Modena is a treasure trove for lovers of Italian gastronomy and wine. While the city itself boasts stunning architecture and historic sites, it’s also a fantastic base for exploring the region’s culinary delights. What makes Modena stand out are the tours that combine rich flavors with authentic production visits—not just tasting, but seeing how these legendary products are crafted. Our favorite is the Emilia Flavors tour, which takes you behind the scenes to meet local producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and regional wine. It’s a small-group experience that bypasses tourist traps for genuine interaction and taste.
Among the many options, you’ll find private tastings, hands-on cooking classes, and detailed factory visits—each offering a different way to experience Emilia-Romagna’s famous food and wine culture. Whether you’re after an intimate look at traditional production, a personalized culinary adventure, or a quick tasting for a busy schedule, there’s something in Modena for you. Below, you’ll find seven of the best wine and food tours, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Emilia Flavors: Parmigiano, balsamic, cured meats & wines
At number one on our list, the Emilia Flavors tour offers a deep dive into local Emilia-Romagna gastronomy. For around $178, you’ll spend about 4 to 5 hours exploring Reggio Emilia’s countryside in a private vehicle, visiting a dairy farm, vinegar producer, and vineyards. What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic, small-scale producers rather than tourist-heavy spots.
You get to witness the entire production process of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at Latteria Sociale Paverazzi, where you’ll see how the cheese is made from fresh milk, see the aging process, and sample the final product. Then, you visit Acetaia Picci to learn about traditional balsamic vinegar, which has been aged for a minimum of 12 years. The tasting here includes different balsamic varieties and recipes. The tour ends at a vineyard where you taste local wines, making it a full sensory experience. With glowing reviews praising the local flavor and personalized guide, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowds and enjoy an intimate look at Emilia-Romagna’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking an authentic, all-in-one food and wine experience with personalized attention and genuine production insights.
2. Private Emilian Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Modena
Number two is a Private Emilian Food and Wine Tasting, which costs about $622 per person and lasts around 5 to 6 hours. This tour is tailored for those who want a more in-depth look at the production of iconic products like Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar, plus a visit to local vineyards. It’s highly personalized, with a private guide who takes you to specific factories and cellars that aren’t open to the public in general.
The itinerary begins with a guided tour of a dairy, where you learn exactly how Parmigiano Reggiano is made and taste different aging stages. Then, you visit a family-operated balsamic vinegar acetaia, where you’ll see traditional methods and sample multiple varieties. The final stop is a hilltop vineyard, where you taste three types of local wines—Pignoletto and Lambrusco—paired with regional snacks. Guests consistently praise Cecilia for her friendliness and knowledge, noting how the private format allows for flexibility and deeper engagement.
Bottom Line: Excellent for serious food lovers wanting personalized access and detailed insight into Emilia-Romagna’s cheese, vinegar, and wine production.
3. Traditional Home Cooking in Modena, Tagliatelle, Tortelloni & Wine
Number three is a hands-on cooking class, priced at $129.36 for about three hours. This is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy local culinary techniques rather than just tasting. You’ll learn to make ricotta tortelloni, tagliatelle, and a traditional Italian dessert, all with the help of a local chef in the chef’s home.
The class is very interactive; you’ll see how to prepare pasta from scratch, learn about regional ingredients, and enjoy your creations with local wines. Reviews highlight how friendly and skilled the hosts are, making it a warm, authentic experience. It’s well-suited for families or anyone who wants a practical, memorable cooking lesson to take home. Plus, you’ll leave with recipes and the confidence to recreate Italian dishes.
Bottom Line: Great for foodies who want a personal, hands-on cooking experience combined with wine tasting—an authentic taste of Italian home life.
4. Local wines and traditional balsamic experience
Next is a combined wine and balsamic experience, costing about $107.58 for four hours. This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to two of Emilia-Romagna’s most famous products. You’ll start at a balsamic vinegar producer in an old country farmhouse, learning about the long aging process and tradition. Afterward, you visit a hillside cellar where you’ll taste locally produced wines, including regional reds and whites.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on both wine and vinegar in one seamless experience—ideal if you want a taste of everything without a lengthy schedule. The reviews are positive, emphasizing the friendly hosts and the authenticity of the process. It’s best suited for travelers on a budget or those who want a short but comprehensive overview of Modena’s culinary basics.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a compact, affordable taste of local wines and balsamic vinegar combined.
5. Modena Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
Highly interactive and practical, the Walking Tour and Cooking Class costs about $114.60 for three hours. You start by exploring a local market to pick ingredients, then head to a local home to cook with a host using regional techniques. The focus is on developing your own recipe and enjoying a meal paired with local wines.
Guests mention the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn how to cook Italian dishes like a local. The class also includes a souvenir apron and shopping bag. It’s best for travelers who appreciate a blend of sightseeing, hands-on cooking, and wine tasting, with a personal touch.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want to combine market shopping, cooking, and wine in a relaxed, authentic setting.
6. 5-Hour Food and Wine Tasting in Modena
This shorter food and wine tasting tour, priced at $93.09, offers a condensed look at local culinary traditions. Focused on a new balsamic vinegar factory in Castelvetro di Modena, it highlights the production process of balsamic vinegar along with tasting local dishes.
Guests describe it as a “great experience” with “exquisite local food” paired with aged balsamic. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a focused, half-day introduction to Emilia-Romagna’s most famous products without a heavy time commitment.
Bottom Line: Great for those on a tight schedule wanting a taste of balsamic and local cuisine with expert insights.
7. Wine and Balsamic Vinegar Tour with Tasting
Finally, the Wine and Balsamic Vinegar Tour is a quick 1-hour 15-minute experience at just under $30. It’s a highly accessible way to learn about Lambrusco Grasparossa DOP and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP.
This tour includes a visit to Opera 02 Cà Montanari, where you’ll see how sparkling wine and balsamic vinegar are made, followed by a guided tasting of three wines and three balsamic vinegars paired with local snacks like Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a crash course in Emilia-Romagna’s signature products.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a quick, affordable introduction to local wine and balsamic vinegar with a guided tasting.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
Choosing the right wine tour in Modena depends on your schedule, budget, and interests. If you’re after an authentic, in-depth experience with a focus on small producers, the Emilia Flavors tour offers excellent value and personal interaction. For those who want a more personalized, private experience with the chance to visit multiple production sites, the Private Food and Wine Tour is ideal—especially if you’re willing to splurge a bit.
Travelers on a budget or short on time will appreciate the quick yet comprehensive wine and balsamic experience or the hour-long tasting. If you love hands-on activities, the home cooking class is a fantastic choice to learn regional recipes and enjoy local wines directly.
For the most immersive experience, book early—especially in peak season—since popular tours fill up fast. Consider your interests: do you prefer a culinary class, a factory tour, or a combination of both? Match the tour to your schedule and budget, then prepare for a delicious adventure.
Final Thoughts
Modena offers a wide range of food and wine experiences that cater to different tastes and schedules. For a comprehensive and authentic taste of Emilia-Romagna’s products, the Emilia Flavors tour cannot be beat—perfect for those wanting a guided, small-group experience. If you’re seeking something more personalized, the private food and wine tour offers an intimate look at local producers.
For travelers with limited time, the quick tasting options still deliver quality insights into Modena’s famous balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco wines. Those interested in hands-on learning should consider the home cooking class, which combines culinary skills with regional wines.
No matter your preference, Modena’s food tours promise an authentic, flavorful experience—just be sure to book early to secure your spot.
