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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Mariangela

Modena, Italy

USD
$19-$35 per person

Family-Led Private Modena Balsamic Vinegar Tour & Tasting in Vignola

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Vinegar Tour & Tasting

Meet Mariangela

Mariangela welcomes travelers into her beautiful family home in Vignola, near Modena, which is also home to La Cà dal Non, her family’s traditional acetaia (balsamic vinegar house). The historic property has been in her family for centuries and is the same home where her father grew up. The family’s balsamic vinegar tradition began with Mariangela’s great-grandfather Alfonso, who started producing vinegar for the family’s own use. For generations, the lofts of the old house have been filled with wooden barrels used to age vinegar made from organic grapes grown in the family vineyards in nearby Savignano sul Panaro. While studying at university, Mariangela became increasingly fascinated by this family tradition. In 1996, she and her brother established La Cà dal Non, meaning “the grandfather’s house,” and began sharing their family’s vinegar with the public in honor of their grandfather. Mariangela learned the art of traditional balsamic vinegar making alongside her father, spending countless hours with him among the barrels in the family loft. She is particularly fascinated by the patience and continuity of the craft: traditional balsamic vinegar can mature for many years, allowing one generation to care for something begun by another. Today, Mariangela is delighted to welcome travelers to her family acetaia and share the history, traditions and craftsmanship behind traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, along with the personal stories that have shaped her family for generations.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Vinegar Tour & Tasting: (1-18 guests) Meet your host Mariangela at her family home and historic acetaia in Vignola for a private Modena balsamic vinegar tour and tasting with local food pairings. Located about 20 km from Modena, the centuries-old family property offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Emilia-Romagna’s most celebrated culinary traditions. Step through the beautiful courtyard and into a world where traditional balsamic vinegar has been produced and aged for generations. Begin in the tasting room, where Mariangela will share her family’s story and explain how traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena is made. You’ll also learn about saba, an ancient grape-must condiment dating back to Roman times, and balsam saba, a cooking condiment made from her family’s own recipe. Next, climb the spiral staircase to the historic lofts, where rows of wooden barrels of different sizes hold vinegar as it slowly ages. Learn about the traditional aging process, the different woods used for the barrels and how time transforms cooked grape must into complex, aromatic balsamic vinegar. After your tour, return to the tasting room—or enjoy a seat at the outdoor farmer’s table, weather permitting—for a guided tasting of the family’s vinegars and saba. Taste them by the spoonful and discover how they pair with regional specialties including Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, bread and seasonal fruit. This private balsamic vinegar experience lasts approximately two hours and offers an intimate introduction to the flavors, history and family traditions of the Modena region. When Mariangela is unavailable, her mother Giovanna, also an expert in traditional balsamic vinegar, will host your experience.

Notes: Please note that the acetaia is located in Vignola, in the province of Modena, approximately 20 km from central Modena and between Modena and Bologna. Mariangela is flexible with start times, so if you prefer a slightly earlier or later start, please include your preferred time when booking.

The producer also offers a complimentary standard tour when booked directly through its website. This Traveling Spoon experience is different: it is a private, owner-led experience with Mariangela and includes a guided balsamic vinegar tasting with regional food pairings, as well as a bottle of the family’s saba to take home.

Languages spoken: English, Italian, French, German

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Vinegar and Saba tastings
  • Food pairings: Parmigiana Reggiano cheese, Parma ham and bread, and seasonal fruit

Traveler reviews

5.0 (22)
We visited "Grandfather's House" twice over the years, and each time we received a warm welcome, complete with tastings and advice from the owner's mother. Being a cabinetmaker, I was also able to discuss the making of the various barrels used for aging their vinegars (they even have a collection of tools that serves as a small museum). Then we returned a third time on a whim, where we were once again warmly received, simply to stock up on their excellent products. Since then, we've been ordering online and are still delighted to be able to enjoy these wonderful vinegars. This June, I sent some friends to discover this place, and they were thrilled. I highly recommend this family-run, time-honored vinegar producer.
- oliver July 09, 2026
This experience was worth every penny. We learned so much about the process of making high quality balsamic. From start to finish it earned high marks. From Mariangela giving very concise directions for our train travel from Bologna to Vignoli, to her picking us up from the train station and bringing us back, to tasting her wonderful product paired with several different foods, we highly recommend this tour. We can't wait to taste the products we purchased, although their was no hard sell to buy anything. Thank you again to Mariangela (and her Mom) for this wonderful experience and sharing your love and enthusiasm for your family's generations of balsamic production. Grazie!
- Joann October 21, 2025
What a very special place to visit. Our host was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about her craft and it was an honor to have it shared with us during our visit. The food pairing with the vinegar samples were absolutely delicious especially the bacon wrapped prunes. Will never look at a bottle of balsamic vinegar the same way again after this day.
- Susan October 17, 2025
If I could give them 10 stars, I would. This day trip was a highlight of our stay in Florence! Marieangela and Giovanna were so welcoming and accommodating. Giovanna picked us up at the train station in the rain and gave us a fabulous tour with all the history of their acetaia. We even had a delightful snack at the end so we could see how the different types are used. Just a wonderful tour!
- charles September 24, 2024
This tour was one of the best things we did on our trip to Italy. It is a stunning old farmhouse compound that the city grew up against. And Nonna was so personal and enriching, with the process for TRADITIONAL balsamic vinegar very educational. I would most highly recommend scheduling this tour if your interests at all lie in this direction.
- Abraham October 19, 2023
Read More

