Truffle Hunting in Alba

In Alba, the most interesting nose in the forest belongs to the dog. Follow a trifulau, the Piedmontese truffle hunter, beneath oak and hazel trees and watch the partnership at work: a sudden change of pace, a sniff at the earth, then a small patch of soil becomes the centre of everyone’s attention. The hunter knows the terrain, but the dog usually gets the applause.

The white truffle of Alba, Tuber magnatum, grows underground in a relationship with the roots of certain trees. Its fragrance is unmistakable, its availability depends on nature, and its price explains why hunters keep their best places to themselves. Hunting knowledge is passed down through generations; in 2021 UNESCO recognised Italian truffle hunting and extraction as intangible cultural heritage.

Visitor excursions typically last around 90 minutes and take place in woodland outside Alba rather than in the town itself. Here is the detail worth knowing before booking: many organised hunts are simulations, with truffles hidden in advance so guests can see the dog make a discovery. That does not make the skill of the animal any less fascinating, but it is different from joining an unpredictable working hunt. Come in autumn for the atmosphere of the white truffle season, wear shoes that tolerate mud, and save room for tajarin with freshly shaved truffle afterwards. The tasting and the truffle itself are usually charged separately.