Wine touring in Emilia-Romagna cuts straight to the heart of Italian wine culture. These carefully crafted tours pack real value and authentic experiences. Two standouts deserve special mention: The Bologna Hills experience connects visitors with the family-run Manaresi estate, where you’ll taste wines right where they’re made. The Emilia Romagna food and wine tour smartly combines local wines with the region’s famous cuisine.
I’m particularly fond of the Monte Delle Vigne route – it’s less touristy and offers intimate tastings in a historic setting. The Parma region tour impresses by mixing wine tasting with Parmigiano Reggiano visits and valley views that most travelers miss.
Let’s explore these outstanding wine tours worth your time and money:
Good To Know
- Manaresi wine estate offers a guided wine tour and tasting in the Bologna Hills, featuring 3-4 signature varietals like Pignoletto and Merlot.
- The Superior Tasting Experience in Emilia Romagna provides a private, intimate tasting of exquisite wines and local olive oils with food pairings.
- The Monte Delle Vigne Tour and Tasting focuses on exploring Emilia-Romagna’s winemaking tradition through a vineyard and cellar visit followed by a tasting of three wines.
- The Hidden Treasures Tour in Parma combines art, wine, and culinary exploration, including a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tasting and a visit to a wine museum.
- The Wine & Food Tasting Tour in Salsomaggiore Terme offers a guided tour of a local vineyard and cellar with five wine tastings in an intimate setting.
Winetour and Tasting on Bologna Hills, Guided by the Wine Grower
Embarking on a wine tour and tasting experience in the Bologna hills, travelers will be guided by the skilled wine growers of the renowned Manaresi wine estate.
The tour offers a 100% traveler recommendation and provides a behind-the-scenes look into the estate’s vineyard and wine production processes. Guests will sample 3-4 of the estate’s signature varietals, including the Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto, Bologna Bianco 270, Merlot, Bologna Rosso Controluce, Barbera Flora Italica, and Rosato.
The experience also includes a vineyard tour and insights into the winemaking techniques. Conveniently, the tour can be booked online for quick confirmation, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Priced from $40.95 per person, the tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, with a reserve-now-pay-later option available. Transportation and bottled water are included, though food is not.
The meeting point is easily accessible by car, train, or bus, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Read our full review: Winetour and Tasting on Bologna Hills, Guided by the Wine Grower Review
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Superior Tasting, 2 Glasses of Wine and 2 Extra Virgin Olive Oils With Products From the Local Area
Travelers visiting the Emilia Romagna region can indulge in a superior tasting experience that showcases two glasses of exquisite wine and two extra virgin olive oils sourced from the local area and an agricultural estate.
This private activity allows only your group to participate, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The tasting is complemented by home-made bread and vegetables, providing the opportunity to test your pairing skills.
The meeting point is in Castel San Pietro Terme, and the activity ends back at the same location.
The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
With a total of one positive review and a 5.0-star rating, this superior tasting isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers but is suitable for most participants.
Guests can expect a guided exploration of the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oils and wines, seeing the flavors of Emilia Romagna.
Read our full review: Superior Tasting, 2 Glasses of Wine and 2 Extra Virgin Olive Oils With Products From the Local Area Review
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The Iconic Ones of Parma: Visit and Wine Tasting at Monte Delle Vigne
Although Emilia-Romagna is renowned for its culinary delights, the winemaking tradition in the region also shines brightly. One opportunity to experience this is the tour and tasting at Monte delle Vigne. This tour includes a visit to the vineyards and cellar, followed by a tasting of three wines and local food products.
The tour starts and ends at the meeting point in Ozzano Taro, and is accessible to strollers, though not wheelchair users. Infants must sit on laps during the experience. Up to 8 travelers can participate, and most will be able to join.
Reviews for this tour are limited, with only 2 in total, resulting in an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. While the details of the experience sound promising, the lack of extensive feedback makes it difficult to gauge the overall quality.
Nonetheless, for those interested in exploring Emilia-Romagna’s renowned wine culture, the tour at Monte delle Vigne may be worth considering.
