The White Truffle of Alba

An elusive treasure and a centuries-old tradition /

As autumn settles over Piedmont, the landscape takes on a quieter beauty. Vineyards turn shades of gold and rust, morning mist drifts across the hills, and the season brings one of Italy’s most treasured delicacies: the white truffle of Alba. Known for its distinctive aroma and delicate flavour, the white truffle is one of the great expressions of Piedmontese gastronomy. Yet its story begins far from the table, beneath the soil of the region’s woodlands, where nature, patience and generations of local knowledge come together.

A Treasure Beneath the Earth

The Alba white truffle grows underground and is found with the help of a trained dog and an experienced truffle hunter, known locally as a trifolao. The search is a practice shaped by an intimate knowledge of the land. Once the dog detects the truffle’s scent, the hunter carefully uncovers it by hand, taking care to restore the soil afterwards. It is a partnership built on trust, observation and respect for the natural environment. For visitors, joining a truffle-hunting experience offers a glimpse into this tradition and a different way to discover Piedmont’s countryside: slowly, on foot and in the company of those who know it best.

The Magic of Alba

Each autumn, the town of Alba becomes a gathering place for truffle hunters, chefs, producers and visitors from around the world during the International Alba White Truffle Fair. At the heart of the event is the Alba White Truffle World Market, where visitors can discover and purchase truffles alongside a selection of local specialities and wines from the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero. Tastings, culinary experiences and events throughout the town bring the flavours and traditions of the region to life. International Alba White Truffle Fair.

In 2026, the World Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 October to 6 December, at the Cortile della Maddalena in Alba. For the full programme and visitor information, visit the International Alba White Truffle Fair website. 

Simple Pleasures, Extraordinary Flavours

In Piedmont, the white truffle is often enjoyed with dishes that allow its aroma to take centre stage. A few delicate shavings over fresh tajarin, a soft egg or a simple risotto can transform a meal into something memorable. Paired with a glass of local wine and shared around the table, it becomes part of a way of life that values good food, good company and the pleasure of the moment.

The Art of Living in Piedmont

The white truffle season captures much of what makes Piedmont so special: a landscape shaped by nature, traditions kept alive by its people and a culture that finds beauty in the details. From the vineyards of the Langhe to the rolling hills of Monferrato, each season brings its own reasons to explore—and its own invitation to feel at home.

At Elio Estates, we are inspired by these places and the life that unfolds within them. Through our properties and projects, we invite you to discover a more personal connection to Piedmont.

Discover our real estate projects.

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