Simona
Photo credit: Valentina Cucurnia
Meet Simona Francia during our Parma tour’s wine-tasting welcome. With over 15 years of experience and a passion for wine, she owns Salotto22, a unique wine bar. Simona’s expertise will enrich your experience, introducing you to Parma’s finest wines and culinary delights.
With over 15 years of experience in the food and wine industry, Simona is one of the remarkable personalities you will encounter during our Parma tour. Her journey began with 17 years as a foreign commercial employee and back office worker, followed by 8 years organizing trips for specialized technicians in the ceramic and food industries. Her lifelong passion for wine was nurtured by her maternal uncle, who ran a prominent wine, confectionery, and liquor business in Modena.
When Simona moved to the province of Parma in 2015, she pursued her passion for wine by completing the AIS sommelier course, graduating in January 2019. She became an active member of the AIS delegation in Parma, passed the Master Services to join the service group, and later joined the AIS Parma board, handling administration.
Simona’s dream of opening a unique wine bar came true in November 2022 with the opening of Salotto22. Located in the historic cellars of the Rocca Sanvitale in Sala Baganza, adjacent to the Wine Museum, Salotto22 offers a carefully curated selection of wines from small, ethical producers and excellent local cured meats and products.
Simona’s extensive knowledge and passion for wine shine through in every detail of her work. You will have the pleasure of meeting her during the wine-tasting welcome on the first night of the tour, where she will share her expertise and introduce you to some of the best-kept secrets of Parma’s wine and culinary scene.
OUR CULINARY ADVENTURES
Let’s Eat Uzès! Week in Uzès – A Provencal Cooking Vacation in Southern France
8-day culinary holiday in southern France. Hands-on French cooking classes. Explore markets, visit producers, and be immersed in French cuisine. All skill levels are welcome. 7-nights lodging included.
Let’s Eat Parma – Food & Wine Holiday in Parma, Italy
Embark on a 7-day culinary adventure in Parma, Italy. Experience 6 nights of authentic pasta crafting, exquisite prosciutto tastings, and explorations of Italian wines. Perfect for enthusiasts of food and wine.
Let’s Eat Colombia – Cartagena & Medellin: Colombia Food Tour
Experience Colombia’s vibrant food scene with cooking classes, market tours, and cultural excursions. Taste traditional dishes and immerse yourself in Colombia’s rich history and transformation in this unique, immersive food tour.
Let’s Eat Seville – Cooking Holidays in Spain
8 days of cooking, tapas, wine, & flamenco in Andalusia. A culinary tour in Seville for food & wine lovers. Explore markets, taste with us & enjoy! All skill levels are welcome. 7-nights lodging included.
Let’s Eat Georgia! Explore Georgia 🇬🇪
Join us for an 8-day, 9-night culinary holiday taking you from Tbilisi, Georgia to the Georgian countryside and back. This is a food & wine lover’s dream holiday where hospitable local guides will lead you on a cultural and gastronomical journey
Let’s Eat Paris – French Cooking Tours in Paris
5.5 days of pure foodie love. A French culinary tour in Paris filled with food, wine, & cooking? Yes, please! Join our chefs & guides on a gastronomic journey through French cuisine à la Parisienne, Champagne & wine tasting, & more. Jump in!
Private Sessions – Private Online Cooking Classes
Take part in private online cooking classes with friends & family. We’re bringing great cooking experiences straight into your home kitchen through an interactive online cooking class. Cook along with your chef, ask questions, and enjoy!
Let’s Eat Seville: 6-Day Seville Food Tour
Seville, Spain is calling. Join a Seville Food Tour with a chef by your side. 6-day, 5-night Spanish cooking, tapas & wine tasting tour. A mini version of our longer Let’s Eat Seville tour and a chance to discover the Andalusian capital through its food & wine.
Let’s Eat Bread – 3-Day Bread Masterclass
This 3-day Bread master class is perfect for anyone who would like to learn how to make, maintain and use a starter. Learn to make better bread at home like a pro. We’ll teach you the techniques you need to beef up your bread-making skills. Open to bakers of all levels.
