Wine and Food Festivals in the Art Cities of the Po Valley

Typical products, local specialties and authenticity are frequent topics of conversation, and the Art Cities of the Po Valley have an important contribution to make on the subject, which is of great importance to the economy and to tourism: wine and food festivals. Throughout the year, the 10 cities of the circuit come to life with markets, festivals, stands and markets where one can taste and purchase, discover and make memories.

In autumn, from October to December, the Festival of the Lodi Region encompasses the whole area. One can find the best of local produce on dedicated menus in osterias, restaurants and trattorias, including pumpkin risottos, chestnut and mushroom creations, famous cheeses from the Lodi area, (raspadura and mascarpone, to name the two most famous) all accompanied by wines from the San Colombano hills. At the same time, the Shapes of Taste Festival takes place, dedicated to excellence in food farming.

Autumn in Pavia also provides a forum grouping and presenting the best wine and food produce of the province of Pavia. Stands are set up in the Visconteo Castle where risottos are prepared using prized Carnaroli rice, one can discover the wines of the Po Valley and find out about and taste local goose cold cuts.

An unmissable festival, which takes place during the season in which pork products were made in olden times, is the Prosciutto Festival. Prosciutto Crudo from Parma is a unique specialty, produced in an area where sea air, hills, climate and centuries-old care and attention to detail contribute to its success. In Langhirano “foodie” tourists will find tastings, show cooking and laboratories to learn the best pairings of Parma ham in cooking.

One can also mention centuries-old tradition when talking about the Nougat Festival: the recipe for nougat apparently comes from Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti’s wedding in 1441. This sweet made from almonds, honey and egg whites, and available in countless versions, is the key player in a 10 day festival of prizegiving, celebrations, historical reenactments, demonstrations and – of course - tastings.

Nearby Piacenza can boast three cold meats recognised by the DOP brand: coppa (air-cured pork meat), pancetta and salami. Each October there is an event dedicated to coppa and to the wine that accompanies it, Gutturnio: Coppa d’Oro – Gut Fest. Award winning chefs, local celebrities, actors and producers meet and discuss these local specialties while tourists can visit wine bars, shop, participate in a guided tour or learn a new recipe in a cooking lesson.

The Art Cities of the Emilia Romagna region stand out for treasures such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Traditional Balsamic Vinegar: Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena open their prosciutto, cheese and vinegar production factories to the public throughout the year. Even if not quite a festival, a visit to these places of production is nonetheless a celebration: one can learn the history of our wine and food excellence as well as doing a bit of shopping.

Bergamo can boast a grand total of 9 DOP cheeses, classified as of protected origin. Formai de Mut, Taleggio, Bitto, Grana Padano, Gorgonzola, Quartirolo Lombardo, Provolone Valpadana, Salva Cremasco and Strachitunt can be produced exclusively in a precise geographic area and following the same set and obligatory procedure. It is easy to find these cheeses in local festivals here, perhaps paired with a glass of Valcalepio.

Let us conclude our tour of Wine and Food Festivals of the Art Cities of the Po Valley with a toast: a glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine from the Brescia region. In September the “Festival in Cantina” initiative allows tourists get to know the territory and its production following the Franciacorta route, rich in castles, monasteries and wine cellars; including original initiatives such as open air aperitivos, art exhibitions in the cellars, laboratories of natural grape based cosmesis.

The Art Cities of the Po Valley await you, for a local festival or refined tour, either way their wine and food specialties will play a main role.