Autumn in Emilia: a journey through the hills, vinegar cellars and flavours of the Food Valley
Autumn in Emilia has a special charm. The days grow milder, the colours of the countryside slowly begin to change, and in the hills around Reggio Emilia there is an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and take the time to discover places, flavours and traditions. September marks the start of this transformation. It is the season of the grape harvest, of walks in the countryside and of the first days with a hint of autumn in the air, but above all, it is one of the most interesting times of the year to organise a a food and wine weekend in Emilia-Romagna.
Between Reggio Emilia and its hills, the journey becomes a tour of some of the finest products that have made the Food Valley famous throughout the world: Parmigiano Reggiano, Lambrusco and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO.
An autumn break in the hills around Reggio Emilia!
Visitors to Emilia in the autumn months will discover a region quite different from that of the height of summer. The more pleasant temperatures are perfect for walks, the villages take on a more leisurely pace, and the countryside begins to take on the colours typical of the new season.
It’s the perfect time for anyone who wants to spend a few days away from the city, choosing a a charming place to stay near Reggio Emilia as a starting point for exploring the area.
The grape harvest and the vineyard landscape: September is traditionally the month of the grape harvest. As you travel through the hills of Reggio Emilia, it is easy to come across vineyards laden with bunches of grapes and witness one of the most important times of the year for the region’s wineries. This is also where Lambrusco originates, a wine deeply rooted in Emilian culture and a natural staple on local tables. Visiting a winery, strolling amongst the rows of vines and savouring a glass right where it is produced allows you to appreciate just how closely the landscape and local cuisine are intertwined.
Step into a vinegar cellar and discover the value of time
There is, however, another place that offers an even deeper insight into Emilia’s relationship with time: the’acetaia. Here, the cooked must rests and slowly matures in rows of casks made from different types of wood. The passing of the years is not a waiting game, but an integral part of the production of the’Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO.
Visiting a vinegar cellar means stepping into a world of aromas, wood, family traditions and techniques handed down through the generations. At Borgo del Balsamico, this experience can become an integral part of your stay: an opportunity to learn first-hand about the history of balsamic vinegar and discover its characteristics, aromas and food pairings through a Tour and tasting at Borgo Balsamic Vinegar.
Parmigiano Reggiano: start the day at the dairy. No food and wine tour of the Reggio Emilia hills would be complete without another of the region’s great specialities: Parmigiano Reggiano. A visit to a cheese dairy allows you to witness the various stages of production and to step inside the evocative maturing cellars, where thousands of wheels rest for months or years before reaching our tables.
To watch the production process, it’s best to start the day early: a small sacrifice that is more than rewarded by the thrill of seeing one of Italy’s best-known products in the world come to life.
Castles and villages in the lands of Matilda of Canossa: Autumn is also one of the most pleasant seasons for exploring the lands of Matilda. Canossa, Rossena, Quattro Castella and the other villages in the Reggio Emilia hills offer the chance to combine culinary experiences with exploring castles, parish churches, footpaths and panoramic views that tell the story of almost a thousand years of history. With temperatures lower than in the summer months, even a simple stroll becomes an opportunity to take your time discovering the landscape and stopping off in the small villages you come across along the way.
Where can you stay for a food and wine weekend near Reggio Emilia?
To truly experience this region, choosing where to stay can become part of the journey itself. Instead of simply visiting the countryside during the day and then returning to the city, you can choose to spend the night in the hills, surrounded by silence and nature.
A charming stay at Borgo at Il Balsamico
Le Residences of Borgo, in Albinea, offer the chance to stay in a place deeply rooted in the history and culture of this region. The park, the historic residences and the vinegar cellar create an intimate and cosy atmosphere, which is particularly charming as autumn sets in. The location also makes it easy to reach Reggio Emilia and set off to explore the hills, the Matildic castles, the cheese dairies and the wine cellars of the area.
An idea for a romantic weekend in Emilia: The tranquillity of the countryside makes this time of year particularly suitable for those looking for a A romantic weekend near Reggio Emilia. A walk in the countryside, a food tasting, a dinner showcasing the flavours of Emilia and a night in a historic residence can transform a few days into a truly memorable travel experience. There’s no need to pack every moment with activities. One of the finest things about a stay in the Reggio Emilia hills is precisely the chance to treat yourself to the luxury of time.
Take a little bit of Emilia home with you! At the end of your trip, the flavours you’ve discovered during your stay can also become a souvenir to take home with you. In the Borgo Balsamic Vinegar Shop You can find out about and purchase the various products from the Borgo range, whilst continuing to explore the culture of balsamic vinegar and its possible pairings from the comfort of your own home.
September: the time of year when Emilia changes gear
Travelling through the hills of Reggio Emilia in early autumn means witnessing a landscape as it slowly changes pace. The grape harvest brings the vineyards to life, whilst in the vinegar cellars the slow passage of time continues its work; every morning, the dairies repeat time-honoured traditions, and the castles dominate a landscape that is beginning to take on new colours. This is an Emilia to be discovered at a leisurely pace, following a country lane, stepping into a vinegar cellar or simply stopping to listen to the silence of the hills.
A journey consisting not only of places to see, but also of experiences to enjoy.
Discover the Residences of Borgo …and choose the hills around Reggio Emilia as the starting point for your next holiday in the heart of Emilia.
