Mariangela’s family ‘acetaia’ (Italian for a place where vinegar is aged in barrels) was established by her great-grandfather Alfonso for their family’s use. Since then, the lofts of their historic house in Vignola have been filled with vinegar barrels made from organic grapes from their vineyards in Savignano sul Panaro. The acetaia, now known as “La Cà dal Non” (house of the grandfather), was officially started in 1996 by Mariangela and her brother. While studying at university, Mariangela developed an interest in the family tradition and decided to sell vinegar to the public in her grandfather’s name. Traditional balsamic vinegar can take 2-25 years to mature, fostering a deep respect for the process and the time it takes to create a great vinegar.

Mariangela loves working with the barrels and is fascinated by the idea of continuing a product started by someone she has never met. She spent a lot of time in their loft, learning from her father, and her time there now brings back fond memories of learning their family tradition together.

Mariangela is eager to share her culture, family history, and the tradition of vinegar making in Modena with travelers. On days when Mariangela is away, her mother Giovanna, also an expert in vinegar, will be your host.

Please note: Mariangela can be flexible with morning times, so if you would like to start slightly earlier or later, feel free to let her know when making your booking. Additionally, this producer offers a free tour directly on her site. The difference between their free offer and this experience is that it is a private experience with the owner herself and includes a food pairing and a bottle of travel-sized saba vinegar to take home.

Points of Interest

• Traveling Spoon

• Inclusive of all taxes, fees, and handling charges
• Complimentary travel-sized bottle of the family’s saba
• Assortment of snacks provided
• Exclusive private tour and tasting of balsamic vinegar led by owner Mariangela
• Gratuities included
• Food pairing with local regional produce

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Join your guide, Mariangela, at her family’s residence and vinegar factory for a unique tour focused on vinegar production and tasting, complemented by food pairings. The factory is situated in Vignola, a quaint town located 20km from Modena and an equal distance from Bologna. By touring this enchanting traditional vinegar facility located in Modena province, you will be stepping into a world rich in history. You will visit the attic storage areas and take in the subtle aroma from the production of traditional vinegar. Mariangela, the proprietor, will usher you into the tasting area and share her family’s age-old vinegar manufacturing saga. Understand how traditional balsamic vinegar and saba (a condiment made from grape juice) are produced. Later, ascend to the vintage attic and catch an up-close look at the vinegar ageing process. Then return to the tasting area to sample vinegar and saba, which will be paired with distinct local ingredients such as Parmigiana Reggiano cheese, Parma ham and bread, as well as seasonal fruits. As a parting gift, Mariangela will acknowledge your visit with a bottle of her family’s saba and memories that you will cherish forever!

• If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or preferences please advise at time of booking
• Private, personalized experience
• Mariangela can be flexible with time in the morning so if you would like to start slightly earlier or later feel free to let her know when making your booking
• Please note that this producer does offer a free tour directly on her site. The difference between their free offer and this experience is that it is a private experience with an expert and includes a food pairing and a bottle of saba that you can take home
• Please also note that the vinegary is in Vignola, a town located 20km from Modena and 20 km from Bologna
• On days that Mariangela is not available, a member of her family will give you a tour of their vinegary

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