Formigine’s municipal balsamic vinegar “Acetaia” is now in a new location and is open for visitors. It is now in the attic of Villa Benvenuti, standing in fine grounds in the old town centre. The villa, dating from the 16th century, was renovated in the Nineteenth Century in the eclectic, somewhat derivative taste typical of that period and now houses a number of associations. Visits are led by master vinegar maker Giorgio Ferrari, who currently runs the Acetaia, and his team of experts.
The Acetaia is named after lawyer, agronomist and oenologist Francesco Aggazzotti, first Mayor of Formigine after the Unification of Italy. He was born in 1811 at Colombaro, where he became a producer of fine wines. A letter which he wrote in 1862 provides the basis for the production regulations of PDO Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.
Acetaia Comunale di Formigine “Francesco Aggazzotti”
Villa Benvenuti, Via Sassuolo, 6, 41043 Formigine MO
Info and bookings:
Tel. +39 059 416277 – Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am – 1 pm;
castello@comune.formigine.mo.it
IAT Terra di Motori Tourist Information Office
IAT Terra di Motori / Museo Ferrari Maranello
Via Dino Ferrari 43, 41053 Maranello (MO) Italy
Tel.: +39 0536 073036
Email: iat@maranello.it
The Municipal Vinegar Factory is open on the first and penultimate Sunday of the month from 10 am to 12 pm. Free admission (Tel. +39 059 416277; email: castello@comune.formigine.mo.it)
There is no charge for entry to the Acetaia.
Guided tours last about 30 minutes and are led by Grand Master Giorgio Ferrari