Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour & Tasting near Parma

Imagine walking through a 120-year-old cheese-making facility, learning about the craftsmanship behind Italy’s most celebrated cheese, and tasting it at perfect maturity. That’s exactly what this Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour near Parma offers — a thoughtfully curated experience that combines tradition, flavor, and sustainability. Whether you’re a cheese newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, this tour promises to give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of Italy’s most iconic culinary treasures.

What makes this experience especially appealing are the expert guides who bring the process to life, the chance to see hundreds of cheese wheels aging, and the opportunity to pair the cheese with regional wine. Plus, the focus on environmentally friendly farming practices adds an educational touch for eco-conscious travelers. That said, a possible drawback is the limited access to the production rooms — these are only open during specific times in the morning — so timing your visit is key.

This tour is best suited for food lovers, culture seekers, and anyone curious about Italy’s gastronomic heritage. If you’re visiting Parma or Emilia-Romagna and want a genuine, hands-on experience, this is a fantastic choice. Now, let’s unpack what makes it worth considering.

Good To Know

• Authentic Craftsmanship: See traditional Parmigiano Reggiano getting made by skilled artisans.
• Aging Rooms: Explore vast storage areas with hundreds of cheese wheels at different stages.
• Tasting Experience: Try three distinct aged cheeses (15, 24, and 36 months) with regional wine.
• Educational Content: Learn about sustainable farming and animal welfare practices.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Lorenzo enhance understanding and engagement.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 10 participants) ensure a more personal experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience Overview

This Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour is rooted in a heritage dating back to 1895, showcasing a process that balances time-honored techniques with modern eco-conscious methods. Starting in Noceto, just a 30-minute drive from Parma, the experience begins at Azienda Agricola Bertinelli, a farm and cheese production site committed to sustainable practices.

The Guided Tour

The tour lasts about 40 minutes and is led by an engaging guide — reviews highlight guides like Lorenzo, who make complex cheese-making details accessible and lively. You’ll first step into the production rooms, where you witness the traditional methods of curdling, shaping, and pressing the cheese. It’s a rare chance to see the intricate craftsmanship that transforms fresh milk into the beloved wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Keep in mind that access to the production rooms is limited to specific times, notably at 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM. If you’re an early riser or planning your day carefully, you’ll want to check availability and book in advance.

The Aging Rooms

Post-production, the tour takes you into the massive aging halls — a highlight for many visitors. These rooms are filled with hundreds of cheese wheels, stacked and aging in a climate-controlled environment. Walking through these vast spaces, you get a real sense of the scale and patience involved in creating high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano.

The ambiance here is quiet, almost meditative, with the scent of cheese filling the air. As one reviewer noted, the factory is pretty cool, and viewing the aging process provides an appreciation for the meticulous care that goes into each wheel. This part of the tour emphasizes how time influences flavor and texture, with older cheeses developing richer and more complex profiles.

The Video and Educational Content

After the physical tour, you’ll watch a short video lesson explaining the cheese-making process, which can be delivered in multiple languages. This visual aid helps reinforce what you’ve seen and provides context to the steps involved. It also emphasizes the tradition and innovation behind Parmigiano Reggiano.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Tasting Session

No cheese tour is complete without tasting, and this experience excels here. You’ll sample three different ages: 15, 24, and 36 months. Each offers a distinct texture and flavor profile — the younger cheese tends to be more crumbly and milky, while the older versions are firmer with nutty, umami notes.

According to reviewers, the tasting of aged cheeses is a highlight, complemented by Parmigiano cream, which adds a luscious richness. You’ll also enjoy a regional wine, with options like Lambrusco or Malvasia, to enhance the tasting. Water and accompaniments are provided to cleanse your palate between samples.

One visitor described the experience as a “perfect conclusion” to the tour, noting that the combination of cheese and wine made their experience “drawl,” meaning they couldn’t get enough of it. The tasting isn’t rushed, allowing enough time to savor and compare the different ages.

Focus on Sustainability and Animal Welfare

Beyond the cheese itself, this farm’s emphasis on sustainable farming practices and animal welfare adds depth to the experience. The cows are fed organic feed, and the farm’s methods reflect a commitment to harmonizing food production with environmental care. This aspect resonates with travelers wanting to support responsible agriculture and understand how eco-friendly methods influence flavor and quality.

Practical Details

Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Azienda Agricola Bertinelli in Noceto, close to Parma.
• Guided tour of the cheese-making process (approx. 40 minutes).
• Visit to aging rooms with hundreds of cheese wheels.
• Video presentation about Parmigiano Reggiano production.
• Cheese tasting of three aged varieties with regional wine and Parmigiano cream.
• Return to the starting point.

What’s Included

• Guided visit with insights into cheese production and aging rooms.
• Tasting of three cheeses (15, 24, and 36 months).
• One glass of regional wine.
• Water.

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to and from the farm (about 30 minutes by car or public transit).
• Additional food or drinks outside the tasting.

When and How to Book

Tours are available at specific times, most notably at 7:30 and 8:30 in the morning, which fit well for early risers or those wanting to maximize their day. The tour is limited to small groups of 10, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunity for questions.

Price and Value

At $55.80 per person, the cost includes a comprehensive tour, expert guidance, and multiple tastings — a good deal considering the depth of insight and access you get. The experience offers more than just tasting; it provides a deeper understanding of traditional cheese-making, sustainability, and regional cuisine.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Several visitors praised the guides, especially Lorenzo, whose explanations made the process engaging and accessible. Natalia commented, “Lorenzo is an excellent guide, perfect at explaining how real parmigiano is made,” emphasizing the value of knowledgeable guides.

The cheese tasting itself is frequently highlighted, with Anastasia noting, “Finally tasting it with wine gave the perfect conclusion that made us drawl.” The opportunity to compare different ages of cheese and enjoy regional wine makes the experience memorable.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies who want to understand Italy’s cheese culture firsthand. It’s also ideal for cultural travelers interested in traditional production methods and eco-conscious visitors who value sustainable practices. The manageable group size, knowledgeable guides, and authentic setting make it suitable for couples, small groups, and even families with older children.

The Sum Up

The Parmesan Cheese Factory Tour near Parma offers an authentic, educational, and delicious look into Italy’s renowned cheese-making tradition. With expert guides, a focus on sustainability, and a memorable tasting session, it’s a rich experience that rewards curiosity and appreciation for craftsmanship. Whether you’re a cheese lover or simply want a meaningful cultural activity, this tour balances value, authenticity, and fun.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate the art behind food and enjoy learning about regional specialties in a relaxed, friendly environment. If you’re heading to Parma and want to sample Italy’s culinary crown jewel in its original setting, this tour is a deliciously worthwhile choice.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially since the tours are small and scheduled at specific times. Booking ahead ensures availability.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange travel to Noceto, approximately a 30-minute drive from Parma.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak English, French, Italian, and German, making it accessible for diverse travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The guided portion lasts about 40 minutes, with additional time for tasting and viewing aging rooms.

Can I visit if I have lactose intolerance?
The tour isn’t suitable for those with lactose intolerance because of the cheese tasting.

Is the factory accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience states that it is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking and indoor visits.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is family-friendly, but check with the provider if you have very young children.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a limit on the number of participants?
Yes, small groups are limited to 10 people for a more intimate experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: