Enjoying an Italian artisinal extraordinary delightful meat
April 15 marks “Made in Italy Day”—a celebration of Italy’s unmatched craftsmanship, deep-rooted traditions, and heartfelt passion. To honor this special occasion, I want to shine a light on one of my favorite Made in Italy treasures from the region where I’m from: Prosciutto di San Daniele.
Growing up just an hour from San Daniele del Friuli, I’ve always had a soft spot for this extraordinary meat. It’s not only a staple in my home but a weekly guest at my table. While you can find excellent versions in stores across Italy, nothing compares to tasting it right where it’s lovingly made.
That’s why, whenever I have the chance, I head to San Daniele. There are several wonderful places to buy and enjoy this delicious excellence of Italy, but one of my absolute favorite stops is La Glacere—a small yet exceptional prosciutto producer in San Daniele, run by my dear friend Glauco Alberghini.
I met Glauco after a day of filming for a project I’m working on that highlights the beauty and richness of the region. Since I love combining work and pleasure, I was with my mom, who had come along to spend the day with me. On our way home, we decided to stop and look for a good piece of prosciutto to bring back. That’s when we stepped into what looked like a simple shop, unaware we were about to have a very special experience.
While we were shopping, we struck up a conversation with Glauco. We quickly discovered he wasn’t just the owner of the shop—he was also the actual producer of the prosciutto. He warmly invited us on a tour of the maturing rooms, where his prosciutti are aged for up to 23 months.
Walking through the curing rooms, seeing rows of prosciutti gently hanging, slowly developing their signature flavor, was absolutely mesmerizing. The care, patience, and expertise involved in the process left me in awe. We left not only with a delicious piece of prosciutto to enjoy at home, but with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind it—and a wonderful new friendship with Glauco.
What Makes Prosciutto di San Daniele So Special?
Thanks to Glauco, I’ve learned so much more about what makes this prosciutto truly unique. Every piece is crafted with love, precision, and an unwavering respect for tradition. His philosophy is simple: “quality always outweighs quantity.”
The ingredients are as pure as can be: Italian pork, sea salt, and the perfect balance of temperature, humidity, and fresh Alpine-Adriatic air. That’s it. No additives, no preservatives. The unique microclimate of San Daniele creates ideal conditions for curing, resulting in a prosciutto that is delicate, slightly sweet, and tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Each piece undergoes a traditional quality check using the “osso di cavallo”—a thin, porous horse bone used to capture the aroma. This centuries-old technique is still used by master prosciuttai to ensure perfection. Watching this ritual in action feels like stepping into a page of history.
A Historic Gem: La Glacere
La Glacere is more than just a shop—it’s steeped in history. The name comes from the ancient icehouse, or “glacere,” located beneath the building. Once used to store ice for the town, it now plays a vital role in the curing process. This underground chamber is reserved exclusively for prosciutto masters during the delicate salting phase, which is treated with immense care and precision.
In a beautiful personal touch, Glauco even stamps some of his prosciutti with a “heart”—a symbol of the love and passion that goes into every piece.
A Culinary Experience to Remember
But the experience doesn’t stop at prosciutto. La Glacere offers private tastings featuring beautiful platters of prosciutto, artisanal cheeses, pickled vegetables, fresh mozzarellas, and melt-in-your-mouth lardo. All served with freshly baked bread and crunchy grissini from a historic local bakery, plus a flavorful Midolini vinaigrette that’s truly unforgettable.
Lucky guests may also enjoy Glauco’s homemade pasta, local wines, and refreshing spring water from the area. Many of the products are available for purchase in the shop, so you can take a piece of the experience home with you.
Whenever I bring my guests from the “Trip to Italy” tours here, it’s always a favorite stop. I love seeing their faces light up with every bite, every story, and every sip.
An Experience Worth Savoring
San Daniele del Friuli is more than just prosciutto—it’s a charming town nestled among rolling hills, with the beautiful “Tagliamento River” and centuries of history. A visit to La Glacere is more than just a tasting—it’s an immersion into the soul of Made in Italy excellence, a celebration of heritage, and a reminder of what makes this region so special.
It’s also about the people—warm, passionate, and proud—like my friend Glauco, who embodies the spirit of this land.
Everyone who dines here leaves with more than a full stomach. They carry home cherished memories, a new appreciation for tradition, and often, a new friendship.
If you find yourself in Venice with a few extra days, take a scenic drive beyond the city into the enchanting regions of Veneto Orientale and Friuli Venezia Giulia. You’ll uncover charming towns, unforgettable flavors, and meet passionate people like Glauco who keep Italy’s rich heritage and traditions beautifully alive.
Or better yet—come see it all with me.me.
For upcoming dates and full itineraries: GiadaValenti.com
Love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York.