.

Can I Purchase Parmigiano Reggiano Onsite?

Yes, visitors can purchase Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on-site during the tour. The tour includes a tasting of various aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and visitors have the opportunity to purchase the cheese directly from the producers.

Is the Tour Offered in Any Other Languages?

The tour is offered in both English and Italian. According to the details provided, the available languages for the guided tour and food tasting are English and Italian, allowing visitors to choose their preferred language for the experience.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour?

The tour can be booked in advance without upfront payment, allowing for flexibility. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, suggesting booking as early as possible is recommended.

Final Words

The "Parmesan Wheels near Parma: Tasting & Factory Tour" offers a comprehensive exploration of the iconic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Visitors witness the artisanal cheese-making process, from milk arrival to aging, followed by a delightful tasting of the region’s finest cheeses and produce. This wheelchair-accessible tour in English and Italian provides a unique opportunity to savor the rich tradition and exceptional quality of this renowned Italian delicacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: