Acetaie Aperte

A day in the heart of Modena's black gold

Acetaie Aperte is the event that, on the last Sunday of September, transforms the province of Modena into a grand itinerary of taste dedicated to Balsamic Vinegar. Over forty local vinegar producers open their attics to the public, where batteries of barrels made from different woods hold the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP. It's a rare opportunity to cross the threshold of normally private and family spaces, often located in the attics of Modena homes, and to understand why this condiment has become a symbol of Emilia-Romagna worldwide.

Tours, tastings, and sensory analyses

Accompanied by the vinegar makers, visitors go through all the stages of production: from grape selection to must cooking, through to the long aging process and decanting between barrels. Guided tastings allow for the comparison of vinegars of different ages, from twelve-year-old 'affinato' to twenty-five-year-old 'extravecchio', learning to evaluate their aroma, density, and persistence. In many vinegar houses, the experience is enhanced by:

• sensory analyses and taste games for adults and children;
• demonstrations of must cooking;
• explanation of barrel production and the woods used;
• pairings with typical local products, from Parmigiano Reggiano to Emilian cured meats.

A heritage of the Modena territory

The event is jointly promoted by the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena and the Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena, with the support of the Municipality of Modena and local authorities. Acetaie Aperte is not just a food and wine showcase, but a true engine of cultural and economic enhancement for the province: it tells a family tradition passed down through generations and connects small producers from the towns of the Modena plain and hills.

How to participate

The vinegar producers are generally open from morning to late afternoon. For some, booking is mandatory; for others, it is strongly recommended, given the large turnout: places are often limited. The complete list of participating vinegar producers, with times, addresses, and contacts, is published on the official website in the weeks leading up to the event. An ideal day for families, food and wine enthusiasts, and tourists who want to get to know authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena up close.