Educational Tour: Reggio Emilia “food and the city”
On the occasion of the Workshop “Good” in Rimini – October 6th to 10th, Itinere welcomed thirteen tour operator in Reggio Emilia. The aim was to make them discover about food and wine, cultural and artistic excellences.
Various nationalities (United States, Luxembourg, Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Norway, Russia, Germany, Spain and France) participated to the Educational Tour on Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th.
The morning started on the hills where Lambrusco is produced, discovering a modern winery and its ancient origins, a journey through flavors and time. Guided visit of the impressive vineyards and explanation of the various stages of cultivation, exploring the history of our territory and its wine industry, savoring the special features and tasting the aromas. The light lunch had as a protagonist the Lambrusco bouquet of red fruits scent, sweet raspberry and delicious blueberry.
It was time to take part in our Photography class and photo contest throughtout the streets of Reggio Emilia historical city centre. A photography class that revealed the art, culture and gastronomy of our land. The tour operators were invited to take some photos of the corners that have most impressed them during the walking tour in the afternoon.
The best shots were rewarded with food excellences of the area: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar DOP of Reggio Emilia as first prize offered by the Consortium with the President Andrea Bezzecchi – it was won by a French operator. A Spanish tour operator won – as a second prize – a piece of Parmigiano Reggiano, offered by the Consortium and the representative of Reggio Emilia department Loretta Domenichini. Third prize was a bottle of Lambrusco Reggiano – offered by Cantina Aljano, and won by an American tour operator.
The award ceremony took place in Palazzo Casotti one of the locations that hosts annually the international festival called Fotografia Europea.
Gourmet dinner in a restaurant and charming hotel – a place where you enjoy tasting the recipes of Reggio Emilia cuisine that are made using fresh and genuine ingredients. The overnight stay was at the Hotel Mercure Astoria that is located behind the beautiful Valli Theatre and it surrounded by Parco del Popolo – one of the loveliest parks of the city.
On Sunday morning guests visited a local cheese factory where the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is produced. A hand-crafted production made using only milk that comes from cows of the area and without adding additives.