Host offerings
A Modena native, Monica is passionate about showcasing the vinegar produced in the region because her family was very involved in producing vinegar. She has been working for over 18 years at Malpighi, a family owned business that continues the tradition of the family’s ancestors. Vinegar was discovered 2000 years ago in Modena and the Malpighi family is one of the oldest families producing vinegar in Italy. They have been producing balsamic vinegar in Modena for over five generations since 1850 and own 20 hectares of grapes used solely for the production of vinegar. The culture of Modena is deeply rooted in the tradition of balsamic production and Monica is proud to share the family’s heritage with travelers.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Food tour (1 - 5 guests) Meet your host Monica (or Nicole when Monica is away), a guide at the modern Malpighi acetaia (the home for the barrels in which the vinegar ages) for your private Modena balsamic vinegar tour and tasting. You will learn about why the region of Modena is world-renowned for its balsamic vinegar and how it is made. Discover how black Lambrusco grapes and white Trebbiano grapes are mixed, cooked and aged in barrels to make balsamic vinegar. You will visit two barrel rooms and a museum of vintage vinegar utensils. The proportion of black to white grape juice, the order of the wood that the vinegar is transferred in (a combination of cherry, juniper and oak which remains a secret!), and the passion of the family’s vinegar makers is what distinguishes the Malpighi family’s vinegar from others. After your tour of the barrel rooms you will head downstairs to enjoy a tasting of vinegars of various ages, ranging from 5-25 years, and see if you can determine the age of each vinegar based on its taste! You will also taste the Malpighi white balsamic vinegar and flavored vinegars. Leave with one bottle of Saporoso (100 ml) and one bottle of flavored balsamic vinegar.
Please note this acetaia does offer a free vinegar tour on their site. The experience you book here is a private, personally guided tour and includes two bottles of vinegar and a glass of Lambrusco wine, which is included in the price of our tour at a discounted rate. Your private tour and tasting will last about 30 minutes.
This facility is handicap accessible.
Notes: Monica is flexible on time and can offer tours anytime between 9am – 6pm. If you prefer an alternate time, please include your timing preference when making your booking.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffacd15d5e0>
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Tour | $18 | $14 | $10 |
| Alcohol | $0 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Food Tour | 11:30am - 12:30pm | 4:00pm - 05:00pm |
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
