Truffle

How are truffle dogs trained? Why they are a certain color and breed? How do you know that the Alba White Truffle you are eating is super fresh? And, what does a real truffle hunter write in his “top secret” book? Join my Truffle Tours for all the answers! (But you must swear not to divulge the answers to anyone! We recommend you wear comfortable sportswear and flat hiking or sports shoes.

PRIVATE ALBA WHITE TRUFFLE HUNT

(3 hours)

This authentic Truffle Hunt is for the inquisitive travelers who really wants to experience the adrenaline of a real truffle hunt with a local “Trifolao” (Truffle Hunter) and his trusted dog. This is a real adventure. We’ll follow my good friend in his search for the precious tuber in the centuries old woods near Alba. A two hour walk will take you up hills and through rugged, shady terrain in the woods. It’s the real deal! This authentic hunt will take place in a public area where several competitors will be located and, since this is a genuine experience you never know what could happen and how many truffles we will find. However, you will be with a very good hunter and his dog and he won’t let you down. What truly makes the experience all the more worthwhile is discovering all the tips and tricks about dog training and hunting.

ALBA WHITE TRUFFLE HUNT & BAROLO TOUR

(Full Day | 9.30 AM – 6 PM)

This tour is focused around the Langhe Hills’ most precious gems, Barolo wine and Alba White Truffles. We will first visit a traditional Barolo winery where we will be introduced to the history of Barolo and the differences between modern and traditional styles. During the visit to the cellar and the wine tasting, we will learn about how different soils, aspect, barrels and wine maker philosophy will influence Barolo, the so called “King of Wines”. Then we will head for a leisurely lunch at a premium restaurant, a place the locals frequent, with an à la carte menu and amazing wines. In the afternoon we will go on a Real Truffle Hunt in the woods, we will follow with my good friend and his trained dog in their hunt. We will discover all you have to know about the truffle varieties, dog training tricks and old school trifolao secrets. After this educational and in-depth experience, you will have an overview of the Langhe hills highlights and have all the knowledge you need to choose the best Barolo and Alba White Truffle.

ALBA WHITE TRUFFLE GRAND TOUR

(AVAILABLE IN OCTOBER and NOVEMBER – Full Day |  9.30 AM – 6 PM)

This tour is focused on the unique “Alba White Truffle” and is available during the Alba International Fair. During this immersive tour you will learn all you need about this mysterious product starting from the differences between black truffles (found all over Italy) compared to the rare and pricey Alba White Truffle found only in Piedmont. We will start off the day with a walk of the medieval city center, we’ll see the remains of the Roman temple, the medieval towers and the several Baroque and Romanesque churches. Then we’ll visit the International Truffle Fair and the most ancient Alba truffle shop for full immersion in the world of truffle based products. We will then head for a leisurely lunch at a premium restaurant, a place the locals frequent, with an à la Carte menu and amazing wines. During the afternoon we will take part in a private “Real Truffle Hunt”. A two hours long experience with a passionate truffle hunter in the woods. We will learn about the truffle seasons and varieties, listen to the enigmatic master-dog talk, learn that truffles grow under certain trees but no one can guess where they’ll be, which is why you have to ‘smell’ them out using trained dogs. This tour is recommended to anyone who wants to learn more about these ‘diamonds in the woods.”

Sara Matteodo