Emilia Romagna Private Food & Wine Tour

Upon arrival at the airport (Bologna, Verona, Milan, or Florence), your elegant, friendly chauffeur will meet you in the arrivals hall and whisk you away to the gourmet heart of Italy- Emilia Romagna. Your first visit today is quirky and unusual at the Labirinto della Masone, the largest labyrinth in the world! This astonishing bamboo octagram labyrinth, designed by Franco Maria Ricci, extends over 17 acres and is a delight to visit. Stroll around this idiosyncratic spot and grab a light snack at the onsite, chic bistro run by local celebrity chefs, the Spigaroli Brothers. Then, carry on to the elegant art city of Parma. You have a fun activity in store – an art, food, and wine private walking tour with a local, specialized guide.

Over the next few hours, stretch your jet-lagged legs on a relaxing walk through this beautiful town, taking in Renaissance and Romanesque architecture and tasting treats like Culatello di Zibello, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, artisan Gelato, and plenty of excellent local wines. Before heading to your villa hotel retreat outside Modena this evening, you will stop for a private tour and fascinating tasting at Venturini Baldini. This picturesque estate, dating back to the 16th century, houses a traditional, historic Balsamic vinegar “acetaia” cellar, a gorgeous villa, and a winery. You’ll have the opportunity to taste Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia DOP, creative and IGP Balsamico, and a range of elegant sparkling wines.

Carry on to Modena, then, after a terrific first day. Check into your luxury Villa hotel, Roncolo 1888, located in the countryside just outside Modena’s historic center, and freshen up. Your driver will collect you for dinner, which will be at one of our favorite restaurants – Antica Moka. Sit down to their creative tasting menu paired with local wines. The atmosphere is pleasant, warm, and cozy, with a wood-beamed ceiling and traditional decoration- you’ll love it. Your driver will bring you back to the hotel after an utterly charming dinner.

Today, you will learn about the Lambrusco appellation and taste some of the region’s best wines from top producers. Your first visit is a short, half-hour drive into the pretty countryside of Modena. You will have a private, exclusive tour and tasting at the mythical Cleto Chiarli property, founded in the mid-1800s. Enjoy a great selection of wines like Modén Blanc, Pignoletto Spumante DOC Brut, Rosé de Noir, Spumante Rosato Brut, Premium Mention Honorable, Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC, Vigneto Cialdini, and Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC, paired with Salumi and Grissini. The contrast of the wines is impressive; you will be an expert by the end of the tour!

After this first wine experience, stretch your legs and get some fresh air with free time in the spectacular little village of Castelvetro di Modena. This breathtaking, medieval hamlet and member of the Città del Vino (Wine Cities) Association was an Etruscan settlement before the Romans turned it into a military base (Castrum Vetus, “old camp”). You have some free time to get some photos, walk through the village, and admire the piazzas, the Torre dell’ Orologio (Clock Tower), and Castello di Levizzano in the distance.

We’ll book a table next to the ancient wall of Castelvetro at adorable Il Cappero alle Mura. The Tortellacci with pumpkin in a sausage ragu is a must. Then, you have two more wine experiences. Fattoria Moretto is next, a small, family-run, organic operation. You’ll appreciate the vineyard walk after lunch and then sit down to a relaxed tasting of 4 of their top-range wines, including single-vineyard Crus.

And finally, for a total contrast and to conclude your Lambrusco “re-education,” visit Cantina della Volta. Run by 4th generation winemaker Christian Bellei, this estate is most famous for its fine “bollicine” ( sparkling wines), which are produced Champagne style (classic method) as opposed to the “Charmat” method (a less expensive process with second fermentation in the tank). You will taste 3 of his best high-end sparklers as a terrific finish to a day out in the wine country. Then, head back to the villa hotel to relax, rest, and freshen up.

Tonight is a highlight of this trip- a tasting menu of acclaimed Osteria Francescana three-Michelin star, helmed by Chef Massimo Bottura. Mindblowing and fantastic food and wine will make this a night to remember!

After breakfast, your chauffeur will pick you up, and you have a fun morning in-store. You’ll visit the house of the raging bull- the Lamborghini Museum. You’ll tour the V10, V12, and Urus production lines, admiring the ultra-luxury sportscar fleet and feeling inspired by the iconic designs. If you have a deeper interest, we can also organize a Lamborghini Test Drive for you as part of this tour. Alternatively, we can arrange a different activity this morning if cars are not your thing, such as a visit to the Pavarotti Museum. Located right in the villa where the famous tenor lived, Casa Pavarotti is preserved as a living museum. His interpretation of Nessun Dorma is the most famous on earth!

In the late morning, you’ll meet your local food guide for an entertaining, private, guided food and wine walking tour of Bologna. Visit excellent, traditional establishments with multiple tastings, and take in the stunning architecture, markets, piazzas, and more. This is Emilia Romagna’s most beautiful city, don’t forget the camera today.

