If you’re planning to immerse yourself in the world of Parmigiano Reggiano, the Parmigiano Reggiano Tour is a must-do experience, particularly if you’re visiting the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, near Modena or Bologna. This experience offers an in-depth look at how one of the world’s most famous cheeses is made, from the milking of cows to the aging of cheese wheels.
Important: while several dairies offer independent visits, many travelers staying in Bologna prefer a curated food experience that combines cheese with other iconic local products, removing logistical complexity and maximizing time.
View available Bologna food experiences →
Overview of the Tour Experience
The Parmigiano Reggiano experience is designed to give visitors a comprehensive understanding of the traditional cheese-making process. Typically, visits start early in the morning to coincide with production schedules. You’ll witness the transformation of milk into curds and the formation of the iconic Parmigiano Reggiano wheels, followed by time in the maturation rooms where the cheese ages for up to 36 months.
Several dairies around Modena and Bologna open their doors to visitors, offering different levels of access and tasting options.
Independent Dairy Visits vs Guided Food Experiences
Independent dairy visits can be rewarding, especially for travelers with their own transport and flexible schedules. However, many visitors underestimate early start times, limited public transport, language barriers, and tight timing windows.
For this reason, guided food experiences departing from Bologna remain the most popular option, as they combine Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamic vinegar, cured meats, and expert local guidance in a single, well-paced day.
Check curated food tours from Bologna →
San Pier Damiani
At San Pier Damiani, visitors can explore Parmigiano Reggiano production through guided visits. The Full Experience tour starts at 9 AM and lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering all production stages. A shorter option begins at 11 AM and skips early processing stages. Selected days also include a visit to a nearby salumi producer. Tastings are included, and prices start from €25 per person.
Official dairy website available for independent visits.
Caseificio Saliceto
Caseificio Saliceto offers guided visits lasting around 1.5 hours, with an optional extension to visit the adjacent farm. Tastings include Parmigiano Reggiano of different ages, ricotta, and local accompaniments. Pricing varies depending on group size.
Official dairy website available for independent visits.
Caseificio Bio Reggiani
Caseificio Bio Reggiani offers guided visits including stables, production areas, brine tanks, and aging warehouses, followed by tastings of multiple Parmigiano Reggiano maturations with local products and Lambrusco. Tours are available in multiple languages and require advance booking.
Official dairy website available for independent visits.
Why This Experience Is So Popular
Often called the “King of Cheeses,” Parmigiano Reggiano is deeply rooted in Italian culinary culture. Visitors are drawn to the authenticity of a process that has remained unchanged for centuries and to the rare opportunity to taste the cheese at different stages of aging.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Joseph C. | July 2024
“We expected a group visit and instead enjoyed a private experience with time to ask questions and taste everything calmly. Expensive, but absolutely worth it.”
STANsTrips | May 2024
“Incredible tastings, great explanations, and a perfect way to understand local food culture in one day.”
Jake K. | May 2024
“A full culinary journey through cheese, balsamic vinegar, and cured meats. The highlight of our trip.”
Final Thoughts
If Parmigiano Reggiano is high on your Italy wish list, the key choice isn’t whether to visit, but how. Independent visits suit travelers with cars and flexible schedules, while guided food experiences offer the most efficient and immersive way to explore Emilia-Romagna’s culinary heritage from Bologna.
Most visitors choose a guided experience that combines cheese, balsamic vinegar, and cured meats into one unforgettable day.