09:00 am: Meet the dairy guide directly on site and start your visit of an authentic producer of Parmigiano-Reggiano PDO: you’ll discover how the King of all cheeses has been literally made by hand in the same way since the Benedictine monks invented it 10 centuries ago! From the curdling into the typical copper heaters to the salting and the final ageing in the so-called wheel cathedrals, you will be a privileged witness of almost all the steps of production of this out-and-out food icon. Tasting at the end.

10:30 am: Transfer to the province of Modena.11:30 am Guided visit at an extra-ordinary family-run production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar PDO housed in an ancient country-chic villa in full Italian style: the owners themselves will welcome you to their place with a first introduction on the family history and then a real treasure hunt through the loft rooms dedicated to the making and ageing of the product. You will get to know why different kind of woods are used for the barrels and – more importantly – why the balsamico made upon the traditional method is the one and only “black gold”, not to be confused with the imitations available in most of the delis and stores around the world.

12:30 pm: Ultra-rich typical lunch at the family table including all the local foods that better suit the pairing with the two original King vinegars: rustic omelettes, different ageings of Parmigiano, 2 types of fresh ricotta cheeses, an endless plate of cured meats, a super tasty risotto, Lambrusco wine and – cherry on top – homemade cakes bearing the grandma’s touch and the two Giugiaro bottles of Aceto Tradizionale left on the table at your complete disposal!

02:00 pm: End of services and back to your hotel or head on to your next destination.