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Open from January 7th to December 20th, 2025

Use code ITALYSEGRETA15 at booking for 15% off your stay between July 1st – Aug. 31st (min. 3 nights required)

“We opened Le Dimore del Borgo del Balsamico in 2018 because a client told me that the borgo was too beautiful to be hidden,” shares Cristina Crotti, who owns and manages Borgo del Balsamico with her sister Silvia. And boy are we glad that they heeded the advice.

Located in the lush countryside outside of Reggio-Emilia and Modena, Il Borgo del Balsamico is, first and foremost, an official producer of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia DOP. Cristina and Silvia founded the renowned company in 2004, though their family had been involved in balsamic production since 1970. The 18th-century building where they age their balsamic doubles as the guesthouse, which they refer to as Le Dimore (the residences); the first two floors are reserved for guests, but the attic is reserved for vinegar–300 casks purchased from noble families in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia, where they age the coveted stuff. All guests get a BTS look into their “antica acetaia” and entire production process, courtesy of Cristina and Silvia, who are “very proud to show and explain this top quality product to our guests.”

Although these aging casks are uniform to ensure a standard of quality, the eight rooms and apartment guests can choose between are delightfully different. And if balsamic production runs in the family, so does an eye for the aesthetics. “My family was always involved with beauty,” Cristina continues. “My dad ran a Fashion Company–Maska–from 1968 to 2000, and we have always been in love with art, music, and style.” You’ll see snippets of the family’s legacy in the decor of the rooms: vintage Maska ads are interspersed with art pieces and drawings displayed on pastel walls, with minimal furniture, books, and wood accents. Keep an eye out for Cristina’s favorite details: the Maska fashion sketches from designers Walter Albini and Gianni Iotti and the photos snapped by who she claims are “some of the best Italian photographers in the 70s and 80s.” 

“My greatest pleasure is welcoming people into our house,” says Cristina, fondly referring to their space as a home rather than a hotel. “We love to share the beauty, stories, nature, and incredible energy that, for us, is an everyday gift.” Balsamic vinegar production is all about patience, learning to be still and wait as the grapes age for 12 years. A stay here is equally rooted in the values of silence and the slow pace of the countryside. 

Mornings begin with breakfast–the only meal available on the property–on the guesthouse portico overlooking the garden (which is our favorite place to while away the day). Curated in the 19th century, the garden is filled with rare sophoras and sequoias, oaks, horse chestnut trees, and brightly colored flowers at every turn. Wander through it, book in hand and preferably barefoot, and you’ll reach the greenhouse and the pool, secluded by an old fruit tree orchard. Don’t forget to stop and smell the hundreds of varieties of roses (and peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, jasmine, and linden flowers) and listen to the chirping of the birds. For those who want to explore more of the region, Emilia-Romagna’s major cities are all well-within reach, but Cristina recommends heading into the nearby Appenines for a picnic and hike. 

It’s clear that Cristina and Silvia know a thing or two about good taste. The rooms of the borgo are as special as their prized Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia DOP. Just like a true balsamic vinegar must be savored, so must the Emilia Romagna countryside, and here, you’ll learn how to do both. “Better stay more than two days,” says Cristina. We’re glad to take her advice.  

A few segreti (secrets) from Cristina:

La Capannina – About a 20 minute drive from Borgo del Balsamico, this restaurant in the nearby hills is one of my absolute favorites. You come here for the mushrooms: get a huge pile of the funghi fritti to share, or dig into a hefty slice of lasagna con funghi. A can’t miss. 

Arrogant Pub – The Arrogant Pub is anything but arrogant, though they have every right to be. Here, founders and managers Alessandro and Elisa created a hip space with a short supply chain for both beer and food. Local, independent brews are always on tap, perfectly pairing with something from their unique menu, where local produce, quinto quarto cuts, and typical Italian flavors get highlighted in burgers, pastas, and thoughtful antipasti. 

Domestica – Head into Reggio Emilia for generi di conforto, all those comfort things that help to elevate you and your space. Think tastefully curated homeware, friulane, candles, socks, bags, toiletry products, and more–a great place to stop in for some design inspo. 

Consorzio Vacche Rosse – It’s no secret that Emilia-Romagna is the region for the king of all Italian cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano. Our favorite wheels can be found at the Consorzio Vacche Rosse, less than 15 minutes from the Borgo and an essential stop to taste and buy some of the salty stuff. Plus, it pairs incredibly well with a bottle of our balsamico.