As mentioned in an earlier post we took a tour with Food n Walk in Parma in mid July and apart from the heat the day was beyond our hopes and dreams (it was our tenth wedding anniversary last minute long weekend).

Caterina met us at the designated meeting point (very patient as we were 20 minutes late) and we went straight to the Parmesan factory which was more like a family workshop, completely different to what we were expecting. We saw the cooking and the new cheese being heaved to the surface. There was a lot of interesting information but the smell was so delicious I just wanted to eat it! The cheese was much softer than that which we get in London and sweeter too.

Next we drove to the Parma Ham factory and the photo stop offs were amazing cause the place was perched half way up a mountain in a picturesque valley. The sight of thousands of legs ageing in this place was overwhelming and the aroma again astonishing. We saw the butchers salting and peered at everything, fridges, where they are selected, tested and branded.

Then lunch in the castle Tore Chiarra again in the Parma Ham region which was a really special setting with Parma Ham, lots of wine and fantastic Tortelli ravioli. I tried Lambrusco which I have to say I absolutely hate but this stuff was completely different, very rich, and not sweet at all. Loved it!

The final destination was the Balsamic Vinegar maker which I can only describe as heavenly. Again the setting was quite awe inspiring as we drove into a sprawling hillside wineries and followed the lane up a mountain to the vinegar loft.

We bought the silver 22 year old variety and have been drizzling it on everything since!

Caterina was absolutely lovely and a host of information with perfect English.
The price was pretty good and we are back over for the Culatello season in October.

Absolutely recommend this tour. Perfecto (apart from the heat)!!