Acetaia Villa San Donnino — Hotel in Modena

First let me comment on how responsive and easy it is to communicate with the Acetaia Villa San Donnino. Francesca our guide was fantastic, as we were concerned with Covid restrictions we had delayed scheduling our trip to Modena to the last moment. Literally with just one days notice she was able to schedule a visit for us, I was very grateful for her understanding.

We arrived via a wonderful tree lined driveway leading to the Acetaia surrounded by their beautiful gardens. Once inside the warm and pungent scent of vinegar permeates the air. Francesca explained everything very thoroughly with excellent English.

We have a new found respect of what is required to make this delicious product. The requirements of the DOP are strict and the vinegar has to spend a minimum of 12 yrs in the cask to be called Balsamic vinegar of Modena. We saw many casks including one owned by Pierce Brosnan and the oldest cask there is from 1512! I learned so much and wanted to share all I had learned but then realised that would just ruin the fun of discovering it yourself.

Our last stop was Francesca offering us tastings of all their products (all done to a very specific cleanliness). They also produce vinegar condiments that are equally impressive and delicious, the finale was the gelato topped with balsamic vinegar, divine! If you are a foodie like us, I would strongly recommend a visit to Acetaia Villa...

We had an amazing experience any private tour and explanation of the process of balsamic vinegar making. The grounds are lovely and well taken care of. Bring your camera as it is picturesque being in a fully-functioning farm that produces balsamic vinegar in a lovely home. On the toriel see all the cast and the Masonic vinegar making process including one that belongs to James Bond himself Pierce brosnan. The vinegar is affordable and extremely high-quality we brought back many bottles and already days later have enjoyed it many times. We highly recommend making an appointment for a tour and visiting its unique and does not have a tourist feeling at all really feels like you're just at home with them...

This is a lovely small producer of traditional balsamic. Our guide showed us the "batteries" of casks in which balsamic is aged and reduced, and explained the process by which it is produced. But what leaves the greatest impression is simply the amazing, powerful scent as you walk in the building; this is unique. I am no expert, but we tasted 12- and 25-year balsamic, and this is unlike any I have ever experienced. This acetaia also produces a more affordable non-traditional vinegar (Nerone) that is quite tasty, and a light, effervescent white balsamic. If you have the opportunity, this is a great visit within...