Wine Tastings in Emilia Romagna
Wine tastings in Emilia Romagna
We all know that the strength of a territory is determined by many factors, including the ability of companies to join forces for its promotion and enhancement.
We Italians are not famous for cooperation, but rather for focusing each on our own little piece and moving forward almost by inertia.
Yet, when we start working and contributing together to something bigger, magic happens 🍾.
And with this article today, that’s exactly what I want to do.
On behalf of the entire staff of Cantina Il Poggio, we want to promote the territory where we operate by listing and presenting all the wineries that are part of the Consorzio Colli di Parma.
So you, as a food and wine tourist, when you google “Wine Tastings Emilia Romagna,” you might stumble upon this page and discover that yes, we make wine in Parma too.
But first, let me introduce myself.
I am Alessandra, marketing and communications manager at Cantina Il Poggio.
Among many things, situations, and unforeseen events to manage in the winery, every now and then I manage to carve out some time to write on the blog where, besides talking about wine, I give you ideas and tips on food and wine pairing, as well as useful advice to discover the main cultural and gastronomic attractions of the Parma area.
Now, let’s get back to the main topic.
You, who browse the web and social media, planning your trips around experiential and food & wine tourism, Parma stands out for its delicacies such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma Ham, Culatello di Zibello, and many more.
Regarding wine, however, everything has taken a backseat, and you can read the history of wine in Parma here, to understand what happened historically.
Despite its secondary position, today there is great desire and confidence to enhance this territory from a wine-growing perspective, and if you too want to be an active part of this revolution, here is the list of wineries that deserve at least a visit with a tasting.
Az. Agricola Antonio Aldini
In Mattaleto, a hamlet of Langhirano (PR), is Az. Agricola Antonio Aldini, a very small family-run winery that just over twenty years ago decided to embark on the most challenging adventure: producing wine.
Antonio Aldini and his wife, Valentina Silva, have completely different day jobs, but in their “free time” they decided to give life to a project of inestimable value.
With a few rows of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Barbera, Bonarda, Croatina, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, they produce a few thousand bottles a year, doing everything manually, from vineyard care to labeling.
Aldini’s uniqueness lies in the fact that they do not filter any wine and operate entirely under organic farming.
The most iconic bottle is their Malvasia sparkling brut Nature, bottle fermented, and their most important event is “La Cena dei Cento,” which takes place every year among their vines, with a breathtaking view of Torrechiara Castle and the gastronomic touch of Michlein star chefs like Massimo Spigaroli.
Here is the winery’s Instagram page, where you can write to buy bottles and participate in all the events they organize, in harmony with the territory.
Az. Agricola Carbognani Anna
Carbognani Anna winery has been producing wine for over 20 years and does so without the use of autoclaves, respecting as much as possible the traditional method, specifically bottle refermentation.
Their 3 hectares are immersed in the typical Parma hills overlooking Torrechiara Castle, dedicated to Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Lambrusco Maestri, Barbera, Bonarda, and Merlot.
They hand-harvest the grapes rigorously and care deeply that every single bunch is in perfect health to proceed to the various winemaking phases. By appointment, they welcome visitors curious to learn about ancient winemaking methods.
We recommend calling +39 349 3913382 to check availability immediately.
Az. Agricola Salati Egidio
We move to Sala Baganza, still in the province of Parma, to one of the most historic wineries in the whole territory, Salati Egidio winery.
The first vine was planted in 1958 by Salati Celso, who wisely sought advice from local elders about which plots were suited for Malvasia Aromatica di Candia.
A brief note on Giuseppe Garibaldi, who, having friends in the area, tasted this wine and had some plants sent to his island of Caprera so he wouldn’t have to do without it.
Today the winery is led by Egidio Salati, Celso’s son, who carries forward the family business with great commitment and responsibility, always respecting ancient traditions and the rhythms of nature.
A peculiarity of this winery is its location inside the Carrega Woods Park, so if you find yourself walking or trekking immersively, a stop for a visit and wine purchase is a must!
For information, just call +39 0521/833766.
Az. Agricola Vitivinicola Amadei
Amadei winery is also one of Parma’s historic wineries, a project that took shape in the early 1960s and has never stopped growing, firmly believing in authentic values of tradition, environmental respect, and conviviality, to the extent of launching the Agriturismo Al Vigneto in 2012.
In the 1980s, they began implementing the Charmat method for sparkling wine production. A crucial turning point came in 1992 with the acquisition of the Casa Campanini estate in Barbiano di Felino, the heart of the production area.
They passionately cultivate 25 hectares of vineyard, favoring historic grape varieties, so Malvasia Aromatica di Candia is naturally present alongside Barbera, Bonarda, and Lambrusco. They also experiment with international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
The goal is to produce fresh, easy-drinking wines as per Emilian tradition, organically farmed with wise agronomic choices and excellent vineyard exposure.
Here is the winery’s website where you can book a visit with tasting or call +39 3356013510.
Az. Agricola Lamoretti
When it comes to history, Lamoretti winery beats them all in Parma. This winery is located in the most strategic point of the Parma hills, Langhirano, whose vineyards overlook Torrechiara Castle directly.
Founded in 1930 by Giuseppe, who returned from the United States, it is now run by the third generation, who passionately dedicate themselves to preserving Parma’s traditions through sustainable wine production and promoting local products served at their attached farm house.
Moreover, they are committed to preserving the territory and are custodians of the Sentiero D’Arte (Art Trail) within their property, frequented by cycling and trekking enthusiasts who enjoy breathtaking views of the hills, connecting Torrechiara Castle to Langhirano.
For info and bookings, here is their contact page to organize a visit with tasting or book a lunch at the agriturismo.
Az. Agricola F.lli Scartazza
Scartazza winery has deep roots in a strong connection with the territory and agriculture of the Val Baganza.
Since 2000, the Scartazza family has embarked on their personal wine adventure, planting vineyards on the hills near San Vitale Baganza and equipping old cellars for DOC and IGT wine production.
The Val Baganza frames the winery, with vineyards on the left bank hills of the stream. The soil, mainly clay and marine origin, characterized by suggestive gullies, is poor and dry, qualities that favor the optimal expression of flavors and aromas in the grapes.
The company approach combines family experience with modern winemaking techniques, from the selection of materials and equipment to rigorous controls at every stage of production. This allows them to produce quality wines that express the unique and familial character of the Val Baganza territory.
Oinoe Società Agricola Srl
Oinoe, The City of Wine, is a winery from the Parma hills born in Traversetolo in 2013, with vineyards overlooking the Val d’Enza.
An oenological project and dream of Alex Cerioli, a young entrepreneur who produces wine with an elegant and innovative style, something still missing in Parma.
18 hectares planted with Malvasia Aromatica di Candia, Moscato, Barbera, Bonarda, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet, and Lambrusco: their philosophy is to minimize impact in the vineyard with very low use of sulfites.
On their website, you can choose and book various tasting experiences, from the “Sparkling experience” to the “Guided tour and light lunch” to even more personalized experiences.
If you want to stay overnight, they also have an agriturismo with three double rooms fully equipped. Winery visit included in the price and a discount if you buy 6 bottles.
Az. Agricola Palazzo
Palazzo winery was born in 1997 as the dream of two friends to leave the restaurant life behind and take refuge in the open countryside, in the tranquility of Val Baganza and the Carrega Woods.
With 8 hectares owned and 16 rented, the first wines produced were Lambrusco and Malvasia Aromatica di Candia, followed by Sauvignon, Barbera, Bonarda, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The winery’s flagships is “Sia Lodato” , 100% Barbera, evolving 2 years in french oak.
Every year the winery organize “Calici a Palazzo, an event with live music and food stands, uniting the whole area around good wine.
They also organize many wine tastings on appointment to let you discover the secrets of the bottle, so if you want to get in touch, here is their contact email and phone.
Az. Agricola Cerdelli Michele
Michele Cerdelli, owner and winemaker of Cantine Cerdelli, made his dream come true at home, between Langhirano and Felino. With 5 hectares of vineyard, his production is necessarily limited, but made with extreme care and great quality. The winemaking area is also very small, and being a small family-run business, unfortunately, they are not yet able to offer visits with tastings.
However, it is possible to taste his wines in several local restaurants such as Salotto22 in Sala Baganza, Trattoria Il Cortile in Parma, Trattoria Vecchio Borgo in Borgo Taro, Ristorante Pizzeria Il Casale in Fidenza, and Trattoria della Gallina in Langhirano.
Michele is also well known in Parma for his multi-award-winning Malvasia at the Sala Baganza Malvasia Festival. Here is a statement from him that reflects his spirit as a vigneron:
“After various work experiences, both in Italy and abroad, in the spring of 2016 I decided to undertake the most important experience of my life: to open my own winery. At that time, starting a business might have seemed a gamble; many thought so and still do. Despite everything, my family and I wanted to believe in it completely, convinced that it is still possible to produce something good and important in our land and our beautiful country.”
Cantina Il Borgo di Giuseppe Vicari
I still remember the first time I set foot in this winery. I knew little about wine then, but this place immediately took me back in time. Inside, an elderly gentleman (no offense meant) offered me a taste of a wine he had made in honor of his mother, served in a small plastic cup.
He described it with a simplicity and humility that I still recall. It was the first winery I visited in Parma, quite by chance, as I was visiting the Torrechiara Castle.
Founded in 1965, but already a farm house since 1940, this winery is located within the charming village of Torrechiara. It produces its grapes exclusively and entirely by hand near the Castle, on about one hectare of vineyard trained with the Guyot method, with strict bottle fermentation, producing between three and four thousand bottles per year.
He defines his activity as “the way it used to be”: personally caring for his vineyard and handpicking only the clusters that deserve it; those that wouldn’t produce his quality wine are left for the forest inhabitants to enjoy.
An interesting detail of this small reality is the aging of the bottles, which takes place in an underground cellar inside an ancient cistern once used to collect rainwater for the village inhabitants.
The cistern, large and deep, has been specially renovated with the supervision and assistance of archaeologists from the Cultural Heritage Authority. During the renovation works, artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age were found.
Cantina Il Borgo is very active in organizing meetings, tastings in the cellar, and guided vineyard tours, but it does not have a website, so here is their phone number +39 0521 355272 and email cantinadelborgo@libero.it.
Cantine Moroni Zucchi – Ca’ Nova + Vigneti Calzetti
Founded in 2023 by the current President of the Consorzio Vini Colli di Parma, Cantine Moroni Zucchi is the union of two wineries, Ca’ Nova and Vigneti Calzetti.
Ca’ Nova was established in 1982 by Renzo Zucchi, the family patriarch, in Costamezzana di Noceto, province of Parma. Its hectares, at 300 meters above sea level, lie on the watershed of a mid-hill, enjoying a mild and well-ventilated climate. The historical note for this area is that it was once called “Costamediana Tabernariorum” due to the presence of inns and taverns, making wine a constant protagonist. The typical blends of the area include of course our Malvasia Aromatica di Candia, Barbera, Bonarda, Merlot, Trebbiano, and Ortrugo.
Ca’ Nova also produces a small amount of Vermouth (both red and white) and Grappa made from Malvasia Aromatica di Candia.
Vigneti Calzetti has roots going back to 1970, inheriting the experience and passion of the previous winery run by Longhi Adolfo (1948). Nestled among the Carrega Woods, it has 10 hectares of vineyards producing about 1000 quintals of grapes, all certified DOC.
The winery works with local grapes like Barbera, Bonarda, and Lambrusco, but also international varieties like Merlot and Sauvignon.
Cantina Il Poggio di Salsomaggiore Terme
Slightly shifted from the areas mentioned so far in this article, Cantina Il Poggio is the last winery of Parma hills, bordering Piacenza.
Founded in 1992 on the hills of Salsomaggiore Terme, initially as a private estate, it gradually evolved into a niche wine company focused on producing full-bodied red wines using Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Local grapes such as Barbera, Bonarda, and especially Malvasia Aromatica di Candia complete the 15 hectares of vineyards on soils mainly composed of clay and limestone. Cantina Il Poggio enjoys a dry and well-ventilated climate at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, surrounded by 10 hectares of woods that contribute to biodiversity.
Since 2014, under the guidance of Luca Gualdana, the official winemaker, the winery has consolidated its production and expanded its presence in both the national and international markets, both private and in restaurants.
Since 2021, it has opened to wine tourism, becoming a reference point for tastings and events in the area.
Communication and event organization represent a strategic asset complementary to wine production, contributing to the growth and brand recognition.
Cantina Il Poggio stands out especially for its location, among the most scenic in Parma and the province, and for a very high-quality food and wine offering aimed at enhancing the territory.
The production focuses on full-bodied, structured red wines designed for the international market, without forgetting the flagship grape, Malvasia Aromatica di Candia, expressed in various styles due to its extreme versatility.
I hope all this information has been useful to help you choose a winery in the province of Parma for your tasting in Emilia-Romagna. I wish you a pleasant discovery of the Colli Parmensi! 😎🍾