It has long been known that while those who book a villa in Italy can expect to eat well throughout their vacation, those who choose a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna will get to dive into the foodie core of the country. In particular, the area called the Food Valley between the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena and Romanga, has an unparalleled amount of PDO and PGI foods and wines. In addition to these products, there is a wealth of incredible local dishes and foodie traditions as well, which is probably why this part of the world boasts a whopping twenty-five different museums that are entirely dedicated to different foods and food products. So, if you’re a dedicated food-lover who not only wants to eat well but also wants to learn more about some of the most beloved and high-quality products and ingredients in Italy, check out these specialised museums...
1. Parmigiano Reggiano Museum
Corte Castellazzi, Via Volta, 5, 43019 Soragna PR, Italia
Dedicated to the cheese that adds that perfect kick to endless pasta dishes, salads, and more, the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum in Soragna is located in a distinctive round old cheese factory on the grounds of Meli-Lupi di Soragna Castle. With the oldest part of the dairy dating back to 1848, this charmingly historic setting is the perfect place to learn all about the production of parmesan. Finish the tour off in the tasting room to enjoy the whole experience to the fullest.
2. Parma Ham Museum
Via Fabio Bocchialini, 7, 43013 Langhirano PR, Italia
Another famous and beloved product of Italy, the museum dedicated to Parma Ham is located in Langhirano, which is the cured ham district and home to a festival dedicated to the product as well. Located in the historic Foro Boario, the museum educates visitors on the pig breeds and the salt used, the production methods, and the uses of Parma Ham. And, as with the parmesan museum, it all ends at the in-house prosciutteria for a tasting.
3. Tomato Museum
Str. Giarola, 11, 43044 Collecchio PR, Italia
Despite being such a key part of so many quintessential Italian dishes, the tomato only really made its way to Italy in the 19th century, once conservation methods were developed that could get the fruit across the Atlantic, from the New World. The first tomatoes, however, began to be used in Italy in the 1600s, with the first recorded recipe using them in Italian cuisine coming from Tuscany in 1705. A transformative ingredient, it was also central to the development of conservation and cultivation techniques that would change, not only Italian cuisine, but also global food practices forever. Learn all about it at the Tomato Museum in the lush surroundings of Collecchio while enjoying a stay in one of our villas in Emilia Romagna.
4. Museum of Pasta
Str. Giarola, 11, 43044 Collecchio PR, Italia
While you’re at the Tomato Museum, be sure to also visit the Museum of Pasta, located in the same building, the Corte di Giarola, between Collecchio and Ozzano Taro. Perhaps the most central ingredient to Italian cuisine, this museum brings you through the history of making pasta both commercially and at home, showcases a replica of a nineteenth century pasta factory, and exhibits postcards, adverts, paintings, stamps, and more that illustrate the culture of pasta in Italy.
5. Wine Museum
Strada per Sant’Ilario, 68, Montecchio Emilia RE, Italia
Another key ingredient for foodie culture and life in Italy, the Wine Museum can be found in the evocative cellars of the Rocca di Sala Baganza, a large castle and country house with a basement now dedicated to food museums. Tracing the rich history of wine in the area from the early production of wine by the Ancient Romans, to the local adoption of the Celtic style of drinking wine straight (without watering it down or adding spices as the Greeks and Romans did), to harvesting and production processes throughout the ages, to ageing and storage and bottling techniques, and beyond, you’ll see the objects used as well as works of art and ancient artefacts that help tell the story. At the end, in the little wine shop, you can enjoy the best part – getting to taste some incredible wines!
In addition, there is a more recently opened museum dedicated to the Borgotaro Porcini Mushroom, a Cervia Salt Museum, a Fossa Cheese Museum, a Gelato Museum, a Balsamic Vinegar Museum, and more as part of this collection of food museums in the region. Some are under one roof, like the tomato and pasta museums, allowing you to visit several at once. Almost all not only teach you more about Italian food and its rich history, but also end in guided tastings. So, for the dedicated foodie who wants to enrich their understanding of Italian cuisine, these institutions offer an invaluable experience. Book your holiday rental in Emilia Romagna now and come spend a vacation doing the most important thing about any getaway, especially a getaway in Italy – eating and eating well!