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The History of Parmesan Cheese

Fame through the ages

Parmesan is one of a category of cheeses called grana because of their grainy texture. They are made throughout northern Italy and for centuries a war was waged over whosegrana was considered the most prestigious. The cheeses made around Parma and Reggio in Emilia Romagna eventually won, with those of the other regions being lumped under the name of Grana Padano, after the name for the Po river valley. Over the years, Parmesan found fame all over Europe: In Italy, Boccaccio dreamt of a huge pile of grated Parmesan in his Decameron of 1348, in France it is said that Moliere would eat nothing else in the final years of his life and in England, Samuel Peyps hastily buried his Parmesan to save it from the Great Fire of London.

Despite its fame and popularity, production of the cheese remained small until the start of the 20th century when between 1894 and 1914 it shot up sixfold as diary farmers grouped together into more efficient cooperatives and improved transport saw Parmesan exported to Austria, Hungary, France and the United States.

In 1910 the first milk inspection office was established in Reggio Emilia.The purpose of the office was to “promote the sale of milk and to guarantee its quality, to examine the milk with regards to its suitability for the production of cheese, to give an identity to Parmigiano Reggiano and to protect it from imitations, as well as to promote and support any initiative for the defence and the improvement of the dairy industry of Reggio“.

The effect of World War 1 was to gravely damage the agrarian economy in general and the dairy sector in particular.The post war years were ones of struggle not helped by the production of Reggianito cheese, a cheap Argentinian imitation that flooded Parmesan’s potential export markets.The ancient and on-going rivalry between the towns of Parma and Reggio also prevented positive progress in the industry: in truth, the territory of Reggio enjoyed superior productivity and quality but the name of the town of Parma linked it by a centuries-old tradition to the cheese.

The creation of the Parmesan Consorzio in Reggio in 1934 was designed in part to put an end to this constant squabbling.


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Parmigiano and your health

Eating Parmesan

Nutritional Benefits of Parmesan

The nutritional benefits of Parmesan are such that it should rightly be regarded as a ‘super-food’. Cheese contains all the goodness of milk but in a concentrated form – 16 litres of milk are required for every kilo of Parmesan. A look at the table opposite will give some idea of its relative merits:

Easy to Digest

One of the factors that make Parmesan so ‘super’ is the ease with which the human digestive system can assimilate all this goodness. Due to its long ageing, much of the protein in Parmesan has been broken down into peptones, peptides and free amino acids, in effect the protein has been ‘pre-digested’; the protein is readily available and as such it puts very little strain on the metabolism.

Parmesan contains 33% protein compared to 20% in lean beef and that animal protein takes 4 hours to digest while the protein in Parmesan takes just 45 minutes. Other benfits to the digestion include Parmesan’s ability to promote the development ofBacillus Bifidus, which is useful for the maintenance of a healthy gut, and also the fact that there is no lactose present – good news for the lactose intolerant or those with gastro-intestinal inflammation.

But isn’t the fat content high?

The fat content of cheese often causes alarm to the health conscious but it is important to note that fat is a fundamental part of nutrition. Muscular activity is dependent on fatty acids and, again, because of the changes that occur during the ageing of Parmesan, much of the fat is in the form of short-chain fatty acids, these compounds are absorbed more easily and supply energy very quickly to the body; in fact, they are treated by the body in much the same way as glucosides (sugar). The cholesterol content of Parmesan is only 80 – 85mg/100g, much lower than other full fat cheeses. Exponents of preventative medicine take an unfavourable view of this sterol but a daily intake of 300mg is beneficial according to health guidelines so cholesterol should not be seen as a limiting factor in the consumption of Parmesan.

This combination of nutritional benefits explains why in Italy doctors recommend Parmesan to infants and the elderly as well as to athletes.

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New York food passion: After love fades, Parmigiano-Reggiano still lingers

After love fades, Parmigiano-Reggiano still lingers

more parm

Mark Bittman’s January 6th article in the New York Times, “Fresh Start for the New Year? Let’s Begin in the Kitchen,  about the essentials of a great, cook-ready pantry, is a must-read for anyone who fancies him or herself a kitchen whiz. For me and my other ex-pro pals (and, of course, passionate home cooks) most of his wisdom is a given – we were beaten into acquiescence by culinary school and later by food movements and food evangelists we’ve worshipped, adopted and, sometime later, abandoned.

 

Much has already been said about Bittman’s list* — bloggers have remarked on their own pantries (for the record, mine does not exist – all of it is packed in boxes, discarded, or passed on to appreciative friends. In packing up the pantry, I found at least four different versions of pimenton – hot, sweet, regional, bulk, tinned and jarred. Slightly excessive, no?) and taken pictures to share with the rest of the foodie blogosphere. I’d like to add a couple more pantry staples – European cultured butter (Plugra will do in a flash), chicken fat, which I keep in the freezer, and coconut fat. All are delightfully saturated and, according to conventional wisdom, will lead to a life of angioplasties if you make it past menopause (I’m with the Weston A Price folks on this one, though I’m very moderate in my use. I’ve never met a naturally saturated fat I didn’t like and they most certainly did not shorten the lives of the women in my family, all of whom lived past 90. But anyway).

What excited me the most about Bittman’s list was his outright rejection of canned, grated “Parmesan” – the fat vehicle for salt that is but the faintest shadow of its inspiration, Parmigiano-Reggiano, the Italian “king” of cheese.

Even in my darkest days, when money was in short supply and I had to trim the extras from my life, I could always find enough change to purchase a wedge of Parm. Though I could no longer afford the trendy Vacche Rosse or the four year old Guffanti-selected mountain-pastured Parmigiano-Reggiano I favored when I was still in the cheese biz, I could still scrape together enough change to buy the just-cut-from-the-wheel wedges at the local specialty markets. The $9 I spent was a worthwhile investment: I could stretch a wedge for months, and every single shaving was a savory gift that enhanced so much of what it touched. I kept the rinds around to season stock, or, when my dog was especially good, as a treat for her (they’re chewy and don’t cause her indigestion).  There was no way I’d consider trading down; I’d even convinced my mother to abandon the green shaker of shame after I’d introduced her to the simple joys of the real thing.

Later on, when I was internet dating, I’d routinely list Parmigiano-Reggiano as one of the things I could not live without. I made it clear to prospective paramours that the green can was verboten in my life, much as drug use and children are for some internet match seekers. I thought it would be an effective filter.

Imagine how thrilled I was when, via the same website, I found a foodie who seemed to share my passion for things edible. As I dug deeper, I found a few surprises:  rarely patronized farmers’ markets because of high prices, yet always dined out at lunch time, spending about the same amount; he could be indiscriminate in his appetites; and, hardest for me to reconcile, he still purchased and enjoyed “Parmesan”, the shelf-stable and pre-grated scourge.

I found this out quite accidentally. During a trip to Target to pick up something that must have seemed very important at the time – and of which I have no recollection now – he casually reached over to a display of green cheese and tried to add a cylinder to the cart. I grabbed it out of his hands (thinking he was joking) and put it back on the shelf. Much acrimony ensued. The more  I pleaded with him to give up the can and turn to the wedge, the more he dug in his heels.  We reached an impasse: I was hopelessly controlling and a snob, he was relentlessly, proudly pedestrian.

Our relationship soon faltered. Perhaps because of the cheese, perhaps because the row over cheese highlighted something more fundamentally incompatible between us. No mind – Parmigiano-Reggiano is still in my life, adding flavor and texture and joy nearly every day.

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Apennines of Parma (Eastern range)

Appennino Parmense (Eastern Sector)

Appennino Parmense (Eastern Sector)
Page Type: Area/RangeLocation: Parma/Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Europe

Lat/Lon: 44.38669°N / 10.02983°E

Activities: Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Sport Climbing, Toprope, Bouldering, Ice Climbing, Scrambling, Skiing

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Elevation: 6106 ft / 1861 m

Page By: mazzaniCreated/Edited: Jan 12, 2012 / Mar 15, 2012

Object ID: 770794

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Page Score: 89% - 24 Votes 

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Overview

Twin Lakes from Rocca Pumaciolo

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Twin Lakes (Laghi Gemini) from Rocca Pumaciolo

Sillara Twin Lakes in early summer

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Sillara Twin Lakes in early summer

Lago Verde (Green Lake) in early winter

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Green Lake (Lago Verde) in early winter

Pradaccio Lake from Roccabiasca summit

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Pradaccio Lake from Roccabiasca summit

Lago Scuro (Dark Lake) from Monte Scala

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Dark Lake (Lago Scuro) from Monte Scala

The Holy Lake (Lago Santo)

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The Holy Lake (Lago Santo)

Appennino Parmense Orientale - View on Central Peaks

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Central Area’s peaks seen from Monte Orsaro m. 1831

Appennino Parmense Orientale - View from NE

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Central and Western peaks seen from Rocca Pumacioletto summit m. 1690

Appennino Parmense Orientale - View from NE

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Holy Lake peaks seen from NE

Appennino Parmense Orientale - View from SW

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View on Western peaks from South-West

Appennino Parmense Orientale - View from Passo Paitini

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Monte Sillara m. 1861 – the highest peak – and Rocca Pianaccia seen from West (Passo Paitini)

The Apennines are the longest mountains’ chain in Italy. They are divided in three main parts: Northern, Central and Southern Apennines.
Northern Apennines run from West to East, separating the greatest Italian continental North Plane (Pianura Padana) from the Italian peninsula, bordered by Mediterranean Sea.
Northern Apennines are divided into two parts again: Appennino Ligure in West side and Appennino Tosco-Emiliano in East side. The Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, situated between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany administrative districts, shows some different areas: it’s named Appennino Parmense Orientale (Eastern Parmese Apennines) the area located inside the Eastern part of Parma Province administrative boundaries and running between Cirone Pass in W side and Lagastrello Pass in E side. The area’s main valleys are Val Parma in western sector and Val Cedra in eastern sector. As in all Northern Apennines there are not very high mountains and rocky ones are few. The highest peak of all the district is the secluded Monte Sillara mt. 1861, with its fine Sillara Twin Lakes, situated one hundred meters below the mountain’s summit ridge in its Northern side; in summer, when the area is the domain of trekkers rather than climbers, this peak, as well as other ones inside the area, shows a typical shepherd’s landscape. Nevertheless, both rock climbers and ice climbers can find several and suitable play ground. Some fine 30 to 170 meters high cliffs are equipped to enjoy sport climbing in spring and summer, especially inside the magnificent Twin Lakes (Laghi Gemini) sector; during the cold season the district offers magnificent winter’s ascents to several peaks, which summits can be reached along normal routes with low technical engagement, while ice climbers can climb some interesting gullies and little ice-falls.

Nature and climate

The area, normally as far as 1.600 mts, is covered by a dense magnificent forest, perfectly preserved through several years of massive deforestation (in the beginning of the twentieth century), due to mountain people’s poverty situation in that period. Due to the great difference between winter climate – snowy and cold – and summer’s climate – relatively warm – the arboreal species that succeed in this environment have adaptations to both seasons. The autochthonous beech (Fagus Sylvatica) is the original and largest specie in the area and can reach heights of 20-30 mts, with characteristic straight trunks. Evergreen conifers as White Firs (Abies Alba) where added later as the result of forestation’s work.
Rocks, forests and climate create a landscape similar to the north Scandinavian one.
The climate is a sub-continental one, so we have cold and snowing winter and summer not too hot due to the sea influence and wind action.

Lakes and ancient glaciers

During Wurmian period the whole area was interested by a great glaciation. The landscape was sculpted by glaciers and today offers to the visitor’s eyes an undoubted evidence of the biggest glacier ever established in Apennines (very likely it was longer than 8 Kms, larger than 2,5 and higher than 200 mts). Rocks’ particular features and circular holes in the sandstone, rocky steps in the valleys and lateral moraines are evidence of.

Getting There

Parma is the nearest town to the area; it’s a nice 200.000 inhabitants town, the capital of food valley, the famous food production and factory district. Its airport offers some domestic flies and only a few international one. A good choice of international flies is provided by Milan and Bologna International Airports, both at a reasonable distance (about 100 km).
Parma is linked to other Italian and European towns by A1 and A15 motorways, so logistic is not a problem.

Access from A15 (Autocisa Motorway) – Following A15 towards North exit Pontremoli and follow the road to Passo del Cirone and Bosco di Corniglio. From here follow the road towards the locality named Cancelli. If you’re driving on A15 towards South it’s better to exit to Borgo Val di Taro and follow the road to Passo del Sillara and Bosco di Corniglio.

Access from Parma

-To Lagdei and Lagoni sectors: from Parma follow the SP 665 (Massese) towards Langhirano and Capoponte; here turn to right, reaching Corniglio, Bosco di Corniglio and the locality named Cancelli.

-To Valditacca and Pratospilla sectors: from Parma follow the SP towards Langhirano and Capoponte; here carry on straight following the road towards Palanzano and Monchio delle Corti.

Red and White markers

A beech, still bare

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Fagus Sylvatica (Beech)

First sunbeams near Capanna Schiaffino

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First sunbeams near Capanna Schiaffino

Appennino Parmense - Beeches  wood  near Twin Lakes

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A beeches’s wood Near Twin Lakes

An ancient stone s bas-relief nearby Badignana Huts

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An ancient stone’s bas-relief at Badignana

The forestal road towards Badignana Huts

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The forestal road to Badignana

Eastern Parmese Apennines flora

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Eastern Parmese Apennines flora

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Eastern Parmese Apennine flora

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Silver Thistle

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Since 1995 the highest part of this area is situated under the regulation of a regional park having the evocative name of Parco deiCento Laghi (One Hundred Lakes Park), in reason of quite a lot of small lakes existing inside the park’s boundaries. In late years this area was included inside a largest park, named Parco Nazionaledell’Appenino Tosco-Emiliano (Tosco-Emiliano National Park); wood fires are prohibited as well as free camping and other harmful activity.
Walking and climbing are allowed and many trails are marked by Club Alpino Italiano Sezione di Parma.

Main Summits and Main Trails

A huge frozen cross on Monte Marmagna

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A huge frozen cross over Monte Marmagna

Monte Sillara summit cairn

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Monte Sillara summit cross

Monte Navert seen from Rocca Pumacioletto

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Monte Navert m. 1654

Monte Scala in early spring

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Monte Scala m. 1715

Rocca Pumacioletto SW side

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Rocca Pumacioletto m. 1690

Monte Orsaro seen from Monte Braiola

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Monte Orsaro m. 1831

Monte Braiola seen from Monte Marmagna

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Monte Braiola m. 1821

A winter image of Monte Marmagna

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Monte Marmagna m. 1851

Monte Sillara

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Monte Sillara m. 1861

Roccabiasca from Brusà Saddle

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Roccabiasca m. 1727

Torricella West Gullies

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Torricella m. 1728

Rocca Pianaccia seen from Sillara summit

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Rocca Pianaccia m. 1762

MAIN SUMMITS (in order of height)

Monte Sillara m. 1861- Monte Losanna m. 1855 Monte Marmagna m. 1851 Monte Matto m. 1837 – Monte Bragalata m. 1835 – Monte Orsaro m. 1831 – Monte Braiola m. 1821- Monte Paitino m. 1814 – Monte Brusà m. 1796 – Monte Bocco m. 1790 – Monte Aquila m. 1779 – Monte Uomo Morto m. 1773 – Rocca Pianaccia m. 1762 – Monte Aquilotto m. 1747 – Cima Canuti m. 1743 -Monte Torricella m. 1728 – Roccabiasca m. 1727 – Monte Scala m. 1715 – Monte Malpasso m. 1713 – Rocca Pumaciolo m. 1711 – Rocca Pumacioletto m. 1690 – Monte Fosco m. 1680 – Monte Navert m. 1654 – Monte Tavola m. 1508

ROCK CLIMBING AND ICE CLIMBING MAIN SUMMITS

Monte Scala mt. 1715
Rocca Pumacioletto mt. 1690
Roccabiasca mt. 1727
Torricella mt. 1726
Stagnoni

MAIN TRAILS

Inside the area there is a thick network of trails marked and maintained by Club Alpino Italiano Sezione di Parma, introducing the hiker to the discovery of all the main landscape’s features, to visit the numerous small lakes and to the observation of the ancient glacier’s traces.
An easy and very satisfactory trail marked 00 and oriented W to E crosses the whole chain along the main boundary’s ridge dividing Emilia-Romagna to Tuscany.

The most interesting walks, on clearly marked paths, are:

- Trail 00 from Passo del Cirone m. 1255 to Passo del Lagastrello m. 1153
- From Lagdei to Lago Santo Parmense
- From Lagdei to Capanna Schiaffino
- From Lagoni forestal road to Capanne di Badignana and Sella del Brusà
- From Lagoni forestal road to Fontana del Vescovo and Passo Fugicchia
- From Lagoni to Lago Scuro and Capanne del Lago Scuro
- From Lagoni to Lago Verde
- From Lagoni to Buca della Neve (Snow’s Hole)
- From Valditacca to Laghi Sillara
- From Pratospilla to Lago Ballano and Lago Verde

Huts and Bivouacs

Parmesan Apennines - Snowfall at Pradaccio Lake .

