Mast Còt

On 3 and 4 October 2026, Mast Còt returns to Spilamberto, the event that celebrates one of the most important and fascinating stages in the production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO. In the charming historic centre of this town in the province of Modena, home to the only museum entirely dedicated to this gastronomic excellence, visitors and enthusiasts will be able to experience an authentic journey through the traditions, culture and flavours of the region.

Organised by the Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, in collaboration with the Municipality of Spilamberto and the Consorteria dell’Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, the event is one of the most eagerly awaited autumn events in Emilia-Romagna. The name “Mast Còt”, which in the Modena dialect means “cooked must”, refers precisely to the stage from which the precious traditional balsamic vinegar originates.

The heart of the event will be the traditional ritual of cooking the must in the open air. In the squares and streets of the historic centre, the characteristic cauldrons will be set up, in which the grape must will be slowly cooked under the supervision of the masters from the communities belonging to the Consorteria. This is the most delicate and fundamental stage of the entire production process, a tradition handed down through generations that still today represents the essence of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO.

Over the weekend, visitors will be able to witness the various stages of the boiling process up close, observing the work of the experts and discovering the secrets of a tradition that has made the Modena region famous throughout the world. There will also be guided tastings led by the Consorteria’s Master Tasters, who will guide visitors in discovering the characteristics, aromas and distinctive features of one of the iconic products of Italian gastronomy.

Among the most popular initiatives will be free entry to the Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, a unique place where visitors can delve into the history, culture and production techniques of this extraordinary product. On Sunday, the traditional cooked must market will also take place, during which visitors will be able to purchase directly one of the key raw materials for the production of balsamic vinegar.

The event also offers an opportunity to gain an insight into the work of the Consorteria dell’Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, a cultural association that has been committed for over half a century to the protection and promotion of this culinary excellence. In 2026, the Consorteria is also preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a new edition of the prestigious Superpalio, an extraordinary competition that pits some of the finest traditional balsamic vinegars, awarded prizes in previous editions of the famous Palio di San Giovanni, against one another.

Mast Còt thus reaffirms its status as a unique event on the Italian food and wine scene, showcasing the history, passion and cultural significance of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO through authentic experiences, tastings and live demonstrations in the heart of Spilamberto.