Then, in the afternoon, you will explore the wine country. The first stop is the elegant Umberto Cesari estate, crowned with a stylish, noble villa. The estate’s immaculate vineyards, villas, and peach orchards stretch out in all directions. The views are to die for. An interesting barrel tasting will be set up just for you as part of the cellar tour, as well as an extensive tasting of their premium range of wines like Laurento Romagna DOC Sangiovese Riserva, Tauleto Sangiovese Rubicone IGT, and Romagna Albana DOCG Passito. Some light food pairings will also be included, such as Salame Rosa, fresh basil, pear jam, and Cervia salt breadsticks; Salame Felino Fratelli Boschi; Nero and Canestrate Pecorino cheese; homemade corn crackers with alfalfa honey; and Guido Gobino dark chocolate.

You have one last stop in the early evening before being swept away to your romantic villa in the dreamy Forlì hills. Dozza Hamlet is probably the cutest little artsy village in the entire region. This tiny hamlet’s medieval walls and archways have been adorned with art murals painted by Italian and international artists, creating an enchanting, open-air art museum. The 13th-century castle, the Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza, is home to the regional wine enoteca, and it is where we have your last activity organized today.

A masterclass in Emilia Romagna wines will be arranged in the castle’s beautiful brick wine cellar. Your sommelier will lead you on an educational, relaxed tasting featuring regional styles, grapes, flagship, and lesser-known producers. Finally, after a great day, you will head towards the Adriatic coast. You will be staying in a private, serviced villa in a hill-topped Borgo, part of a luxury wine resort with multiple spaced-out villas and a winery.

The evening is yours to enjoy dinner at the excellent restaurant on site. This destination is sheer bliss!!

Today, you will try your hand at mastering some of the region’s specialties at Casa Artusi, one of the top cooking schools in Italy. It’s also the first gastronomic and cultural center in the country, and apart from the cooking school, it houses a food and wine library (with over 45 thousand books), wine cellar, bookshop, restaurant, wine cellar, museum, and a range of different spaces for private classes. They can cater to everyone from novice home cooks and food lovers to professional chefs and everything in between. Casa Artusi is named after Pellegrino Artusi, the “father of Italian gastronomy,” who was born in 1820. Author of many culinary masterpieces, including “Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well,” he enjoyed a long and interesting life, passing away in Florence at the age of 91!

Enjoy a private class this morning of traditional Romagnolo home cuisine. You’ll make the local flatbread called Piadina, homemade tagliatelle pasta, meat ragu sauce, and cappelletti in capon broth. After a fun class, enjoy your creations with a few generous splashes of wine.

After lunch, quickly wander around this cute hamlet, take in the castle and quaint streets, etc. Then, head to your last two wine estates of this trip. First up is Noelia Ricci. This historic, boutique family wine estate makes top-class natural wines. On a private tour, visit the vines, wine cellar, and the eighteenth-century Villa Pandolfa. Taste a range of their super stylish wines, including “Il Sangiovese” Romagna DOC Sangiovese Predappio and “Bro” Bianco Forlì IGT, accompanied by local artisan bread and their estate extra-virgin olive oil.

In the late afternoon, head back to your wine resort to enjoy a private tour and tasting onsite at Condé winery. Round off a stellar day with some delicious Condé Predappio Sangiovese MGA Riserva and Laguna di Sopra chardonnay.

Then relax onsite at this supremely romantic villa resort.

Breathe the sea air today in the seaside city of Rimini. This is the birthplace of the world-famous film maestro Federico Fellini, whose “Dolce Vita” starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg, has inspired generations of film buffs and cinematographers across continents. You will spend the morning visiting Rimini with a private, local guide through Fellini’s eyes, following his footsteps and old stomping grounds. Stroll through the bohemian San Giuliano district with its labyrinth of quaint streets (many with murals of Fellini’s movies) and see the Cinema Fulgor on Corso d’Augusto (where he saw his first movie ever, which was featured in his film “Amacord”).

Continue to the beach, then, where a Michelin-starred gourmet lunch awaits. From the outside, Guido looks like just another beach shack. Enter inside, and you’ll get an inkling about the cuisine by the chic, nautical decor. Sit down to a creative tasting menu extravaganza of fish and seafood specialties from the Adriatic. Major treat!

After lunch, the next stop is a photo op at the Rocca di Gradara, a majestic, medieval fortified castle and hamlet, certainly one of the most impressive in Italy. Immortalized in Renaissance poet Dante’s Divine Comedy, this hamlet is said to be the legendary location of Paolo and Francesca’s tragic love story. Walking along the 11th-century ramparts built during the feuds between the Malatesta and Montefeltro families, you will feel like you are on a movie set! You’ll have a chance to visit the fortress hamlet on your own, take some photos, have a coffee, etc., before carrying on to the tiny oasis Republic of San Marino.

Famous and yet hardly visited by most travelers visiting Italy, San Marino manages to be something of a best-kept secret. It is one of the oldest Republics in the world, founded in the 4th century on Monte Titano, a Unesco heritage site. Take in views of the fairy tale castle, walk along the cobblestoned streets, admire the medieval towers and graceful squares, and perhaps stop for a Campari Spritz.

You’ll have free time with your driver at your disposal to zip you around. Then, head back to your peaceful wine resort for your last night of the trip. Dinner is on your own onsite.

It’s been a short but magical few days! Today, this portion of your Italian vacation concludes. We can extend it before or after with other terrific locations in Italy like Venice, Verona, Tuscany, Umbria, etc. Your chauffeur will take you to your next port of call. Buon Viaggio!