Organic Wine Tasting and Lunch among Medieval Hamlets on the Piacenza Hills
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 village 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.
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. The walk through the village offers views over 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, testifying to the waters that covered the valley and lapped the Apennines during the Pliocene.
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, as well as Karl Meyer and Giuseppe Cortesi, a collector to whom the Geological Museum of Castell’Arquato is dedicated.
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 to respect the balance of nature.
The visit to the vineyards and cellar is followed by a tasting of 5 different types of organic wine accompanied by artisanal cured meats (Coppa Piacentina, Pancetta Piacentina, Salame Piacentino, Spalla Cruda, Pancetta Affumicata), cheeses, honey, homemade bread, dessert and coffee.
Our immersion in the scents and flavors of the Piacenza hills ends in the medieval village of Vigoleno, built on top of an imposing rocky outcrop. Walking through the winding streets of the hamlet, between defensive walls, battlements, towers and bastions, you can breathe an indefinable atmosphere and 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.
Want to know more?
Departure: suggested time 9.00 am; private tours can start at whatever time requested*
Duration: 7 h
This is the duration of the guided service from guide pick-up to guide drop-off.
Inclusions
- Professional local guide
- Admission fees
- Tasting of 5 different wines with food pairing: cured meats (Coppa piacentina, Salame piacentino, Pancetta piacentina, Spalla cruda, Pancetta affumicata), cheeses, honey, homemade bread, dessert, water and coffee
- Tasting of Vin Santo di Vigoleno
- Option 1 includes Transportation
Exclusions
- Option 2 does not include Transportation
You must provide your own transport and follow the guide in a separate car.
Know Before You Book
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Please advise of any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian and gluten free options available with prior notice, please advise when booking
- A moderate amount of walking is involved (2,5 km)
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes without high heels
Meeting Point
- Avis Autonoleggio – Parma, in Largo Maestà del Taglio, 3a, 43122 Parma PR
We will meet in front of Avis Autonoleggio – Parma, in Largo Maestà del Taglio, 3a, 43122 Parma PR, next to “Da Gianni” Cafe.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included in the “Price including transportation” option (Option 1). When Travelers select the “Self-Drive Price” option (Option 2), we’ll see them at the Departure Point, they must provide their own transport and follow the guide in a separate car.
*Suggested pick-up time: 9.00 am when in Parma; 8.15 am when in Modena; 8.00 am when in Bologna.