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Pradaccio Forestal Hut

Capanna Schiaffino (Schiaffino Hut)

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Capanna Schiaffino

Capanna Cagnin (Cagnin Hut)

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Capanna Cagnin

Huts:

Rifugio CAI Giovanni Mariotti m. 1507 (CAI Sez. di Parma) +390521889334
RIFUGIO MARIOTTI

Rifugio Lagdei m. 1250+390521889353
RIFUGIO LAGDEI

Rifugio Lagoni m. 1342+390521889118
RIFUGIO LAGONI

Rifugio – Hotel Pratospilla m. 1360 +390521890194
RIFUGIO PRATOSPILLA

Bivouacs:

Capanne del Lago Scuro m. 1528(Keys available at Rifugio Lagoni)
Capanne di Badignana m. 1480 (Keys available at Rifugio Lagoni)
Capanna Roberto Schiaffino m. 1610 - always open
Capanna Cagnin m. 1589 – always open
Capanna Forestale della Pianaccia m.1250 – always open

When to hike and climb

The hikers can enjoy trails all around the year; all main summits can be easily climbed without the use of technical gear from May to November. Winter’s ascents along normal routes – from December to April – are not difficult, but require the use of axe and crampons. Best months for ice-climbing (gullies) goes from middle December to the end of March, while the period to climbing ice falls is very short (from the end of December to the end of February); conditions can change very quickly even during the coldest months on account of marine wind’s action. Best season for rock climbing and bouldering goes from May to the end of October.

Meteo

METEO ARPA EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Guidebooks and Maps

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Food n Walk trekking Video – across the Apennine heights Passo Cirone Lago Santo

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Food n Walk trekking Video – across the Apennine heights Passo Cirone Lago Santo

Food n walk tours are simply out of this world…

Let us know where you want to go!

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NOVEMBER PORK: FOG, FLAVOURS AND PARMA LOWLAND TRADITIONS

NOVEMBER PORK: FOG, FLAVOURS AND PARMA LOWLAND TRADITIONS

Where: Sissa, Polesine, Zibello, Roccabianca (PR)


NOVEMBER PORK: FOG, FLAVOURS AND PARMA LOWLAND TRADITIONS

November Pork Tours with FWT –

November Pork, the tastiest food fest event in Parma Italy, which offers, during the whole month of November, the visit to four locations of the Bassa parmense (Parma Lowland), discovering the typical tastes of that area (from the classic cold cut meats to grilled river fish and wonderful wines), among trade shows, musical entertainment, food and wine stands and the cultural thematic menus.

Taste the regional rustic foods

This is the perfect opportunity to discover the ancient castles in the surroundings (two castles to be chosen), among Fontanellato, Soragna, Roccabianca and Colorno. Win a romantic dinner in a charming residence or in a historic inn just a few steps from Rocca San Vitale and Rocca di Soragna. 

Where: Sissa, Polesine, Zibello, Roccabianca (PR)

BOOKINGS

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PGI Porcino di Borgotaro mushroom

HISTORY

Porcino di Borgotaro mushrooms is the special guest of the homonymous Strada (Road) which runs mainly in the upper part of Val Taro joining Van Baganza and the Strada del Prosciutto e dei Vini dei Colli (Ham and wines from the surrounding hills Road) to the North-East, to the West Val Ceno and the ridge that divides the Apennines separating Parma and Piacenza; and finally the route reaches the sea to the South. The area is characterised by some of the most fascinating sceneries of the entire Apennine ridge. It is in fact harmoniously composed of hills that go up from the numerous rivers reaching the peaks of Liguria and Tuscany borders. It is a land rich in history, laden with castles, medieval villages and ancient worship places. For centuries pilgrimage routes crossed trade routes that would stretch from France and the Po Valley to the sea. This can be an excellent destination for day-trips and hikes. It is also a well-known holiday destination: it livens up over the summer with parties and attracts visitors in the autumn for the most appetising menu, based on mushrooms to be cooked according to the tasty local culinary tradition.

CHARACTERISTICS
The Porcino di Borgotaro mushroom comprises four species of the Boletus genus with different characteristics, which grow naturally in woods and coppices of a geographically defined area: Boletus Aestivalis, Boletus Pinophilus Pilat and Dermek Boletus, Aereus Bulliard Boletus and Boletus Edulis Bulliard.
AREA
Village of Val di Taro, Bedonia, Compiano, Tornolo, Abareto, Berceto, Pontremoli, Zeri
FOLLOW THE TASTE!
Come to taste it at the Gastronomic Autumn in Valtaro Festival.

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PDO Culatello di Zibello

HISTORY

When it comes to tradition, we cannot fail to mention the art of making Culatello. It is said that back in 1332, during the wedding banquet of Andrea Conti Rossi and Giovanna dei Conti Sanvitale, Culatello samplings were carried out. It is also said that the some Culatello had been brought to the bride and the groom as a gift and that later on the Pallavicino’s offered some Culatello to Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan. The first explicit and official quotation about Culatello dates back to 1735 and it is found in a document kept in Parma. The first literary references date back to the nineteenth century, by the local poet Giuseppe Callegari and the sculptor Renato Brozzi, who would exchange views on Culatello with the famous poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

CHARACTERISTICS
Culatello di Zibello is a type of cold meat made from the posterior muscles and inner thigh of the pig, properly cleaned on the surface and trimmed to obtain the classic pear shape. To put it in simple words, Culatello consists of muscle bundles from the thigh, which is the best part of the ham. Its curing must be carried out in well-ventilated areas at a temperature between 13° and 17° C for no longer than 10 months as of the salting phase. During this period ventilation, natural light exposure and moisture are allowed depending on the climatic factors in the production area.
PRODUCTION AREA
The area where the Culatello Zibello is produced includes the following municipalities in the province of Parma: Polesine, Busseto, Zibello, Soragna, Roccabianca, San Secondo, Sissa and Colorno.
FOLLOW THE TASTE!
Come to taste it at November Porc, a travelling gastronomic Festival, every weekend of November.

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The load down – 3 Kings tour: The Parma Food and Wines

  –  your 3 Kings tour day starts with  

‘The King of Cheeses’

Our much revered Parmigiano Reggiano Tour



Your FWT day starts with an incredible visit to one of the most revered makers of the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.  

Here we enter another world…

  • COOKING
  • SALTING
  • AGEING
  • TASTINGS

You will be amazed when you enter the cooking room to watch behind the scenes, the master and his family, cookingseparating the rich whey and lifting this magnificent DOP product.


As we begin to realise the huge amount of care and daily toil this product requires we visit the salting and sculpturing room. From there we enter the ageing room: the stagionatura.


Here among countless row of wheels is where the  richest aroma enlivens the senses we learn how the Consorzio  test and skillfully hammer each and every wheel before the ritual of fire branding.

Parmesan on sugar maple / parma golosa tours 

Of course the tour is not complete until we watch the masters lift the wheels and celebrate the birth of the King of cheese.



The best part of all! … we taste this wonder with a dash of honey, balsamico and if we can twist you arm, a refreshing glass of crisp Malvasia white wine. A truly special start to our fabulous Food n Walk tour day.

Tour starts 9am (duration 2 hrs)

Food preparation takes place 365 days per annum. Non-slip footwear is advised – thong flip-flops are not suitable as some floor areas are wet.
 

 

2.  The Prosciutto di Parma tour

…Langhirano Parma Ham 100% natural, it’s in the air!

  • SCENIC DRIVE
  • SALTING
  • CURING
  • AGEING
  • BRANDING ROOMS
  • RESERVE ROOM

Our second destination is equally awe inspiring as the first… the stunning drive and vinyard ascent is a photographers dream!

We have found a real treasure, a remarkable curing workshop of Prosciutto di Parma. Located high above the Langhirano valley  in the heart of the Parma Ham DOP production area, .



It’s all in the AIR

It is the along these Apennine foothills that conspire to create the unique conditions necessary to cure only genuine Parma Ham.

They say just salt, air and time is needed…

Italian Hams Prosciutto di Parma, Golosa culinary tours

But there is something else perhaps most fascinating of all that characterises this great legendary product:

the abiding union between Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.

We will see where the fresh haunches are selected an salted, visit the cooling, salting and “resting” rooms, each emulating the traditional annual curing seasons.