Mariangela

$19-$35 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Vinegar Tour & Tasting
 $35 $29 $19
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Vinegar Tour & Tasting
 $35 $29 $19
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Vinegar Tour & Tasting
 10:00am-12:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm

Meet Mariangela

Mariangela welcomes travelers into her beautiful family home in Vignola, near Modena, which is also home to La Cà dal Non, her family’s traditional acetaia (balsamic vinegar house). The historic property has been in her family for centuries and is the same home where her father grew up. The family’s balsamic vinegar tradition began with Mariangela’s great-grandfather Alfonso, who started producing vinegar for the family’s own use. For generations, the lofts of the old house have been filled with wooden barrels used to age vinegar made from organic grapes grown in the family vineyards in nearby Savignano sul Panaro. While studying at university, Mariangela became increasingly fascinated by this family tradition. In 1996, she and her brother established La Cà dal Non, meaning “the grandfather’s house,” and began sharing their family’s vinegar with the public in honor of their grandfather. Mariangela learned the art of traditional balsamic vinegar making alongside her father, spending countless hours with him among the barrels in the family loft. She is particularly fascinated by the patience and continuity of the craft: traditional balsamic vinegar can mature for many years, allowing one generation to care for something begun by another. Today, Mariangela is delighted to welcome travelers to her family acetaia and share the history, traditions and craftsmanship behind traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, along with the personal stories that have shaped her family for generations.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Vinegar Tour & Tasting: (1-18 guests) Meet your host Mariangela at her family home and historic acetaia in Vignola for a private Modena balsamic vinegar tour and tasting with local food pairings. Located about 20 km from Modena, the centuries-old family property offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Emilia-Romagna’s most celebrated culinary traditions. Step through the beautiful courtyard and into a world where traditional balsamic vinegar has been produced and aged for generations. Begin in the tasting room, where Mariangela will share her family’s story and explain how traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena is made. You’ll also learn about saba, an ancient grape-must condiment dating back to Roman times, and balsam saba, a cooking condiment made from her family’s own recipe. Next, climb the spiral staircase to the historic lofts, where rows of wooden barrels of different sizes hold vinegar as it slowly ages. Learn about the traditional aging process, the different woods used for the barrels and how time transforms cooked grape must into complex, aromatic balsamic vinegar. After your tour, return to the tasting room—or enjoy a seat at the outdoor farmer’s table, weather permitting—for a guided tasting of the family’s vinegars and saba. Taste them by the spoonful and discover how they pair with regional specialties including Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, bread and seasonal fruit. This private balsamic vinegar experience lasts approximately two hours and offers an intimate introduction to the flavors, history and family traditions of the Modena region. When Mariangela is unavailable, her mother Giovanna, also an expert in traditional balsamic vinegar, will host your experience.

Notes: Please note that the acetaia is located in Vignola, in the province of Modena, approximately 20 km from central Modena and between Modena and Bologna. Mariangela is flexible with start times, so if you prefer a slightly earlier or later start, please include your preferred time when booking.

The producer also offers a complimentary standard tour when booked directly through its website. This Traveling Spoon experience is different: it is a private, owner-led experience with Mariangela and includes a guided balsamic vinegar tasting with regional food pairings, as well as a bottle of the family’s saba to take home.

Languages spoken: English, Italian, French, German

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Vinegar and Saba tastings
  • Food pairings: Parmigiana Reggiano cheese, Parma ham and bread, and seasonal fruit

Traveler reviews

5.0 (22)
We visited "Grandfather's House" twice over the years, and each time we received a warm welcome, complete with tastings and advice from the owner's mother. Being a cabinetmaker, I was also able to discuss the making of the various barrels used for aging their vinegars (they even have a collection of tools that serves as a small museum). Then we returned a third time on a whim, where we were once again warmly received, simply to stock up on their excellent products. Since then, we've been ordering online and are still delighted to be able to enjoy these wonderful vinegars. This June, I sent some friends to discover this place, and they were thrilled. I highly recommend this family-run, time-honored vinegar producer.
- oliver July 09, 2026
This experience was worth every penny. We learned so much about the process of making high quality balsamic. From start to finish it earned high marks. From Mariangela giving very concise directions for our train travel from Bologna to Vignoli, to her picking us up from the train station and bringing us back, to tasting her wonderful product paired with several different foods, we highly recommend this tour. We can't wait to taste the products we purchased, although their was no hard sell to buy anything. Thank you again to Mariangela (and her Mom) for this wonderful experience and sharing your love and enthusiasm for your family's generations of balsamic production. Grazie!
- Joann October 21, 2025
What a very special place to visit. Our host was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about her craft and it was an honor to have it shared with us during our visit. The food pairing with the vinegar samples were absolutely delicious especially the bacon wrapped prunes. Will never look at a bottle of balsamic vinegar the same way again after this day.
- Susan October 17, 2025
If I could give them 10 stars, I would. This day trip was a highlight of our stay in Florence! Marieangela and Giovanna were so welcoming and accommodating. Giovanna picked us up at the train station in the rain and gave us a fabulous tour with all the history of their acetaia. We even had a delightful snack at the end so we could see how the different types are used. Just a wonderful tour!
- charles September 24, 2024
This tour was one of the best things we did on our trip to Italy. It is a stunning old farmhouse compound that the city grew up against. And Nonna was so personal and enriching, with the process for TRADITIONAL balsamic vinegar very educational. I would most highly recommend scheduling this tour if your interests at all lie in this direction.
- Abraham October 19, 2023
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Vinegar Tour & Tasting
 $35 $29 $19
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Vinegar Tour & Tasting
 $35 $29 $19
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Vinegar Tour & Tasting
 10:00am-12:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.