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The best places to go truffle hunting are no longer just the secret of chefs and locals; they have become sought-after destinations for travellers who love to combine adventure with indulgence. Truffles are rare, fragrant, and revered for the way they elevate even the simplest dish, but the real magic lies in discovering them at their source.
Today, truffle hunting is as much about the journey as the taste; walking through quiet forests with skilled hunters and dogs, before retreating to elegant countryside estates or boutique hotels. At these destinations, the thrill of the hunt is matched by the luxury of the stay..
1. Piedmont, Italy – Alba and the Langhe Hills
Piedmont is the spiritual home of the white truffle, celebrated each autumn at the Alba White Truffle Fair. Joining a local trifulau and their trained dogs for a morning in the misty woods is both charming and thrilling. Afterwards, you can savour your finds in Michelin-starred restaurants, perfectly paired with Barolo wines. The experience is made complete by stays in vineyard estates and Relais & Châteaux retreats, where spas, fine dining, and sweeping vineyard views set the tone.
2. Tuscany, Italy – San Miniato and Chianti
The Tuscan landscape is as rich in truffles as it is in romance. San Miniato and Chianti are prime hunting grounds, offering black and white truffles across the seasons. Many hunters welcome guests to join them, followed by private cooking sessions where you learn to make the most of what you’ve found. Evenings are best spent at a Renaissance villa or countryside resort, where infinity pools overlook olive groves and glasses of Chianti mark the sunset.
3. Provence, France – Vaucluse and the Luberon
In Provence, the black truffle is part of everyday life, though the experience feels anything but ordinary. Family-run farms invite guests to join hunts before sitting down to champagne-paired tastings under the Provençal sun. Days can be spent wandering through lavender-lined villages, before returning to a boutique château or traditional mas with vineyard views, pools, and refined dining that showcases the region’s effortless charm.
4. Dordogne, France – Heart of the Périgord
The Dordogne is where French truffle culture runs deepest. Market visits, cooking classes, and private tastings reveal the many ways this delicacy is woven into the region’s life. The setting only enhances the indulgence: elegant châteaux along riverbanks and historic manoirs that combine rustic stonework with modern comforts. Evenings here often end with candlelit dinners where the truffle takes centre stage.
5. Istria, Croatia – Motovun Forests
Istria has quickly become a favourite among truffle lovers, thanks to its oak-rich Motovun forests. Hunts feel adventurous yet welcoming, often ending with tastings of local olive oils and wines infused with truffle. Many travellers arrive by helicopter for a touch of glamour before retreating to design-led boutique hotels or wine resorts. The region’s balance of authenticity and modern luxury makes it a standout.
6. Castilla y León, Spain – Soria Region
Spain’s best-kept truffle secret lies in Soria, where hunts lead you into atmospheric forests before Michelin-starred chefs reinterpret your finds into unforgettable meals. Stays here are as remarkable as the cuisine, with historic monasteries and noble estates transformed into elegant hotels. It’s an experience that blends Spanish tradition with contemporary luxury in perfect measure.
7. Oregon, USA – Willamette Valley
Oregon might surprise many, but its Willamette Valley is rich in both black and white truffles. Winter hunts are paired with wine tastings from some of America’s finest vineyards, while the annual Oregon Truffle Festival draws food lovers from around the world. Guests can retreat to vineyard lodges or refined countryside inns, surrounded by forests and valleys that feel both wild and welcoming.
8. Australia – Western Australia and Tasmania
The Southern Hemisphere has carved out its own truffle identity, with thriving farms in Western Australia and Tasmania. Hunts often end in chef-led tastings, where the dishes highlight seasonal produce alongside the prized black truffle. Stays range from boutique eco-lodges to vineyard estates, all set against landscapes as dramatic as they are beautiful. With its winter truffle season running from June to August, Australia offers the perfect complement to Europe’s truffle calendar.
A Taste of Tradition and Indulgence
Truffle hunting is becoming more about embracing the rhythm of the land, sharing in age-old traditions, and celebrating food at its finest. Whether it’s the misty hills of Piedmont, the Provençal countryside, or the forests of Oregon, each destination offers its own magic. And with indulgent stays and extraordinary dining, these experiences promise not just flavour, but unforgettable memories.