Read our full review: The Iconic Ones of Parma: Visit and Wine Tasting at Monte Delle Vigne Review
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Hidden Treasures Among Art, Wine and Parmigiano Reggiano in Parma Surroundings
Beyond the renowned wines of Monte delle Vigne, Parma’s surrounding region offers a captivating blend of art, wine, and the celebrated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
This private guided tour takes you on a journey through these hidden treasures, beginning with a tasting of three distinct seasonings of the iconic Parmigiano Reggiano.
Next, you’ll venture to the Rocca San Vitale, a historic fortress that now houses a wine museum, where you’ll explore the rich winemaking legacy of the area.
The tour culminates at the Rocca Di Sala Baganza, a stunning castle that provides panoramic views of the picturesque countryside.
Throughout the experience, you’ll be accompanied by a private, qualified guide who’ll share their expertise and insights, ensuring you make the most of your exploration of Parma’s artistic, culinary, and oenological wonders.
With a price tag starting from $195.18 per person, this tour offers an immersive and exclusive encounter with the region’s hidden gems.
Read our full review: Hidden Treasures Among Art, Wine and Parmigiano Reggiano in Parma Surroundings Review
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Wine & Food Tasting Tour in Salsomaggiore Terme
Nestled in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, the Wine & Food Tasting Tour in Salsomaggiore Terme offers visitors a delightful opportunity to enjoy the region’s renowned culinary and oenological delights.
The experience includes a guided tour of a local vineyard and cellar, followed by a tasting of five carefully selected wines, accompanied by a sampling of local products and water.
The tour takes place in a shared setting with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The meeting point is at Località Cangelasio, 199, in Salsomaggiore Terme, and the activity ends back at the same location. Full address details are provided after booking for privacy reasons.
Priced from $89.24 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins, and a “reserve now, pay later” option is available.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for most visitors.
Read our full review: Wine & Food Tasting Tour in Salsomaggiore Terme Review
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Piacenza Organic Wine Tasting and Lunch Among Medieval Hamlets
Visitors to Emilia-Romagna can discover the region’s renowned organic wines and medieval charm on the Piacenza Organic Wine Tasting and Lunch Among Medieval Hamlets experience.
This private tour starts at 9 AM and takes guests on a guided journey through the picturesque countryside. Along the way, you will enjoy a tasting of five different organic wines paired with local cured meats, cheeses, and traditional bites.
The tour also includes a visit to the historic town of Vigoleno, where travelers can savor the unique Vin Santo di Vigoleno. With the option to include transportation or self-drive, the experience caters to various needs.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the moderate 2.5 km walk is stroller-friendly. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
Cancelation is free up to 24 hours prior, and the price starts at $377.97 per person, varying by group size.
Read our full review: Piacenza Organic Wine Tasting and Lunch Among Medieval Hamlets Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times of Year to Visit Emilia Romagna?
The best times to visit Emilia Romagna are spring and fall. The weather’s mild, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Summer’s hot, while winters can be cold, making these seasons less ideal for exploring the region’s historic cities and countryside.
Do the Tours Accommodate Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Dietary Needs?
Many wine tour companies in Emilia Romagna accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs. They often offer alternative food options or custom menus to cater to different dietary restrictions during the tours.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Group Bookings?
Many wine tour providers offer discounts for group bookings, like 10% off for groups of 6 or more. Some also package tours with meals or additional activities at a reduced rate. It’s best to inquire about group pricing when booking.
How Long Are the Typical Wine Tasting and Tour Experiences?
The typical wine tasting and tour experiences last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. They often include visits to multiple vineyards, guided tastings, and opportunities to learn about the winemaking process. Many tours also offer discounts for group bookings.
Are There Any Special Events or Festivals in the Region During the Tours?
Many wine tours in the region feature special events and festivals, such as grape harvests, wine pairings, and cultural celebrations. These events provide a unique opportunity to experience the local traditions and flavors of Emilia Romagna.
The Sum Up
Emilia Romagna’s wine tours offer a diverse range of experiences. Visitors can explore the rolling hills of Bologna, savor the iconic wines of Parma, and discover organic gems in Piacenza. Each tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich viticultural heritage and indulge in its renowned gastronomy. Whether seeking a guided tasting or a deeper dive into the local culture, Emilia Romagna’s wine tours cater to every wine enthusiast’s palate.