Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour & Tasting near Parma

If you’re a foodie or just curious about Italy’s most famous cheese, this Parmesan cheese factory tour near Parma offers a fascinating glimpse into a 120-year-old tradition. It’s a chance to see how the iconic Parmigiano Reggiano is crafted with your own eyes, taste different aged varieties, and learn about sustainable farming practices—all in a friendly, small-group setting.

What really drew us to this experience are two things: first, the chance to witness traditional cheese-making techniques firsthand, which is rare outside Italy’s own production sites. Second, the accompanying tasting of three distinct ages of Parmigiano Reggiano paired with regional wine—simple yet superb. That said, a potential consideration is that the factory tours only run at specific times, so you’ll need to plan ahead if this is a highlight of your trip.

This experience is best suited for food lovers, culture explorers, or anyone who wants a genuine behind-the-scenes look at Italy’s culinary heritage. It’s not ideal if you’re lactose intolerant, and transportation is not included, so be ready to arrange your own way there.

Key Points

• Authentic craftsmanship: Witness traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making techniques.
• Educational and enjoyable: Learn about the process through a guided tour and a short video lesson.
• Tasting experience: Sample three aged cheeses (15, 24, 36 months) paired with regional wine and Parmigiano cream.
• Sustainable farming focus: Appreciate the farm’s eco-friendly practices and animal welfare commitments.
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, making it more personal and interactive.
• Accessible: The tour is wheelchair accessible and offered in multiple languages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded look into Italy’s beloved cheese with a mix of sights, stories, and tastes. It starts at Azienda Agricola Bertinelli in Noceto, a charming village near Parma, about a 30-minute drive from the city center. The factory’s long-standing tradition since 1895 makes it a meaningful place to visit for anyone interested in authentic Italian food.

The Production Rooms

Your experience kicks off with a guided walk through the cheese-making process. Here, expert artisans demonstrate traditional techniques—curdling, shaping, and the careful handling of the cheese. You’ll see the vast storage rooms filled with hundreds of cheese wheels aging to perfection. It’s a quiet, almost meditative process that highlights the craftsmanship involved.

Note: Access to the production rooms is only during specific times, 7:30 and 8:30 AM, so if you’re an early riser, you’ll get a more immersive view. This is a small detail but worth considering if you’re keen on seeing the cheese being made from start to finish.

The Video Lesson

After the production visit, you’ll watch a short, multi-language video explaining the cheese-making process. It’s a helpful overview that clarifies the details you just saw and fills in any gaps for those unfamiliar with cheese production.

The Tasting

The highlight for many is the tasting session where you try three different ages of Parmigiano Reggiano—15, 24, and 36 months. Each offers a different experience: the younger cheese is softer and milder, while the 36-month wheel is firmer with more intense, nutty flavors. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed tasting the various textures and flavors, with one reviewer saying, “Finally tasting it with wine gave the perfect conclusion that made us drawl!!!”

Accompanying the cheese are a dollop of Parmigiano cream, a glass of regional wine—either Lambrusco or Malvasia—and water to cleanse the palate. This pairing enhances the tasting, allowing you to really appreciate the cheese’s nuances.

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Sustainable and Ethical Farming

An aspect that sets this tour apart is its focus on animal welfare and eco-friendly practices. The farm cultivates organic feed for its Friesian cows, aligning with traditional, sustainable farm practices. This gives you a deeper appreciation for how much care goes into making authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Azienda Agricola Bertinelli in Noceto, near Parma.
• Guided tour of cheese production (about 40 minutes). You’ll see the cheese being made, and in the aging rooms, witness the huge wheels maturing.
• Video presentation explaining the process (included in the tour).
• Tasting session of three aged cheeses, regional wine, and Parmigiano cream (around 20 minutes).
• Return to the starting point, with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to ask questions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $55.80 per person, the tour provides excellent value. It includes the guided visit, tasting of three cheese ages, a glass of regional wine, and water. The small-group size (limited to 10 people) makes the experience more intimate and allows for better interaction with your guide.

However, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the farm—about a 30-minute drive from Parma. Also, if you’re interested in added food or beverages beyond what’s included, you’ll pay separately.

Real Travelers’ Impressions

The reviews are glowing, with a 4.8-star rating based on 27 feedbacks. Many visitors praise the knowledgeable guides, particularly mentioning how well they explained the process and made the experience engaging. One reviewer called Lorenzo, the guide, “so good and informative,” emphasizing how much they learned.

Another shared, “Lorenzo gave us a wonderful tour, describing perfectly all about the natural process of making Parmigiano Reggiano,” which shows how keen the guides are to share their expertise. The tasting also gets high marks—people love trying different ages of cheese and pairing them with regional wines.

Several reviews mention the stunning views of the cheese aging rooms and the appreciation for the farm’s sustainable practices, adding a meaningful layer to the experience. Dining on authentic Parmigiano Reggiano after learning about its origins makes for a satisfying and memorable outing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re passionate about food or curious about Italy’s culinary traditions, this tour offers a genuine, hands-on experience. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy learning about how their favorite foods are made, with a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability.

It’s also suitable for those comfortable with a short drive and looking for a cultural activity that’s more than just sightseeing. Since the tour is accessible and in multiple languages, it’s welcoming to international visitors.

If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind that the focus is on cheese production and tasting, so it’s probably better suited for older kids or teens with an interest in food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the farm included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way—it’s about 30 minutes by car or public transport from Parma.

What languages are the tours available in?
The tour is offered in English, French, Italian, and German, making it accessible for many travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in your travel plans.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 1 hour, but check the specific start times to plan your day.

Is this experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for those with mobility considerations.

What does the tasting include?
You’ll taste three different aged Parmigiano Reggiano (15, 24, 36 months), paired with regional wine and Parmigiano cream.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on cheese tasting suggests it’s best suited for adults and older children who can appreciate the flavors.

Final Words

This Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour & Tasting near Parma offers an authentic, immersive look into Italy’s cheese-making craft. It’s a perfect choice for anyone eager to learn about traditional methods, taste excellent cheese, and understand more about sustainable farming practices. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and high-quality tastings create an experience that feels personal and genuine.

If you’re traveling through Emilia-Rogna and love food, this is a rewarding stop that combines education, deliciousness, and cultural insight—all in a manageable, well-organized package. Just remember to plan your transport in advance and arrive prepared to enjoy a true taste of Italy’s culinary heart.

You can check availability for your dates here: