Taste&Tour Acetaia Malpighi Museum

Acetaia Malpighi Taste&Tour is the location dedicated to our free of charge educational tours: here tourist, accompanied by expert guides, can visit free of charge our ancient Acetaie and discover the production techniques for the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP) and its motherland.
Educational tours are in Italian and foreign languages, open to everyone (individuals, small and big groups) every day year-round, upon reservation at the telephone number +39 059 467725, or sending an e-mail to monica.r@acetaiamalpighi.it

Their duration can range from a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of one hour and a half and they are organised in this way:

visit to our ancient acetaie and explanation of the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena) production techniques: it is here that this sensory experience begins, int these magic places that, thanks to a microclimate that is hot in summer and cold in winter, house the barrels, made of the most precious woods, where the product slowly ripens. Here, our visitors can learn the secrets that the human factor elaborated and passed down developing the history of the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, of the recipes and preparation methods.
Thanks to the exposition of operating batteries, it is possible to learn the pouring and reinforcements techniques;

guided tasting: at the end of the visit to our ancient acetaie, visitors can start tasting the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP) and the Collection Malpighi products. Tasting is made “vertically” to gradually accustom the palate to the many different flavours of the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP, passing from the youngest Vinegar to the oldest one;

possibility to buy all the Collection Acetaia Malpighi products

At the Acetaia Malpighi Taste&Tour it is possible to make a reservation for a light lunch and thus taste some specialities from the Modenese territory, among which: Parmesan cheese Dop, three types of cured meat, bensone (a typical cake) with Saba, Lambrusco of Modena, Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena).
To make a reservation, a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 35 participants are necessary, upon payment.
Information and reservations: +39 059 467725, tour@acetaiamalpighi.it

The Museum welcomes epicureans and travelers from all corners of the globe, offering complimentary guided tours to discover the deeply rooted heritage of authentic Balsamic Vinegar. Located at No. 1487 Via Vignolese in Modena (San Donnino area), our facility is a proud member of Museimpresa, the Italian Association of Sustainability-focused Corporate Archives and Museums.

Your sensory journey begins on the first floor, step into the ancient acetaie (vinegar cellars) housing the historical batterie—sets of wooden casks where our black gold patiently matures and refines through the passing seasons.

Among these treasures lies a unique masterpiece: a three-layer wooden cask. A true "matryoshka" of timber and time-honored expertise, it guards a liquid secret born centuries ago. Over the ages, master coopers intervened three times to shield the precious balm inside, encasing the original barrel with new layers of noble wood: first in the 1500s, then in 1750, and finally in 1920. Three distant eras, three different ways of life, yet a single vision: allowing the Balsamic Vinegar to continue its slow, quiet lingering.

Inside these magical cellars—where the natural microclimate of scorching Emilian summers and freezing winters works its alchemy—you will uncover the profound impact of human expertise handed down through five generations. By observing the barrels in active production, you will master the ancient technical rituals of travasi (transfers) and rincalzi (toppings).

The Museum also features a curated collection of historical family artifacts and documents preserved since 1850, certifying the very dawn of our production. Among them stands the first official bottle of the Consortium for the Protection of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP (1979), created before the definitive design was entrusted to the legendary car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1987. His iconic 100 ml spherical bottle with a rectangular base elevates the traditional taster’s flask into a global symbol of excellence. The numbered seal on the cap stands as your definitive guarantee of rigorous quality control and absolute authenticity.

The experience concludes with a structured vertical tasting of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP, and selected premium creations from the Malpighi Collection. This vertical path gently trains your palate to discern the evolving complexities of the DOP, traveling from the vibrant younger expressions to the velvety, centuries-old gems. Afterward, you are welcome to browse and purchase the entire Collection at our boutique.

Booking Details:
Guided tours are complimentary and available by reservation only for both small and large groups.

Duration: From 30 to 90 minutes.
Languages: Available in Italian and foreign languages every day of the year.
Contacts: Tel. +39 059 467725 | tour@acetaiamalpighi.it

A Note for Our Guests
Balsamic Vinegar teaches us the beauty of waiting, but for your visit, punctuality is an art. To ensure an intimate atmosphere and a flawless experience, we recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance. Please note that for delays exceeding 15 minutes, the quality or fulfillment of the tour may be compromised, and we cannot guarantee the complete sensory experience. *Tours are officially confirmed only upon receiving a written or telephonic response from our staff.