This northern Italian region is stacked with some of Europe’s most revered food towns: Bologna, nicknamed LaGrassa (“the fat one”) for its rich cuisine; Parma, home of the “king of cheeses” and the finest ham; and Modena, balsamic vinegar capital of the world. That’s just the primi. Join us, but come hungry.
Tasting the renaissance of the Lambrusco grape at Bergianti vineyards
A meal at Trattoria Entrà in rural Emilia,where Antonio Previdi and his sister Elvira showcase local masterpieces such as roast guinea fowl and ragù made with air-dried tagliatelli
Day
2
The Best of Modena
A tasting tour at Acetaia del Cristo, where the Barbieri family has been aging Modena’s treasured traditional balsamic vinegar since 1849
Dinner at Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana, one of the world’s most coveted culinary destinations
Day
3
Follow the Eel
A visit to the museum Manifattura dei Marinati in Comacchio, once the epicenter of Comacchio’s historic eel culture. Here, eels are still cooked following centuries of tradition in open fire fits and preserved with vinegar
Dinner at La Capanna di Eraclio, a traditional seafood restaurant at the Po river delta in Codigoro
Day
4
Living Large in Bologna
Starting Bologna off right with mortadella sandwiches at Forno Brisa, the city’s best bakery
A masterclass in tortellini with a “rezdora”—pasta-makers who roll pasta better than any machine
Dinner in Osteria Mirasole or in Cavallino or something easy in Casa Maria Luigia
Day
5
Beyond Bologna: Land of Wine and Pork
Up to the hills flanking Bologna to learn some secrets of the local salumi with one of the region’s best producers, Zivieri
A tasting at Orsi San Guido in the vineyards of the Colli Bolognesi, one of the best representatives of Italy’s new wave of natural wines
Day
6
To Finish: The King of Cheeses
Starting off in the small village of Zocca, where Rosola produces Parmigiano Reggiano with milk from the Bianca Modenese cow
Lunch at a traditional osteria for borlenghi, thin traditional crepes seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano, typical of the hills around Bologna
Dinner at Amerigo dal 1934, founded by Amerigo Vespucci in 1934 and where his nephew, Alberto Bettini, continues the tradition at the only osteria in Italy with a Michelin star
