Crossed by the great river Po and enclosed between the provinces of Modena, Parma and Reggio Emilia, the Food Valley of Italy symbolizes the cradle of the excellence of the country’s gastronomic heritage. Home to some of the culinary gems that made Italy’s cuisine famous, the Food Valley is the perfect destination for wine lovers looking for a gastronomic experience at 360°, ranging from wine tastings and winery visits to tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale.

The Food Valley is also home to some fine wines, which you will have the opportunity to taste during your visits to the wineries of the area. Emilia’s territory is the undisputed homeland of Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine, especially within the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia, while the area of Parma is characterized by the prevalence of white wines over red wines.

While in the Food Valley of Italy, you’ll have no excuse not to explore the countless excellent products and traditional dishes of the area in between your wine tastings. Some of the iconic products hailing from this territory are Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello, Mortadella di Bologna, Salame Felino, Parmigiano Reggiano, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Don’t miss out on a cold cut selection, to be enjoyed with the typical gnocco fritto (a leavened, lard-enriched deep-fried dough), tortellini, lasagne, fresh tagliatelle with bolognese ragù.

During your winery visits in the Food Valley area, you will come across various local grape varieties, as well as some international ones. The Lambrusco wine area is dominated by the cultivation of several varieties of Lambrusco grapes, such as Salamino, Sorbara, Maestri, Marani, and Montericco. Other popular black grape varieties include Barbera, Bonarda and Croatina. The most widespread white grape varieties are instead Malvasia di Candia, Moscato Bianco and Ortrugo, as well as the international varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling.

Wine tastings and winery visits in the Food Valley can be organised throughout the year. If you’re planning to visit the surrounding towns and do some outdoor activities like hiking and biking, keep in mind that summers in the Po valley can get quite hot and muggy.

Within the territory of the Food Valley, you will be able to enjoy various activities like wine tastings, balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano tastings, and even visit some of the consortia producing these wonderful products. Other highlights we recommend visiting in the area include Parma and its Farnese theatre, Bologna, Modena, the Royal Palace of Colorno, the medieval village of Castell’Arquato, the castle of Torrechiara, the Masone Labyrinth.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Food Valley is around €54. Depending on the experience, prices range from €18 to €90. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Food Valley:

• TerraQuilia - La Cantina
• Giacobazzi vini
• CANTINA VENTIVENTI
• Podere Beghetto
• AL DI LA' DEL FIUME
• Agriturismo San Paolo
• Casa Benna
• La Bandina Traditional Wines

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Food Valley:

• Visit and Wine Tasting at Alessandro Fedrizzi's Winery in Colli Bolognesi
• Unlimited tasting: wine tour plus lunch or dinner at Cantine Zuffa
• Winery Tour and Light Wine Tasting at Podere Riosto in the Bologna Hills
• AperiVigna - Wine Tasting Aperitivo with Castle View at Marino Barani & Figli
• Premium wine tour and tasting at Cantina Lodi Corazza in Colli Bolognesi
• Winery Tour & Tasting and Light Lunch at La Bandina Winery
• Sparkling Wine Tasting at Alessandro Fedrizzi's winery in Colli Bolognesi
• Tasting of Colli Bolognesi wines and typical products at the AGRIVAR winery