Real Aceto Balsamico or Balsamic vinegar is one of the most fantastic gourmet goodies a foodie traveler could discover. Taste Balsamic in a real “Acetaia” is a fascinating experience. Made in many hamlets around the historic and wealthy towns of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar ) is nothing like the Balsamic Vinegar you find at the supermarket! Authentic Balsamic is aged for a minimum number of years (for Modena DOP, at least 12 years for Affinato, and 25 years for Extra Vecchio). On our VIP tour, you will have the chance to taste stunning velvety elixirs that can grace everything from strawberries to ice cream!
We have designed this one-day private chauffeured excursion to two Balsamic Vinegar Acetaias, and this trip can begin in a number of cities, including Bologna and Verona. With your private driver and bilingual guide, you will visit two contrasting acetaias similar to wineries, both with beautiful barrel cellars. Balsamic ages for decades and may pass different stages of its “life” in different kinds of wood, from cherry wood to chestnut to mulberry. Apart from Aceto Balsamico Tradizionel dDOP, you will also taste Aceto Balsamico IGP and other artisan condiments . Your lunch today is in a small traditional ristorante, where you will enjoy an exquisite tasting menu. Each dish will have balsamic vinegar in one form or another, and this is a great way to see how the real “Aceto Balsamico” is incorporated into Italian cooking. Buon appetito!
Signature journey
Highlights include Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP Balsamic Tastings, Parmigiano Cheese and local delicacies Tastings, and Private Mercedes Chauffeured Tour.
Day 1Modena
Paolo Cavedoni
From your hotel in Verona or Bologna, your own private chauffeured Mercedes and accompanying bilingual guide will pick you up and drive you towards Modena, home of the one and only actual Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP! Your first visit is to a producer such as Acetaia del Cristo, Borgo del Balsamico, or perhaps the beautiful Acetaia Sereni, located at the top of a hill surrounded by vineyards. This acetaia makes the balsamic vinegar for British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s brand of balsamic and has a lovely barrel cellar, views overlooking the vineyards, a charming tasting room, and of course, some stunning balsamic vinegar!
After a tour and tasting of balsamic vinegar, paired with authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and other local delicacies, carry on to lunch in a historic restaurant in Castelvetro where your lunch will be dishes paired with different types of balsamic. Sample dishes could include- Ravioli affogati in crema di Parmigiano Reggiano 24 mesi e riduzione di Aceto Balsamico di Modena (ricotta cheese and herbs stuffed ravioli, wit 24 months aged Parmigiano sauce and balsamic), Risotto Carnaroli superiore alla parmigiana con aceto balsamico “piccole botti” (rissotto with parmigiano and balsamic), Carpaccio di manzo di antica razza bianca modenese con salsa “condimento rosso” con verdure di stagione (beef carpaccio and veggies with balsamic), and even Gelato alla crema con gocce di Saba (ice cream with cooked grape must).
After a digestive walk in the lovely hamlet, you will head to your second estate, run by the family Cavedoni family, Acetaia Cavedoni. Your charming host, Paolo’s family business, dates back to the 1860s, and they still have some priceless 100-year-old balsamic! You will enjoy a tour of the tiny, wonderful acetaia and continue on to a tasting of various condiments such as Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP 30 travasi, Aceto Balsamico di Modena “Botte Piccola” 7 anni, Condimento Balsamico alla Ciliegia and many more!
After your gourmet day out, depending on which city you are returning to, you could enjoy a stop to see Modena’s beautiful cathedral or Parma or perhaps a neighboring historic castle to stretch your legs.
And this concludes your VIP Food and Wine Excursion.
“Today is a VIP Deluxe Gourmet Experience!”
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
Anthony Ruddy, New Hampshire
Both Lisa and I had a wonderful trip to Italy.
We are now back home already wanting to return. The selection of the tours was excellent, each was detailed and personalized. Each tour (Parmigiano and Balsamic Vinegar) ended with a personalized tasting that was wonderful. The meal at Re Restaurant was excellent. The driver and car were very nice & a very low-stress way to tour the countryside. My wife and I have traveled quite a bit and this was our first use of personalized tour service. It was refreshing to not follow the “lollipop” of a group tour and to have a flexible schedule during the day.
