Parmigiano, Organic Wine Tasting and Lunch among Medieval Hamlets

After admiring the Chiaravalle della Colomba Abbey, founded in 1135 and still inhabited by monks, and its evocative cloister, we move on to Castell'Arquato, a medieval village that holds exciting discoveries and overlooks a spotless landscape, where the gaze wanders over woods, gullies, vineyards and some isolated houses. A third generation organic wine producer who has always observed the best principles of production of organic, biodynamic, natural and vegan wines, awaits us on the slopes of Val D'Arda, characterized by clear soils, rich in marine fossils, which Leonardo da Vinci also spoke of in the Codex Leicester in 1482. The visit to the vineyards and cellar is followed by a tasting of 5 wines accompanied by artisanal cured meats, cheeses, honey, homemade bread, dessert and coffee. The day ends in the hamlet of Vigoleno with a special tasting of Vin Santo, one of the smallest DOC wines in Italy, still produced following ancient techniques handed down orally from father to son.

1. 1

   Parma

   Pass by

   We will meet in front of Avis Autonoleggio - Parma, in Largo Maestà del Taglio, 3a, 43122 Parma PR, next to "Da Gianni" Cafe. Transfer from Parma to Chiaravalle della Colomba.

2. 2

   Abbazia Cistercense di Chiaravalle della Colomba

   1 hour

   After admiring the Chiaravalle della Colomba Abbey, founded in 1135 and still inhabited by monks, and its suggestive cloister, characterized by pointed arches and historiated capitals, our itinerary leads to the medieval hamlet of Castell'Arquato, one of the most beautiful villages in the countryside south of the Po River, hidden in the folds of the hills between the cities of Parma and Piacenza.

3. 3

   Abbazia Cistercense di Chiaravalle della Colomba

   Pass by

   Transfer from Chiaravalle della Colomba to Castell'Arquato. The walk through the village offers views over a spotless landscape, where the gaze wanders over woods, gullies, vineyards and some isolated houses.

4. 4

   Castell'Arquato

   1 hour

   The village of Castell'Arquato reserves exciting discoveries, such as that of the exceptional immersion baptismal font, dug out of a single block of stone about two meters in diameter, belonging to the primitive Collegiate Church of Santa Maria (VII-VIII century) and the small cloister of the Collegiate, one of the most evocative and poetic corners of Castell'Arquato.

5. 5

   Castell'Arquato

   Pass by

   Transfer from Castell'Arquato to the organic Winery. A third generation organic wine producer who has always observed the best principles of production of organic, biodynamic, natural and vegan wines, awaits us on the slopes of Val D'Arda, characterized by clear soils, rich in marine fossils, testifying to the waters that covered the valley and lapped the Apennines during the Pliocene.

6. 6

   Vernasca

   2 hours

   The visit to the vineyards and cellar is followed by a tasting of 5 wines accompanied by artisanal cured meats, cheeses, honey, homemade bread, dessert and coffee. Walking on the slopes where the vines are grown, we will listen to the sweet moan of the fossil shells breaking under our feet, the same ones Leonardo da Vinci spoke of in the Codex Leicester in 1482. Cold winters and never too hot summers, clear skies and fresh breezes, strong temperature variations between day and night are a blessing for vineyards and winemakers and manage to create a unique microclimate that allows you to respect the balance of nature.

7. 7

   Vernasca

   Pass by

   Transfer from the organic Winery to Vigoleno. Our immersion in the scents and flavors of the Piacenza hills ends in the medieval hamlet of Vigoleno, built on top of an imposing rocky outcrop.

8. 8

   Vigoleno

   45 min

   Walking through the winding streets of the village, between defensive walls, battlements, towers and bastions, you can breathe an indefinable atmosphere and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills covered with vineyards. A special tasting of Vin Santo di Vigoleno awaits us. Vin Santo di Vigoleno is one of the smallest DOC wines in Italy, with a production of 1500 liters per year, and is still today produced following ancient techniques handed down orally from father to son.

9. 9

   Parma

   Pass by

   Transfer from Vigoleno to Parma.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Animals are not allowed inside the Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.