If you’re a food lover visiting Bologna, one of Italy’s most renowned gastronomic capitals, a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tour should be at the top of your itinerary. The Bologna area is surrounded by some of the finest dairies producing this world-famous cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano, often dubbed “the king of cheeses,” is made using traditional methods passed down through generations, ensuring that each wheel meets the stringent standards required by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium.
This comprehensive guide will take you through some of the best dairies accessible from Bologna, where you can witness the art of cheese-making, taste the results, and even take some home as a delicious souvenir.
1. Caseificio Bazzanese
Location: Via Moretto Scuole, 7, 40053 Valsamoggia, Bologna
Contact: +39 051 831659
Website: Caseificio Bazzanese
Caseificio Bazzanese, established in 1968, is a beacon of quality in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP. Located in the Valsamoggia area, this dairy combines the best of both worlds—the strength of the plains and the genuine flavor of the hills. In 2019, the dairy underwent significant upgrades to its facilities, ensuring that it can continue to produce cheese of exceptional quality.
Visitors to Caseificio Bazzanese can enjoy guided tours that provide a comprehensive look at the cheese-making process. From the arrival of fresh milk to the aging rooms where the cheese matures, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. The tour ends with a tasting session, where you can sample Parmigiano Reggiano aged for 12, 24, and 36 months, allowing you to experience the subtle differences that time imparts on this legendary cheese.
In addition to Parmigiano Reggiano, the dairy offers a range of gourmet products, including sauces, jams, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveler, a visit to Caseificio Bazzanese is a must.
2. Caseificio San Silvestro
Location: Via Sinistra Guerro, 95/A, 41014 Castelvetro di Modena, MO
Contact: +39 059 790301
Website: Caseificio San Silvestro
Founded in 1975, Caseificio San Silvestro is a cooperative that has become a significant producer of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP. The dairy processes around 55,000 quintals of milk annually, sourced from the Castelvetro and Marano Sul Panaro areas. Their commitment to quality is underscored by their ISO 9001 certification, obtained in 2000.
At Caseificio San Silvestro, visitors can explore the intricacies of cheese production through guided tours that take you from the milking process to the aging rooms. The cooperative offers tastings of their Parmigiano Reggiano, ricotta, and butter, providing a full sensory experience of Emilia-Romagna’s dairy tradition.
The cooperative is dedicated to maintaining traditional production methods while embracing modern practices, ensuring that each wheel of cheese embodies the rich heritage of the region. A visit to this dairy offers insight into both the history and future of Parmigiano Reggiano.
3. Cooperativa Casearia Castelnovese
Location: Via Cavidole, 6, 41051 Castelnuovo Rangone, MO
Contact: +39 059 535364
Website: Cooperativa Casearia Castelnovese
Cooperativa Casearia Castelnovese has a history dating back to 1936 and is one of the cornerstones of cheese-making in the region. The cooperative collects and processes milk from around 110 local producers, ensuring the quality and authenticity of their Parmigiano Reggiano DOP. Over the years, the cooperative has merged with other dairies, expanding its capabilities and refining its production processes.
Visitors can take a tour of the facilities, where they will see how Parmigiano Reggiano is made, from the milking of the cows to the careful aging of the cheese in temperature-controlled rooms. The cooperative also produces other dairy products such as fresh ricotta and butter, all of which can be purchased at their on-site shop.
Cooperativa Casearia Castelnovese is especially known for its Parmigiano Reggiano made from the milk of the Vacca Bianca Modenese (White Cow of Modena). This rare breed of cow produces milk with a high protein content, making it ideal for cheese production. The result is a Parmigiano Reggiano with a unique flavor profile, highly sought after by cheese lovers around the world.
4. ALBALAT
Location: Strada Munarola, 123, 41122 Modena, MO
Contact: Available upon request
Website: Currently unavailable
ALBALAT is another reputable dairy located in Modena, a region deeply rooted in the tradition of Parmigiano Reggiano production. This dairy is known for its commitment to quality and tradition, ensuring that every wheel of cheese produced meets the stringent standards of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium.
ALBALAT uses traditional methods to produce its cheese, carefully controlling every step of the process from the feeding of cows to the aging of the cheese. Visitors interested in exploring this dairy will likely need to contact the facility directly for information on tours and tastings, as specific visitor details are not widely published.
Despite the limited public information, ALBALAT is recognized for its dedication to producing high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano, making it a worthwhile addition to any cheese-lover’s itinerary in the Modena area.
5. Fattoria San Rocco
Location: Strada Provinciale Stiore, 5, 40053 Valsamoggia BO
Contact: +39 051 956046
Website: Fattoria San Rocco
Fattoria San Rocco is another esteemed producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, located in the scenic area of Valsamoggia. This dairy is dedicated to maintaining the traditional methods of cheese-making while incorporating modern techniques to ensure the highest quality.
The dairy offers guided tours that allow visitors to experience the entire cheese-making process, from the milking of cows to the aging of the cheese. The tour concludes with a tasting session where you can savor the rich flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano at various stages of maturation.
Fattoria San Rocco is committed to sustainability and animal welfare, ensuring that their cows are well cared for and that their production methods are environmentally friendly. This commitment to quality and sustainability makes a visit to Fattoria San Rocco not just a culinary experience but also an educational one.
Conclusion
A Parmigiano Reggiano tour in the Bologna area offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Italian cheese-making tradition. Each dairy featured in this guide provides a unique experience, from witnessing the meticulous production processes to tasting the rich, complex flavors of aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Whether you are a food enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply someone looking to indulge in one of the world’s finest cheeses, these dairies near Bologna offer a perfect blend of history, tradition, and taste. Make sure to plan your visit in advance, as these tours are popular and spaces can fill up quickly. Each dairy offers an authentic glimpse into the world of Parmigiano Reggiano, a true testament to Italy’s culinary heritage.