Best of all we will take you to the extraordinary cellar branding areas where the “Naso” or master nose deciphers the perfume of only the perfect product.

This is where we have truly the advantage over the rest because these vault house graded products aged in wood.

 

Please Note: most days the Prosciutto workshop  is a buzz with activity – On weekends this may not be the case.  We have access to the factory and will see all the processes for the gourmet Parma Ham.
 

Lunch is served!  Your afternoon delight!

… on the Parma hillside

  • SCENIC VIEWS
  • TASTINGS
  • WINE TASTINGS
  • CASTLE GROUNDS
  • COFFEE 

 



Top:  Your castle Lunch awaits

Above: OMGG!!!  Tortelli D’erbetta – finished in butter and Parmigiano Reggiano




Our lunch destination is above the Parma Ham Valley – simply the best lunch in Italy

 


 PARMA TRADIZIONALE Lunch Menu

‘Salumi Misti’ freshly sliced DOP cold cut products:
 
Parmigiano Reggiano
Prosciutto di Parma
Culatello, Coppa
Felino Salame
 
 GOURMET
…and for the full gourmet lunch the addition of:  
 
Tortelli filled with delicious spinach and ricotta, finished of course with freshly grated parmesan in clarified butter.
 
All this sipping IWC award winning wines overlooking wonderful vistas and the food valley area from the vinyeards of Langhirano.
 

 
And for a special treat – a world number one DOC traditional dry Lambrusco with full nectar nose, rich berry flavours and fresh clean finish.  Other wines include Malvasia, all grown in theimmediate  surrounding hills.
 
 
Our lunch finishes  at .2.30pm with light sweet biscotti or torta, with coffee or Grappa.  
 

 
Please request any special dietary requirements.
  


3.  The amazing Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale RE 

Our final destination Balsamico settles your day in the most perfect way.




 


 

The world’s greatest Balsamico producer

 … visit the Aceto batteria, the Vineyards and the hillside vistas… the incredible flavours finish our paradise 3 Kings tour.

 

  • SCENIC DRIVE
  • PHOTO SHOOT
  • IN THE LOFTS
  • TASTINGS
  • WINE TASTINGS (OPTIONAL EXTRA)

(Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia)

We are proud of our Balsamic tour because it is a rare location: special and utterly unique.

Another wow … a truly ancient world of the wine and balsamico maker.  Firstly you will see the splendid acres of surrounding vineyards and be guest of this renowned supplier of top outlets across the world.

The consorzio for this original DOP Balsamico product dates back to the 11th century.

         

First mentioned in historical writings in 1046 (da Piacenza), Balsamico is a real elixir for all Gourmet lovers, chefs or slow food fans.

After this tour you will never confuse it with ordinary Balsamic Vinegar.

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale it is produced solely from the finest grapes and never from soured wine vinegar like its Modenese industrial counterpart.


The sweetest white Trebbiano grapes are used to make this nectar, naturally grown and hand harvested – only the finest are selected by taste from the vineyard.

You will visit the Balsamic Must maturing rooms and the batteria lofts and taste 15 year old, 22 and 28 year old Balsamico from the antique barrels.

This sweet elixir helps you savour and digest a truly great day you will remember  for years to come.

 



  3 Kings Tour price summary 


 

PRICES (in euros)

 


 

Tour Starts
8.45am finishes around 3.30pm

MEETING POINTS – Bar Gianni


We can come to you at your Parma Hotel or meet at the 3 Kings meeting point


 

SELF DRIVE PRICES
full 3 destination tour

1-4 people  210-00

5-8 people 285.00

The day tour includes

  • 1. Parmigiano Reggiano – visit a small family producer
  • coffee option
  • 2. Parma ham – one of Parma’s leading Prosciutto makers
  • 3. Balsamico Tradizionale –  dropping in on a small truly artisan maker
  • In The Castle battlement restaurant:  Light tastings or Gourmet lunches – fresh fine produce and wines
  • Castle photo call
  • Vineyard stroll

 

Italian Hams Prosciutto di Parma, Golosa culinary tours

LUNCH & TASTING OPTIONS

Light lunch

28.00 per person 2 wines served  (the classic cold cuts and trimmings – with coffee to finish)

Gourmet Lunch

32.00 per person 2 wines served (Culatello served with the regional cold cuts, Tortelli, sweet nibbles and a nip of Grappa with coffee to finish)

Balsamico 3 ages tastings – Red, Silver and Gold vintages

6.00 euro per person

 


 

Special diet requirements can be catered for… Just let us know prior to booking.

 

 

LUXURY DRIVING OPTIONS

4 people 280.00

Mini bus 360.00

 

We accept your PayPal secure deposit

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CULATELLO & VERDI DAY TOUR PROFILE

 

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CULATELLO VERDI TOUR

Culatello is regarded as the greatest cured ‘cold cut’ on earth – can only be cured in November to January each year and aged with the mist of the Bassa and River Po.
The ancient curing and ageing caves are open to us in the most spectacular setting.

This is the home of great artistry and making.

SCENIC DRIVE
SALTING
CURING
AGEING
RESERVE ROOM
Tastings
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Casa Verdi
A walk around the Meastro composer’s country home.
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Gourmet Lunch in the shadows of the Casa Verdi.

Spectacular Culatello, Coppa and Prosciutto – with local rustic pasta Tortelli to finish – Torta and Coffee – 2 wines.
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THE STRADIVARI WORKSHOP

Visiting the great Violin makers and restorers of Cremona.

The Original workshops are open for us to visit where we watch and listen to the artisan craftsmen honing their fine products – we finish the day with coffee in the square.

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Tour Starts in Parma
8.45am finishes around 4.00pm in Cremona

MEETING POINTS – Bar Gianni OR as you require

We can come to you at your Parma Hotel or meet at one of the most suitable start/meeting points.

—————————————————————————————————–

SELF DRIVE PRICES

280.00 euros base cost min 2 ppl (2-4 ppl)

LUNCH
35.00 per person

—————————————————————————————————–

Special diet requirements can be catered for… Just let us know prior to booking.

—————————————————————————————————–

For special tour request please just ask.

—————————————————————————————————–

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BUDGET BEATER TOUR PROFILE


FWT Top Quality tour – great cafe lunch stop – cool lean price.

Self Drive

179.00 euros per couple plus lunch & balsamico tastings

COUPLES BUDGET BEATER TOUR!

A budget tour taking in Parmigiano Reggiano Parma Ham Balsamico with a great Parma Ham Cafe Lunch option: nice n easy on the wallet.

Absolutely the perfect Honeymoon present… Best Pricepoint Food Tour in Parma!

Torrechiara Castle Parma – Photo call in the heart of our Food Valley Golosi tour day

Profile 

1. Parmigiano Reggiano – visit a small family producer
2. Parma ham – one of Parma’s leading Prosciutto makers
3. Balsamico Tradizionale – dropping in on a regal estate and truly artisan maker

Light Lunch is your call - not included in the tour total

*Balsamico Vintage tastings  –  6.00 euros per person

Scenic Drive n Picnic or Light Lunch (you choose on the day in our langhirano Deli Cafe – )

Tour Starts 8.45am Parma – Finishes 3.00pm nr Reggio

All prices are in Euros

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1.  PARMIGIANO REGGIANO

Your FWT day starts with an incredible visit to one of the most revered makers of the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

COOKING
SALTING
AGEING

How they test the cheese

LIFTING THE CHEESE

 

TASTINGS
You will be amazed when you enter the cooking room to watch behind the scenes, the master and his family, cooking, separating the rich whey and lifting this magnificent DOP product.

 

Cheese Tour starts 9am (duration 2 hrs)

 

Open 365 days per annum. Non-slip footwear is advised – thong flip-flops are not suitable as some floor areas are wet.

 

—————————————————————————————————–

 

2.  PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA

 

…Langhirano Parma Ham 100% natural, it’s in the air!

 

SCENIC DRIVE
SALTING
CURING
AGEING
BRANDING ROOMS
RESERVE ROOM

 

It is the along these Apennine foothills that conspire to create the unique conditions necessary to cure only genuine Parma Ham.

 

They say just salt, air and time is needed…

 

Please Note: most days the Prosciutto workshop is a buzz with activity – On weekends this may not be the case. We have access to the factory and will see all the processes for the gourmet Parma Ham.

