The Best Food And Wine Tours In Bologna

Bologna is a true paradise for food lovers, offering some of the most iconic and mouthwatering dishes in all of Italy. As the birthplace of timeless Italian classics like tortellini, mortadella, and ragù alla Bolognese, this city offers so many ways to experience its gastronomic heritage.

With this in mind, I have hand picked all the best food and wine tours to take in Bologna. Whether you’re after the perfect walking food tour, ready to roll up your sleeves in a pasta masterclass, or wanting to taste exquisite wines, these are the top experiences for each of these activities.

You’ll also find the best tour recommendations for factory tours, where you can witness the creation of legends like parmigiano reggiano and balsamic vinegar. Finally, I have also covered food tours that are more interactive, along with the best tours for vegans and gelato fans.

If you’re planning a trip to Bologna, my advice is simple – take one of these food tours; it is Italy’s food capital after all.

The Best Walking Food Tour

One of the best walking food tour, without a doubt, is the Bologna Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide.

This incredible tour takes you on a 3-hour culinary exploration of Bologna, offering over 15 unique food and wine tastings. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets of the old town, stopping at carefully chosen spots showcasing Bolognese cuisine. Though, not just a food tour, this is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Bologna’s culture and history, with fascinating anecdotes woven in between bites.

What to Expect

Tasting Iconic Bolognese Dishes – The tour kicks off with Tigella, a delicious, versatile bread perfect for whetting your appetite. Tigella is enjoyed as a pre-aperitivo. You’ll also savour two of Bologna’s most iconic homemade pastas, Tortellini and Tagliatelle, served at a traditional osteria (inn). These dishes are accompanied by local wines, perfectly enhancing the rich flavours of the pasta.

Cheese, Cold Cuts, & Balsamic Vinegar – If you’re a fan of charcuterie, this tour won’t disappoint. You’ll sample a variety of cold cuts and cheeses, all sourced from the region. From earthy, nutty Parmigiano Reggiano to delicate slices of prosciutto, the tastings showcase the best of what this culinary city has to offer. Your guide will also introduce you to balsamic vinegar, revealing how this liquid gold is made, and give you the chance to try a locally produced version.

Wine At The Cities Oldest Inn – No Bolognese experience is complete without wine. One of the tour highlights is a stop at Osteria del Sole, the city’s oldest osteria, where you’ll sip on some of the region’s most beloved wines.

Best Gelateria – The tour ends at a visit to one of Bologna’s best gelaterias. Here, you’ll indulge in creamy, flavourful gelato a great way to finish this walking food tour.

Why Book This Tour?

The Bologna Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide is perfect if you’re visiting Bologna for the first time. The small group size ensures an intimate and personal experience. Plus, your guide’s local insights mean you’ll discover hidden gems to enjoy for the rest of your time in the city. This is the best walking food tour option.

The Best Secret Food Tour

Another recommendation, the Bologna 3-Hour Secret Food Tour lives up to its name by taking you to some of the city’s best-kept culinary places. Led by an engaging and knowledgeable guide, this tour not only showcases Bologna’s finest flavours but also offers insights into its culinary history and traditions. Perfect for small groups, the tour is designed for an intimate and authentic experience.

What To Expect

A Welcome Sweet – This secret tour begins with a taste of a traditional welcoming sweet, setting the stage for the indulgent feast ahead.

Cold Cuts & Cheese – At one of Bologna’s historic salumerias, you’ll taste some of the region’s most famous offerings. From Parmigiano Reggiano, savoury Prosciutto di Parma, and the legendary Mortadella di Bologna. These delicacies are paired with a glass of local wine and served in the oldest osteria (inn) in the world.

Handmade Pasta – No Bolognese tour is complete without freshly made pasta. Visiting a local trattoria, you’ll watch skilled chefs prepare two types of pasta for you to enjoy.

Aged Balsamic Vinegar Tasting – The tour spends time in Bologna’s Quadrilatero market, where you’ll learn about and taste aged balsamic vinegar.

Artisanal Gelato – The tour also includes a stop at one of Bologna’s finest gelaterias, where you’ll enjoy creamy gelato.

Secret Dish – Finally, this tour includes a secret dish, revealed during the tour as an extra surprise.

Why Book This Tour?

The Secret Food Tour provides the perfect blend of food, wine, and cultural exploration. Its small group size ensures an intimate experience, and the special curated stops mean you’ll see, taste, and learn so much during the tour.

The Best Traditional Food Tour With A Market

If you are looking for a traditional food tour with a local market, then the Bologna Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit is the best option. The whole tour is designed to help you discover Bologna’s food heritage in the most authentic way possible. Combining tastings, storytelling, and exploration, the tour takes you beyond the typical tourist spots into the real heart of Bologna’s food culture. From a bustling marketplace to hidden trattorias, each stop reveals a new facet of the city’s culinary tradition.

What To Expect

With plenty of stops and tastings, you’re guaranteed to leave this tour with a full belly and a deeper appreciation for Bologna’s cuisine. Some of the highlights include:

Torta di Riso – You’ll visit one of Bologna’s oldest pastry shops, where you’ll enjoy a slice of torta di riso, a classic Italian rice cake, paired with a perfectly brewed Italian coffee.

Mercato delle Erbe – You’ll visit the vibrant Mercato delle Erbe, a bustling market where the heart of Bologna’s food culture comes to life. Here, you’ll sample local Parmigiano Reggiano, aged balsamic vinegar and mortadella while soaking in the atmosphere of artisan stalls and fresh produce.

Bolognese Pasta Traditions – No food tour in Bologna is complete without pasta. This tour features classic favourites (tortelli and tagliatelle) served at traditional trattorias.

Wine & Charcuterie – The tour will take you to the famous Osteria del Sole where you’ll enjoy a curated selection of cured meats and cold cuts served with wines.

Local Gelato – The tour wraps up with a visit to a local gelateria, where you’ll indulge in this creamy dessert.

Why Book This Tour?

From its thoughtfully chosen stops to the small group size (maximum 12 participants), the Bologna Tastes and Traditions Food Tour With Market Visit is designed to offer a personal and intimate experience.

Best Food Markets Tour

If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss out on the city’s rich culinary heritage, then the Bologna Guided Food Markets Tour is perfect. Small in size and big in flavour, the tour takes you on a guided walk through two of the city’s most iconic food markets: Mercato delle Erbe and Quadrilatero.

What To Expect

Mercato delle Erbe – Visiting the lively Mercato delle Erbe, where locals gather to shop for fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. Guided by your guide, you’ll have the chance to sample authentic delights like Parma ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mortadella. You’ll enjoy the colourful stalls stocked with seasonal bounties, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market.

Quadrilatero – The tour also stops at the Quadrilatero, a maze of streets that’s home to family-run shops and food stalls. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to sample hand-rolled fresh pasta and balsamic vinegar, two staples of Bolognese cuisine.

The experiences at both markets give insight into how Bologna’s residents shop and enjoy food.

Gelato – The final stop is for some gelato. Creamy, refreshing, and made from the finest ingredients.

Why Book This Tour?

Firstly, this food market tour is limited to only 10 participants, guaranteeing a personal experience. Secondly, this tour is really good value as you choose and pay separately what you would like to sample. The expected spend is around €17. This tour is also a great way to pick up some gifts and souvenirs to take home.

The Best Pasta Masterclass

If you’re looking to deepen your connection with the culinary culture of this Italian city, then the Bologna Fresh Pasta Masterclass with Organic Wine Tasting is a great experience. Combining hands-on cooking with guided wine pairing, this is a great way to immerse yourself into the art of Bolognese cuisine.

Set in the cozy atmosphere of a private chef’s home, this 3-hour pasta masterclass offers an intimate and engaging way to learn the secrets of fresh pasta making while savouring some fine organic wines.

What To Expect

This masterclass stands out not just for its ingredients and teaching, but also for its warm hospitality.

Learn To Make Fresh Pasta – You’ll learn to make three different types of pasta and prepare traditional sauces.

Organic Wine Pairings – Every dish you prepare is paired with organic wines hand-selected from small-scale Italian producers known for their exceptional quality. You’ll enjoy unlimited tastings of red and white wines.

Italian Dessert – Finishing off your pasta creations with some delicious homemade tiramisu.

Why Book This Tour?

For those who want to go beyond simply tasting Italian food, this pasta masterclass is a great way to become part of the process. Instead of hopping between eateries, you’ll stay in one inviting location and create dishes with your own two hands. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to cook or just wants to learn in the intimacy of a small setting.

The Best Wine Tasting Tours

Bologna is a fantastic destination for a wine-tasting tours, offering a perfect blend of rich culinary traditions and exquisite local wines. I’d recommend two standout tours: the first is a guided wine tour, the second specifically if you love red wine.

Bologna: City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour

The Bologna City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour is a 2-3 hours stroll through Bologna’s Wine Scene.

What To Expect

Here are the key highlights that make this tour a really great option when in Bologna:

Certified Sommelier – This tour offers an authentic and educational way to explore Bologna’s lesser-known wine history. Your sommelier guide will walk you through the historic streets while sharing fascinating tidbits about the wine region.

Best Regional Wines – You’ll enjoy tasting different wines showcasing the unique flavours and styles of the region.

Enoteca & Osteria Stops – Stops include a cozy enoteca (wine bar) and a traditional osteria (inn). Two quintessential Bolognese venues that provide the perfect backdrop for your tastings.

Traditional Snack Pairing – You’ll enjoy traditional snacks to pair with your wine.

Why Book This Tour?

The Bologna City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour is a wonderful way to explore the streets with a wine expert and explore the local wine scene. Perfect if you already enjoy wine or simply want to learn more about Bologna’s wine and wine culture in general.

Bologna Italian Red Wine and Food Tasting

If you’re a devoted red wine lover or simply want to enjoy a relaxing culinary experience, then the Bologna Italian Red Wine and Food Tasting tour is a must. This thoughtfully curated session combines wines and local dishes perfectly.

This 2.5-hour wine tasting experience introduces you to the essence of Italian red wines against the charming backdrop of Bologna’s historic Quadrilatero area.

What To Expect

Welcome Drink – The experience begins with a welcome toast featuring a local sparkling white wine.

Premium Italian Reds – Your tour then continues with three glasses of prestigious Italian red wines guided by a wine expert

Perfectly Paired Plates – Each wine is thoughtfully paired with freshly prepared small plates. The combinations are designed to enhance the flavors of both the wine and the food, giving you a true taste of Italian culinary mastery.

Explore the Quadrilatero – Set in the heart of the Quadrilatero, one of Bologna’s most atmospheric districts, the surroundings add another layer to this tour experience.

Why Book This Tour?

The relaxed pace, exceptional red wines, food pairings and knowledgeable hosts make this a great tour. Furthermore, the small group setting ensures a more personal experience, allowing you to connect with fellow participants and the hosts.

The Best Food Produce Tour

If you are after a behind the scenes experience on the best products from the region, then the Reggio Emilia Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Tour is prefect. This whole day guided tour takes you to explore two of two iconic Italian culinary staples: Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar.

Perfect for lovers of cheese authentic Italian culture, this tour is a full-day indulgence in flavour, heritage, and craftsmanship.

What To Expect

Witness The Craft – Your day begins at a cheese factory, where you’ll get an exclusive look at the entire process of making Parmigiano Reggiano. From the milk cooking to the formation of the iconic cheese wheels, the detailed craftsmanship is both fascinating and inspiring. You’ll explore the salting and maturing stages, culminating in a visit to the enormous “caveau,” where thousands of wheels of cheese are aged to perfection. And yes, the smell is as heavenly as you’d imagine!

Balsamic Vinegar Factory – The tour continues at a balsamic vinegar factory. You’ll learn about the process and why traditional balsamic vinegar from Reggio Emilia is so uniquely exquisite.

Tastings – Your senses will be treated to the flavours of Emilia-Romagna. The tasting sessions will of course include Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar but you’ll also savour locally produced Parma ham, salami, and Lambrusco wine.

Why Book This Tour?

The Reggio Emilia Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Tour stands out for its personal touch, hands-on experiences, and generous tastings. From petting cows and watching cheese wheels take shape to sipping Lambrusco and tasting balsamic vinegar aged for decades, this tour is perfect for food enthusiasts. And as a gift, you’ll also get some vacuum packed Parmigiano Reggiano to take home with you.

Best Winery Tour

Another great tour option in Bologna is to visit a winery where you can immerse yourself in the region’s winemaking traditions and savour exceptional local varietals.

Only 15 minutes from Bologna, nestled in the lush Colli Bolognesi countryside, is the historic Terre Rosse Vallania winery. Established in 1964, this boutique estate blends tradition with modern innovation. This winery offers a great tour experience, Boutique Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Food in Bologna for around two hours. So a great recommendation to visit a winery especially if you are short on time.

What To Expect

Vineyard Walk & Winery Visit – Your tour begins with a guided walk through the vineyard, with an impressive array of grape varietals such as Sauvignon, Cabernet, Chardonnay, and the region’s iconic Pignoletto on display. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but the insights you gain about the terroir and the region’s winemaking legacy when visiting the winery will take the experience to another level.

Savouring Wines & Local Delicacies – The highlight of this tour is, of course, the tasting. You’ll sample four of Terre Rosse Vallania’s finest wines, each offering a unique glimpse into the winery’s philosophy and craftsmanship: These incredible wines are paired with an local bites including meats, cheeses and bread.

Relaxing, Family-Friendly Affair – The tour promotes a laid-back atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples, groups and families with children (non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are provided).

Why Book This Tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or someone who enjoys wine, this Boutique Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Food in Bologna is a great tour option. It’s the perfect blend of education, enjoyment, and indulgence, all set against the backdrop of Bologna’s stunning countryside.

Best Interactive Experience

If you’re looking for a truly unique and fun way to indulge in Italy’s rich culinary heritage, then the Food and Wine Experience in Bologna is a great option. This immersive experience blends tradition with innovation by offering personalized wine tastings powered by Rewine technology and guided by expert sommeliers who bring each tasting to life.

What To Expect

Rewine Technology – Used to create personalised wine suggestions. With the click of a button, your wine selections are tailored to match your preferences.

Wine Tasting – During the experience, you will taste three selected wines which are paired with traditional food.

Interactive Sommelier Game – A fun and engaging activity tests your wine knowledge and adds a touch of friendly competition to the session.

Why Book This Tour?

Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or someone looking for a fun and flavourful outing, the Food and Wine Experience in Bologna is a great activity to book. It has a perfect mix of exquisite wines, local delicacies, expert guidance, technology, and interactive fun.

Best Food Tour For Vegans

While many come for the famed cheeses and cured meats, Bologna also offers a burgeoning vegan food scene that deserves just as much attention. If you are seeking a plant-based culinary tour, the Bologna Vegan Tour with a Local Foodie delivers a great experience.

What To Expect

Private & Personalised – This private tour focuses on vegan delights but also for its highly personalised nature. Lasting for three hours, it’s the perfect way to explore the city’s plant-based side at your own pace. Your local guide will work closely with you before your tour to tailor the experience to your food interests, ensuring a truly unique outing.

Botanical Gardens – The tour includes a visit to Bologna’s botanical gardens and produce market, where you’ll explore the area’s agricultural heritage and discover the heirloom grains, vegetables, and fruits that feature prominently in local dishes.

Vegan Meal – A sit down meal at one of Bologna’s premier plant-only eateries.

Why Book This Tour?

If you’re heading to Bologna and want to explore its culinary culture through a plant-based lens, the Bologna Vegan Tour with a Local Foodie is a standout choice. With its seamless blend of food, history, sustainability, and personalisation, it’s a culinary tour you won’t soon forget.

Best Gelato Tour

One experience that perfectly captures the essence of Bologna’s dessert culture is the Gelato Crawl Bologna. If you have a sweet tooth or love gelato, this tour is a must.

What To Expect

Undertand Gelato – Over the course of two hours, you’ll wander through Bologna’s charming streets with an expert guide, uncovering hidden gems and learning all about one of the country’s most iconic desserts. By the end of the experience, you’ll have the skills to tell truly remarkable gelato from the rest.

Gelato Tastings – The highlight, of course, is the tasting itself. You’ll sample four gelato’s made by difference local artisans.

Why Book This Tour?

If you love Gelato, then the Gelato Crawl Bologna is an experience you can’t afford to miss. From the joy of sampling artisan-made gelato to learning about its roots in Italian culture, it’s a great way to explore Bologna.

So To Wrap Up On The Best Food And Wine Tours In Bologna…

Bologna is truly a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts, offering a variety of unforgettable food and wine experiences. By joining one of these carefully curated tours, you’ll not only taste the best it has to offer but also immerse yourself in the stories and culture behind the food. Pack your appetite and get ready to experience Bologna in the most delicious way possible!

For more great information on visiting Bologna, read the Best Things To Do In Bologna blog post.