Lambrusco has made somewhat of a comeback in the UK - served up on the menu of many a trendy pop-up Italian restaurant. 

Usually plonked down on the table to accompany a hearty meal, or served as an aperitivo, Lambrusco is the wine of choice in Emilia - Romagna.  Read on to find out what happened when I paid a visit to Gavioli Antica Cantina, in the small town of Nonatola.

By virtue of it no longer being the 1950s, most people in the UK know what balsamic vinegar is. It has fast become a staple in many a middle-class household cupboard, whipped out and laboriously sloshed over salads across the nation. Sometimes we might even go fancy and buy a ‘balsamic glaze’, to spruce up a cheese board or a few strawberries because Jamie Oliver says its a good idea. 

Actually, we’re doing it all wrong. 

I paid a visit to Acetaia dei Cristo, a farm which has been produced this beautifully brown syrupy stuff for over four generations to learn all about it. 

Let’s not beat around the bush. Whilst Modena is undeniably picturesque, full of pretty porticos, piazzas and churches, it’s not on many people’s bucket list. 

Rarely, if ever, will you hear somebody say ‘PHWOAR! Take me to Modena! I simply must see those monuments!’ 

Its true, Modena has given the world some of its greatest exports. Pavarotti, Ferrari, Lambrusco, Tortellini and, of course, balsamic vinegar. So if you’re an aficionado on any of the above, Modena will already be on your radar. 

But, for the rest of you, here’s a little guide on how to make the most of this underrated city and reasons to add it to your Emilia-Romagna itinerary:  

It’s frequently described as ‘refreshingly un-touristy’, ‘undiscovered’ and ‘underrated’ which, in my book, usually means ‘no one goes here for a reason’.

Don’t get me wrong, it takes a strange sort of person to book a whole week off of work to visit this Medieval City. In the summer it’s hot, dusty and very terracotta. It’s also vibrant, beautiful and very good fun, home to some of the best cuisine in the country and some world class exhibitions and permanent collections of art. 

Here are just three reasons to visit Bologna. You'll love it.