 

—————————————————————————————————–

3.  U BUY! YR PERFECT PICNIC OR LIGHT PROSCIUTTO LUNCH

We normally take a top top quality gourmet cafe lunch which is still absolutely fab! Cost per person c18-22.00euros

Mixed cold cuts Parma Ham, Salame, Coppa, great wines, coffee, biscotti

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4.  VINTAGE ORGANIC Balsamico Tradizionale Tour

SCENIC DRIVE
PHOTO SHOOTS
IN THE LOFTS
3 AGES TASTINGS -   The tasting charge is 6.00 euros per person
(Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia)

Escape to the hills!  First mentioned in historical writings in 1046 (da Piacenza), Balsamico is a real elixir for all Gourmet lovers, chefs or slow food fans.

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale it is produced solely from the finest grapes and never from soured wine vinegar like its Modenese industrial counterpart.

—————————————————————————————————–

 

START
8.45am

FINISH

Tour finishes at our Balsamico Vineyard around 3.00pm

TOUR START MEETING POINTS  to be confirmed on booking

We can come to you at your Parma Hotel or meet at a designated meeting point

 

—————————————————————————————————–

 

TASTING OPTIONS

Balsamico 3 ages tastings – Red, Silver and Gold vintages 

6.00 euro per person

 

Special diet requirements can be catered for… Just let us know prior to booking.

 

—————————————————————————————————–

 

LUXURY DRIVING OPTIONS      

 

4 people 280.00

 

Mini bus 360.00

 

For special tour request please just ask.

 

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Home Page: Meet your Food Tour Guides

Parma is many things … today it’s all yours


Caterina Conforti, CEO Food n Walk Tours, Parma

Welcome to Parma!

My name is Caterina Conforti, I was born in Parma and my family made both Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma for 3 generations, with my grandfather Paride Conforti heading the Parma Agricultural Consorzio for many years.

Quality is at the heart of my City and my Company.  

Welcome to Parma – I would love to show you my country.

Our Original Parma Food Tour – 3 Kings tour

The 3 Kings food tour is a delicious experience with the 3 best DOP destinations of Parma Ham, Parmesan Cheese and Reggio Emilia Balsamico Tradizionale – with the option of a Vineyard lunch or full Michelin Gourmet Lunch in the hills.

 Sara - Our lead tour guide with +10 years experience of showing clients around Parma and beyond.
Travel in Italy is a joy. We’ll open all nooks and all the doors, step through shadows and shed the light, explain the whole process, the technical detail, origins and traditions, making your trip in Italy truly special.
 
Nick - Senior Tour Host and Director FWT
Parma is a place I love and know you will too.  Welcome to the greatest food city in the world.

 

FWT VIDEOS on YOUTUBE

Our tours are fully customisable – bespoke service is our mission –  Cate, FWT

Book Today… you’ve everything to gain, including a few pounds!!
 
Tripadvisor Reviews
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FWT 3 Kings Food tour – Ham, Cheese, Balsamico, Castle Lunch, scenic drives…you can have it all!

”you said it was a Paradise tour… I wanted to hold you to that statement!.. and it is… everything … more’

Kinny – USA client

golosa valley parma tours food n walk


”Man this was the highspot of our European tour… absolutely amazing!!”

Everett, NYC USA


  –  your 3 Kings tour day starts with  

‘The King of Cheeses’

Our much revered Parmigiano Reggiano Tour



Your FWT day starts with an incredible visit to one of the most revered makers of the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.  

Here we enter another world…

  • COOKING
  • SALTING
  • AGEING
  • TASTINGS

You will be amazed when you enter the cooking room to watch behind the scenes, the master and his family, cookingseparating the rich whey and lifting this magnificent DOP product.


As we begin to realise the huge amount of care and daily toil this product requires we visit the salting and sculpturing room. From there we enter the ageing room: the stagionatura.


Here among countless row of wheels is where the  richest aroma enlivens the senses we learn how the Consorzio  test and skillfully hammer each and every wheel before the ritual of fire branding.

Parmesan on sugar maple / parma golosa tours 

Of course the tour is not complete until we watch the masters lift the wheels and celebrate the birth of the King of cheese.



The best part of all! … we taste this wonder with a dash of honey, balsamico and if we can twist you arm, a refreshing glass of crisp Malvasia white wine. A truly special start to our fabulous Food n Walk tour day.

Tour starts 9am (duration 2 hrs)

Food preparation takes place 365 days per annum. Non-slip footwear is advised – thong flip-flops are not suitable as some floor areas are wet.
 

 

2.  The Prosciutto di Parma tour

…Langhirano Parma Ham 100% natural, it’s in the air!

  • SCENIC DRIVE
  • SALTING
  • CURING
  • AGEING
  • BRANDING ROOMS
  • RESERVE ROOM

Our second destination is equally awe inspiring as the first… the stunning drive and vinyard ascent is a photographers dream!

We have found a real treasure, a remarkable curing workshop of Prosciutto di Parma. Located high above the Langhirano valley  in the heart of the Parma Ham DOP production area, .



It’s all in the AIR

It is the along these Apennine foothills that conspire to create the unique conditions necessary to cure only genuine Parma Ham.

They say just salt, air and time is needed…

Italian Hams Prosciutto di Parma, Golosa culinary tours

But there is something else perhaps most fascinating of all that characterises this great legendary product:

the abiding union between Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma.

We will see where the fresh haunches are selected an salted, visit the cooling, salting and “resting” rooms, each emulating the traditional annual curing seasons.

Best of all we will take you to the extraordinary cellar branding areas where the “Naso” or master nose deciphers the perfume of only the perfect product.

This is where we have truly the advantage over the rest because these vault house graded products aged in wood.

 

Please Note: most days the Prosciutto workshop  is a buzz with activity – On weekends this may not be the case.  We have access to the factory and will see all the processes for the gourmet Parma Ham.
 

Lunch is served!  Your afternoon delight!

… on the Parma hillside

  • SCENIC VIEWS
  • TASTINGS
  • WINE TASTINGS
  • CASTLE GROUNDS
  • COFFEE 

 



Top:  Your castle Lunch awaits

Above: OMGG!!!  Tortelli D’erbetta – finished in butter and Parmigiano Reggiano




Our lunch destination is above the Parma Ham Valley – simply the best lunch in Italy

 


 PARMA TRADIZIONALE Lunch Menu

‘Salumi Misti’ freshly sliced DOP cold cut products:
 
Parmigiano Reggiano
Prosciutto di Parma
Culatello, Coppa
Felino Salame
 
 GOURMET
…and for the full gourmet lunch the addition of:  
 
Tortelli filled with delicious spinach and ricotta, finished of course with freshly grated parmesan in clarified butter.
 
All this sipping IWC award winning wines overlooking wonderful vistas and the food valley area from the vinyeards of Langhirano.
 

 
And for a special treat – a world number one DOC traditional dry Lambrusco with full nectar nose, rich berry flavours and fresh clean finish.  Other wines include Malvasia, all grown in theimmediate  surrounding hills.
 
 
Our lunch finishes  at .2.30pm with light sweet biscotti or torta, with coffee or Grappa.  
 

 
Please request any special dietary requirements.
  


3.  The amazing Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale RE 

Our final destination Balsamico settles your day in the most perfect way.




 


 

The world’s greatest Balsamico producer

 … visit the Aceto batteria, the Vineyards and the hillside vistas… the incredible flavours finish our paradise 3 Kings tour.

 

  • SCENIC DRIVE
  • PHOTO SHOOT
  • IN THE LOFTS
  • TASTINGS
  • WINE TASTINGS (OPTIONAL EXTRA)

(Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia)

We are proud of our Balsamic tour because it is a rare location: special and utterly unique.

Another wow … a truly ancient world of the wine and balsamico maker.  Firstly you will see the splendid acres of surrounding vineyards and be guest of this renowned supplier of top outlets across the world.

The consorzio for this original DOP Balsamico product dates back to the 11th century.

         

First mentioned in historical writings in 1046 (da Piacenza), Balsamico is a real elixir for all Gourmet lovers, chefs or slow food fans.

After this tour you will never confuse it with ordinary Balsamic Vinegar.

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale it is produced solely from the finest grapes and never from soured wine vinegar like its Modenese industrial counterpart.


The sweetest white Trebbiano grapes are used to make this nectar, naturally grown and hand harvested – only the finest are selected by taste from the vineyard.

You will visit the Balsamic Must maturing rooms and the batteria lofts and taste 15 year old, 22 and 28 year old Balsamico from the antique barrels.

This sweet elixir helps you savour and digest a truly great day you will remember  for years to come.

