Featured Destination: Emilia Romagna, Italy

Culinary Explorations: The Food + Wine of the Emilia Romagna region with Emiko Davies and Marco Lami

October 1 - 8, 2025

In a country renowned throughout the world for its incredible cuisine, the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy stands out as a gastronomic center for Italian food. Home of Parmigiano Regiano, Tagliatelle al Ragù (pasta with a Bolognese sauce), Prosciutto di Parma, Aceto Balsamico (Balsamic Vinegar), and Lambrusco (sparkling red wine)—just to name a few—this region has deep culinary and wine traditions. On this culinary journey, we’ll join cookbook author and food writer, Emiko Davies, and sommelier, Marco Lami, as they unveil the secrets of this foodie paradise, from the bustling streets of Bologna to the serene countryside of Reggio Emilia.

Alongside Emiko, you’ll learn to shop like an Italian, visiting morning markets to find local ingredients. With her expert guidance, you’ll have hands-on cooking instruction to help you transform fresh, seasonal ingredients into regional specialities. Marco will share his expertise on local wines, giving you access to small production growers and hidden gems of the Emilia-Romagna wine scene. You’ll learn about the grapes from this area, the blending and maturing processes, and how to pair wines to elevate your meals.

Together with Emiko and Marco, we journey to several smaller towns of the area, visiting some of their favorite artisanal producers, as we deepen our appreciation for the iconic foods of the region. They’ll add context and insight as we taste our way across Emilia-Romagna. You’ll visit cheese makers to learn about Parmigiano Regiano, understanding the process from the types of cows selected to the aging process. You’ll engage with some of the best producers of Prosciutto and Culatello, learning about everything that goes into to building the nuanced layers of flavor and texture in these cured meats. You’ll explore an Acetaia, a vinegar cellar, using barrels from the 18th century to age their Aceto Balsamico. You’ll taste wine grown on family vineyards, blending traditional methods with modern sensibilities. With each visit, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into the passion and skill that goes into creating some of the most delicious food and wine in the world.