 



  3 Kings Tour price summary 


 

PRICES (in euros)

 


 

Tour Starts
8.45am finishes around 3.30pm

MEETING POINTS – Bar Gianni


We can come to you at your Parma Hotel or meet at the 3 Kings meeting point


 

SELF DRIVE PRICES
full 3 destination tour

1-4 people  210-00

5-8 people 285.00

The day tour includes

  • 1. Parmigiano Reggiano – visit a small family producer
  • coffee option
  • 2. Parma ham – one of Parma’s leading Prosciutto makers
  • 3. Balsamico Tradizionale –  dropping in on a small truly artisan maker
  • In The Castle battlement restaurant:  Light tastings or Gourmet lunches – fresh fine produce and wines
  • Castle photo call
  • Vineyard stroll

 

Italian Hams Prosciutto di Parma, Golosa culinary tours

LUNCH & TASTING OPTIONS

Light lunch

28.00 per person 2 wines served  (the classic cold cuts and trimmings – with coffee to finish)

Gourmet Lunch

32.00 per person 2 wines served (Culatello served with the regional cold cuts, Tortelli, sweet nibbles and a nip of Grappa with coffee to finish)

Balsamico 3 ages tastings – Red, Silver and Gold vintages

6.00 euro per person

 


 

Special diet requirements can be catered for… Just let us know prior to booking.

 

 

LUXURY DRIVING OPTIONS

4 people 280.00

Mini bus 360.00

 

We accept your PayPal secure deposit

Client ref


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Delicious Delicious Delicious Italy!! – welcome to Food n Walk Balsamico, Parmesan and Parma Ham tours

TRULY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL Parma tour – with Food n Walk Tour host Nick

Welcome to real Italy … 

Nick, Parma’s much mooted ex-Golosa tour host, will ease you around this beautiful Italian gourmet food tour.

Food n Walk Tours Parma consist of superior quality self drive guided visits, to the production sites of some of Italy’s most famous DOP food products such as Prosciutto di Parma Ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as well as breathtaking strolls through Traditional Balsamic Vinegar studios of Reggio and Modena.

English is an incredibly narrative language. The benefits of having me as your mother tongue food tour host is the shared self effacing experience picking our way through the occasional hilarious gaffs, silence crackling language problems and total loss in translation… classic fun yet the bottom line is I know and love these products and watch my children thrive on them: I share and cherish them in a special way.

Nick Garrett

See Nicks Tripadvisor recommendations.

WE HAVE THE ULTIMATE FIRST WORD IN QUALITY – IT’S A GIVEN… WELCOME TO OUR PARMA FOOD AND WINE TASTING TOURS

Here we stand in the heart of Parmigiano DOP production Zone and this particular maker stands out as one of the very best… the King of cheese? Give me one reason why not: for health, cultural tradition and of course fantastic taste… this Gold medal producer, one of the 564 currently at work is right now cooking 6000 ltrs of fresh natural milk… but there is more… the magical healing properties of the whey… lets go see…

Tour host Nick: Quoting the start of the fantastic day…

You will have the opportunity of admiring and experience the different steps involved in the production. The tours are quite flexible and can fit in with your travel plans. Do contact Foodnwalk to create a tour just for you. We would like to invite you to enjoy a wonderful experience in the culture of our land, visiting the production sites of Parma ham, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, parmesan cheese and getting directly in touch with the ancestral tradition of Parma and its typical products.
parmagolosa3.jpg

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE TOUR

Parma FWT Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory visit. Visiting a “Caseificio” is like going back in time. The “King of the cheeses” actually has very old origins and today, like 7 centuries ago, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is still made following the same traditional and genuine methods. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is protected by the European Union and can only be produced in a restricted area, the so called “zona tipica”, which includes the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and a part of Bologna (left of the Reno river) and Mantova(right of the Po river). It takes about 2 hours to see the whole production, preferably early in the morning.

PARMA HAM TOUR QUOTE

Ok so if Parmigiano Reggiano relies on the grasslands and the milk quality then this next product goes one further: not only the earth, the land but the air is what finally steers this product to perfection… inside this workshop are three hundred thousand legs maturing for up to thirty months… nothing short of a miracle. One they perform here everyday since Etruscan times… five thousand years of culture inside these  walls… lets go live the next treasure…

The tour has started but the sights and aromas await…

The production area of Prosciutto di Parma or Parma ham is located in the southern part of Parma province. Here, and only here, can genuine Parma Ham be produced. Using very heavy and selected Italian pigs and following the traditional and genuine method, Prosciutto di Parma is still produced like it was about 2000 years ago. Only four ingredients are necessary to produce Parma ham: a pork leg, a minimum quantity of salt to preserve the meat, the air to dry it out, and time, a lot of time, at least 12 months to get a perfect flavor. The plant opens 7 days per week.

Culatello, the most prized cold cut of Parma

CULATELLO TOUR

This excellent product is strictly tied to the Po River and real Culatello is actually produced in 12 small villages of the so-called “Bassa Parmense”all located along the right side of the Po River. Culatello is made from the best part of a pork leg, carefully salted and cured in the humidity of the caves, where the Culatello rests for at least 11 months and bears all the flavor, the smells and the history of the river.
Parma Golosa take you Inside the Balsamico world

TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR TOUR

Balsamico Tour Quote

There are no words to describe the time taken in the creation of this nectar… here we see one of the truly amazing products of the world… and taste?  Our next tasting will take us to the definition of sweetness that is incomparable… First mentioned in 1046 this magical product has been made for Kings and paupers for millennia…
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia and of Modena is a real jewel for all gourmets and the estate we visit is often used in film production – breathtaking is the word.
It is a unique digestive condiment as it is produced directly from the finest grape juice. The liquid is then placed in wooden barrels and through an oxidation process over a dozen years it is transformed into aceto Balsamico.
As this process continues the sweetness overlays the residual 5% acidity until it becomes completely smooth with just a faint twist of aceto. The sweetness is both rich and delicate, complex yet far beyond that sugary taste of honey or sugar.

If honey were the finest wood – Balsamico is surely the Stradivari.

And yes it is super fabulous on strawberries or fine vanilla ice cream - gellato.
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Culatello tastings in Parma’s ancient cellars – Choose Food n Walk.com for Parma’s best Food Tours

A MAGICAL ITALIAN EXCUSION – PARMA GOLD PALAZZO TASTING TOUR EXPERIENCE FWT!

The perfect food tour with a fabulous cellar tasting at the Palazzo?

We are constantly asked for wine tasting destinations around Parma and now we proudly launch our Parma Gold Wine tasting in the city – Parma’s Piazza Duomo’s 13th century private tasting cellars now open to guests of Food n Walk tours… here you are invited to savour Parma’s DOP cold cuts, the fine wines, Parmigiano and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale – tastes to last a lifetime or more…

 

So that’s the best City destination by far.

You will taste special reserva Prosciutto di Parma, Felino salame (we will talk about the forthcoming Felino valley culinary tour right here shortly) along with Balsamico tradizionale, the very finest regional wines and of course the prized Culatello – all products are coveted by DPO standard and for sure the experience in the ancient vaults is an absolute jewel in the crown Ducale.  The perfect start to the Parma evening…

For a exclusive food and wine tasting in the Palazzo contact Nick or Vittorio info@foodnwalktours.com or simply fill out a contact form here

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For more info contact Caterina or Nick at info@foodnwalktours.com

————————————————————————————-

 

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Welcome to the City of Love…

 

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Villino di Porporano – the affordable Luxury Cool B&B country house, Parma

Villino di Porporano – the affordable Luxury B&B country house, Parma

When I first arrived at Villino to collect my clients for our Parma food tour, I was amazed how near it was to town … 8 minutes by car and here I was surrounded by countryside and the aroma of fresh coffee.

Elena arrived at the elegant gates of this wonderful country home.. greeted not only by her immediacy but by two pooches who immediately gave my shins a delightful massage!

”Come in Nick … want a coffee?”

Truth be known I’d just grabbed one but seeing the beautifully poured cappuccini on the cotton clad 17th century walnut table in the dining room I opted for another without a moment’s hesitation… that’s two in the space of half an hour!  God help my tourists!

Then followed the most delicious home baked brioche I had ever tasted and I felt completely at home…

”Where are you from Elena?”

”Near Abbruzzo in the centre but my husband is from Parma… I have just finished renovations here…”

”It looks fantastic… I love the style mix…”

Elena responded with a modesty so typical of Italians who really have a wealth of talent… yet decline such flattery.

The place is gorgeous and opens out in many directions into the garden, patios and into the beautiful dining area with rooms a generous extension of this masterclass of comfort casa interior design.

Coming from an interiors background I was and still am impressed.

 

 

Villino is the perfect retreat from the charming but zestful Parma whirl and makes a perfect romance or relaxation location with now a new pool – a big tick now for all the boxes.

But what really makes this place special is Elena and her family and in a city where to be honest genuine accommodation is not surprisingly a plenty the Villino is one of a hand full of places we regularly recommend to our clients.

That aside the food and trimmings are a dream – just look at their Tripadviosr reviews!

Welcome to Parma… it’s a given.

 

TRIPADVISOR EXTRACT for Villino

91 reviews

dianne40
Sterling, Virginia
Reviewer

4 reviews 4 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 starsReviewed 26 August 2012 NEW

My husband and I had a wonderful experience staying at this B&B. I think what I liked best was the beautiful grounds, Elena and her family, Paula, her assistant, the pool and the fantastic breakfast. Elena makes you feel like family. I was very sad to leave because she made our stay so nice. I loved the location, just outside…More 

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ginaminasnooks
darkest somerset
Contributor

17 reviews 17 reviews

Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 starsReviewed 17 August 2012

This B&B exudes sophistication and effortless charm. The fabric of the building and the rooms is very good, soft brick and linen. Airy public spaces comprise the large salon and loggia for breakfast. This meal was beautiful – with Parma ham (!) and feather light home made cakes, copious fresh orange juice, etc. Also, enjoy the fresh pool! The town…More 

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pncostello
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Contributor

11 reviews 11 reviews

Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 starsReviewed 29 July 2012

This B&B is in a separate villa building next to the owner’s home. The inside of the building has been completely renovated and the rooms fully decorated. The bathroom is modern and fully equipped. It is all beautiful. Elena the owner is a gracious hostess and a wonderful baker. Her homemade pastry for the breakfast is excellent. Sitting on the…More 

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Margaret T
Sydney, Australia
1 review
5 of 5 starsReviewed 26 July 2012

I cannot talk highly enough about our stay. My family stayed for 6 magical nights during our recent trip to Europe and I am so glad we decided to stop in Parma and in particular with Elena and Guiseppe at Villino di Porporana. The rooms were of outstanding quality and we loved the way the beautifual building was restored. Paula…

Article Nick Garrett, FWT host and director of tours

Tel. +39 0521 64 22 68
Fax. +39 0521 641083
Mobile. +39 349 41 26 037
E-mail: info@villinodiporporano.com Photos by Davide Gallico, Paolo Pasini and Jacopo Niccoli

 

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NEW Budget Tour – with Profile


 Streamline tour!  Same places as 3 Kings – simple lunch stop UBuy – lean prices!!!

COUPLES BUDGET BEATER TOUR!!!  a new optional Food n Walk Tour!

A budget tour taking in Parmigiano Reggiano Parma Ham Balsamico with a picnic lunch atop a mountain vista!!!

84.00 per person!!! SEPTEMBER OFFER (for tours booked after Sept 1 2012) – Couples Only – inc Balsamico tour n taste, Parmigiano tour n tasting, Parma ham tour n picnic…

The Best Pricepoint Food Tour in Parma!

Torrechiara Castle Parma – Photo call in the heart of our Food Valley Golosi tour day

The BB day tour

Profile 

1. Parmigiano Reggiano – visit a small family producer
2. Parma ham – one of Parma’s leading Prosciutto makers
3. Balsamico Tradizionale – dropping in on a regal estate and truly artisan maker

Light Lunch is your call – not included in the tour total

Balsamico Vintage tastings 6.00 per person

Scenic Drive n Picnic or Light Lunch (you choose on the day in our langhirano Deli Cafe – )

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PARMIGIANO REGGIANO

Your FWT day starts with an incredible visit to one of the most revered makers of the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

 

COOKING
SALTING
AGEING

How they test the cheese

LIFTING THE CHEESE

 

TASTINGS
You will be amazed when you enter the cooking room to watch behind the scenes, the master and his family, cooking, separating the rich whey and lifting this magnificent DOP product.

 

Cheese Tour starts 9am (duration 2 hrs)

 

Food preparation takes place 365 days per annum. Non-slip footwear is advised – thong flip-flops are not suitable as some floor areas are wet.

 

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PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA

 

…Langhirano Parma Ham 100% natural, it’s in the air!

 

SCENIC DRIVE
SALTING
CURING
AGEING
BRANDING ROOMS
RESERVE ROOM

 

It is the along these Apennine foothills that conspire to create the unique conditions necessary to cure only genuine Parma Ham.

 

They say just salt, air and time is needed…

 

Please Note: most days the Prosciutto workshop is a buzz with activity – On weekends this may not be the case. We have access to the factory and will see all the processes for the gourmet Parma Ham.

 

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PICNIC

 

Choose from our delicious local quality gastrononia Cafe a selection of food as we head into the hills for our Ham Tour.

 

If it’s raining or a tad cool, we’ll choose to stay in the cafe.

 

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Balsamico Tradizionale Tour

 

SCENIC DRIVE
PHOTO SHOOTS
IN THE LOFTS
3 AGES TASTINGS – 6.00 euros per person
(Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia)

 

First mentioned in historical writings in 1046 (da Piacenza), Balsamico is a real elixir for all Gourmet lovers, chefs or slow food fans.

 

Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale it is produced solely from the finest grapes and never from soured wine vinegar like its Modenese industrial counterpart.

 

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PRICES (in euros)  84.00 per person
Tour Starts
8.45am finishes around 3.00pm

 

MEETING POINTS – Bar Gianni

 

We can come to you at your Parma Hotel or meet at the 3 Kings meeting point

 

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SELF DRIVE PRICES

 

89.00 euros per person min 2 ppl

 

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TASTING OPTIONS

 

Balsamico 3 ages tastings – Red, Silver and Gold vintages

 

6.00 euro per person

 

Special diet requirements can be catered for… Just let us know prior to booking.

 

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LUXURY DRIVING OPTIONS      

 

4 people 280.00

 

Mini bus 360.00

 

 

 

For special tour request please just ask.

 

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on the brink.. Season to season Passo Della Cisa Walks

Our food day brings you to the border with Tuscany at 1140m – we can walk the mountain trail all day and picnic … if you like

      

 

The Brink of Heaven – The incredible Passo Della Cisa walk

Food n Walk Tours.



 

 

 

Spectacular Italy! The Passo della Cisa Winter’s end March 2011

07MAR

FB Gallery of new images

 

Above:  The  Cai VF 00 track rising from Passo della Cisa

Today we went up to Passo della Cisa and I took a look at a trek link which is simply going to be out of this world when I get along it in April.

This is the link used for centuries since Saint Francis set course for Rome. At this point it reaches 1048mabove sea level.

The Massa Carrara from Cisa

See facebook link

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2115197&id=1173513226

The steps here (in Emilia Romagna)  lead past the church to the left or right adjoining the track behind thebell tower (sited in Tuscany) and pine clad mountains, climbing up the ridge following due west, across the Bratello range descending the valley toward Pontremoli… and Cinque Terre.

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Parma Food Tours – choosing the best one… talking Quality and Ham tours

You have a choice

This Parma Ham tour destination…

or

… this one.

FWT give you only the very best… in a word   p  a  r  a  d  i  s  e.

Contact us for further tour details.

 

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Paradise tours – Food n Walk, the finest culinary food tours of Parma


Our days are incredible…

Cool combos: Organic fruit orchards, vineyards and healthy eating…

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NEW BUDGET BEATER TOUR!!! WTFood Tour! 89.00 per person Full day picnic inc

 


 NEW BUDGET BEATER SELF-DRIVE TOUR!!!  WTFood Tour!  

An all new budget tour taking in Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma Ham, Balsamico with a picnic lunch atop a mountain vista!!!

         S p e c i a l   S p e c i a l   S p e c i a l   S p e c i a l  


89.00 per person - min 2 peeps – inc Balsamico tasting, Parmigiano tasting, amazing Parma ham tour and panoramic picnic!!!

 Contact Us  for availability and slots

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Parmigiano Reggiano tour – Beauty food paradise with Food n Walk parma

Parmigiano Meastra Anna with her fold – Francesca and Alessandro at the cheese factory – FWT Paradise Tours


On arriving at our first desitination the first thing to notice is the family nature of the Caseficio cheese making house – it’s a home first and we enter the personal space of the family.

Their day starts at 4.30 finishing at 9pm 365 days a year… ‘weekend’ is a distant notion!

Dedication saturates the place – our first room is the cooking area and by 9 am the makers are wielding the spinola and separating the milk forming curds and whey.  Little Miss Muffet would be going nuts in here!

Below:  Dada and gramps making the cheese…

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Balsamico heaven – Food n walk tour at its absolute finest

Our Food n Walk Balsamico Tour – Organic beauty in a Heavenly Estate

This product has distinction and sublime flavours… no kitchen (or chef) is complete without it (and a kilo of 24mth Parmigiano Reggiano in the fridge)

Our tours are simply beyond the reach of our competitors.. yet within the reach of you, our new client – enjoy the beauty, inspiration and fun.

FWT

 

 

 

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THE Natural High! Parma Hillside tours 640m

 
 
 
Looking for a natural high!!?? Our tour below starts off at double the height of the Shard London!

Walking days … in the lap

Our days in the Porcini and Truffle hills and mountains are absolutely delightful… amidst nature, 11th century hamlets and of course great food tasting treats abound!


PARMA HILLSIDE WALKS

Country strolls with lunch and picnic snack stop offs – 5 hrs

hamlets and of course great food tasting treats abound!


PARMA FWT



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Magical Country Food strolling – The Parma Hills, Italy

 
 
 
Looking for a natural high!!?? Our tour below starts off at double the height of the Shard London!

Walking days … in the lap

   Bergotto range 640m ABSL – Our start point

Our days in the Porcini and Truffle hills and mountains are absolutely delightful… amidst nature, 11th century hamlets and of course great food tasting treats abound!


PARMA HILLSIDE WALKS

Country strolls with lunch and picnic snack stop offs – 5 hrs

1-3 hr walks
Lunch
Stroll



We will collect you from Berceto rail station and whisk you into the ancient pilgrims hillside pathways… It is incredible… and sits in the heart of Cisa Porcini DPO consortzio.

The walks start with the ritual of collecting fresh mountain water from the ancient spring.  The taste is wonderful.  From there we stroll alongside the river and take the track up through the aromatic pine forests… the lungs say a huge thank you at this point!

Walking for 20 minutes we reach the levelling out within the cool canopy of pines – we settle next to a 16th century ruin and get into a refreshing snack with a locally made picnic setting including benches and tables.

From here we can rummage around looking for the fantastic Porcini mushrooms.


Lunch has a fabulous rustic option or two!!

We can visit a superb famous Porcini restaurant Manubiola in the next village or opt for a roasted pizza at the superb Bar Jasoni at the  foot of the hill.

… the food like everything else here, is absolutely out of this world.

On weekends the regional art gallery is open (just 25m from the pizzeria) with a fascinating artist on display – the perfect after-lunch relaxer.

The village is surrounded by superb walks and pathways so enjoy yourselves and take to the hills.


An after lunch stroll and breath of freshest air!———————-


San Bernardo Mine trek

The walk tracks uphill for 1.5 hrs to a simply divine waterfall and rock pool summit.

Stop offs and views across to Tuscany.
Spring water tasting and collection, fresh from the mountain
Hillside trek
Picnic
return Lunch
Gallery visit (weekends)

1-4 people 115.00
4.8 people 160.00

LUNCH OPTION AS IN 3 KINGS TOUR


Porcini Trek and smugglers trail


Spring water tasting

Hillside trek and hunt
Picnic Lunch
Gallery visit (weekends)

1-4 people 180.00
4.8 people 280.00

Light or Full lunch as above

All prices are in Euros.
Deposit of 18.00 euros paid at time of booking

 


click here to enter the FWT 3 Kings tours of the Parma Italian foodie world… enter!


 

FWT  Tour Pricing

 


 

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3 Kings Tour: A Breathtaking tour, Food n Walk Parma Food Tour Prices


 

IT REALLY IS A PERFECT PARMA FOOD TOUR! 3 Kings Tour

The Castle, the Palace, the Valleys, our Masters, flavours and company are the best.

1-2  people  210.00 base 

3 -4 people 240-00 base 

5-8 people 285.00  base

all + Lunch and Balsamico

e-details and options - mouse+click

A factory of Parmigiano-Reggiano. There are tw...
         Parmigiano-Reggiano.

No1 Parmigiano-Reggiano Parma Ham and Balsamico Tour

All DPO products – Classic locations – beauty spots – Castle and Vineyards strolls – Photo calls and lots of treats

We go the extra.. 

We are a new tour co… we are making big claims… how so?  Just look at our tour profile.

Come and see 3,000 wheels, 900 barrels and 300,000 legs of Ham in the most resplendent destinations!

 


 


 Yay! You’ve found it – The best quality food tour in Italy – Food n Walk tours… just compare our destinations.

Parma Golosa take you Inside the Balsamico world
Parma Food n Walk tours take you Inside the Balsamico world


The Parmesan Cheesmakers, 3 generations – welcome to a great destination



 Your Ultimate Food Tour:  3 Kings Food n walk Tours, Parma 

At every turn… something to treasure – no kidding this is an unbelievable tour.  Above our breathtaking Palazzo Balsamico destination.

Here it is... touch it, taste it!... Parma Golosa
 
Here it is… The King of Cheese: touch it, taste it!… Parma FWT

Book your FWTour with Caterina at info@foodnwalktours.com

 

SELF DRIVE PRICES  -  2012-2013

1-2  people  210.00 base

3 -4 people 240-00 base

5-8 people 285.00  base

all + Lunch and Balsamico

 


 

BOOKING DIRECT

Now you can decide on a Parma FWTour based on a really full selection of material and information.

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VIDEOS Porcini trail across the mountains – Food n Walk Tours .com

 

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OUR PORCINI STROLL VIDEOS

The snow peaks of Passo della Cisa – Food n Walk tours head right through here during spring to fall… sensational days for around 70.00 euros a head…

 

BELOW – Walking through the Porcini ranges of Cisa

 

FWT

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THE BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD? defo Bar Nadia’s Corchia


 

THE BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD?

 

DEFO!!

Trattoria Corchia, Berceto


 

Valutazione
Valutazione
3 Opinioni

La Community dice

Ciao a tutti…dopo aver sentito ottime recensioni di questo posticino abbarbicato in un paesino della collina Parmense, non ho potuto resistere! E ne è valsa la pena. Si trova a Corchia, in… continua

Click here to find out more!


 Opinioni

per Trattoria Corchia, Berceto

  • 11 su 11 utenti Ciao hanno valutato quest’opinione come utile

    Utente da 15/03/2007

    Opinioni scritte: 52

    Prodotto raccomandato dall'utente

    Vantaggi Vantaggi pizza cotta nei testi, cucina tipica

    Svantaggi Svantaggi la strada per arrivarvi

    Oggi sono a parlarvi di una piccola trattoria molto carina che si trova in un piccolissimo paesino sull’Appennino Parmense: Corchia da cui la trattoria prende proprio il nome. Questo paesino si trova nel comune di Berceto in provincia di Parma ed è un piccolo abitato con uno strettissimo nucleo di case in sasso perfettamente conservate La strada per arrivarvi è un pò tortuosa ma sicuramente ne vale la pena, soprattutto per gustare una pizza fuori dal comune, a partire dalla cottura fatta nei testi. I testi per chi non li conoscesse sono un tipico modo di cuocere di questa zona e soprattutto … continua
  • 13 su 13 utenti Ciao hanno valutato quest’opinione come utile

    Foto di WayanLivello 2 Wayan


    Utente da 01/03/2008

    Opinioni scritte: 37

    Prodotto raccomandato dall'utente

    Vantaggi Vantaggi posto incantevole, pizza buonissima

    Svantaggi Svantaggi la strada per arrivare

    Ciao a tutti…dopo aver sentito ottime recensioni di questo posticino abbarbicato in un paesino della collina Parmense, non ho potuto resistere! E ne è valsa la pena. Si trova a Corchia, in provincia di Berceto e la strada per arrivarvi è veramente tortuosa, io poi abito anche lontano…ma troverete ad accogliervi un posto magico che sembra essersi fermato nel tempo, tante casette tutte in sasso, ognuna con il suo giardinetto ben curato, circondate da boschi di castagni. Un vero e proprio villaggio medievale. Un piccolo museo di storia dell’arte contadina e una chiesa, stop, nessun negozio … continua
  • 24 su 24 utenti Ciao hanno valutato quest’opinione come utile
    5 Stelle Mini Opinione su Trattoria Corchia, Berceto di Livello 1 padafermo 09/10/2007
    Ottimo rapporto qualità-prezzo. I cibi sono genuini e nonostante pranzi luculliani si digerisce tutto tranquillamente. Per arrivarci la strada non è delle migliori, ma lo spettacolo dei castagneti pieni di ricci è notevole (nella stagione giusta: ottobre)

     Food n Walk tours float yr boat?  Like us!

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