Each autumn, the hills around Alba in Piedmont become a place of pilgrimage for food lovers, as the white truffle season opens; the region lies beyond Turin, which is 256 km or about 3 h 10 by road from Geneva Airport. The truffle, Barolo and Barbaresco wines and the Langhe landscape make it one of Europe's great gourmet escapes, and AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you from your flight to your hotel among the vineyards.
- Season: autumn into early winter, with the main fair in Alba
- The prize: the white truffle, Tuber magnatum, found in the woods of the area
- Where: Alba, the Langhe, the Roero and Monferrato
- Pairing: Barolo, Barbaresco and Nebbiolo wines
- Getting there: via the Mont Blanc Tunnel and Turin, crossing into Italy
The white truffle of Alba
The white truffle is one of the most prized ingredients in the world. Unlike the black truffle, it cannot be reliably cultivated, which makes it rare and seasonal. It grows underground near the roots of certain trees, such as oaks, poplars, willows and hazelnuts, and is found by truffle hunters, known locally as trifolau, working with trained dogs, often at night or at dawn. Its aroma is intense and complex, with notes often described as garlic, honey, hay and earth. It is never cooked but shaved raw over warm dishes, which release its perfume. The quantity and quality of each season depend on the weather, especially rainfall in late summer, so prices vary considerably from one year to another and are set on the market each day. Visitors can buy truffles to take home, but they lose their aroma within days, so they are best enjoyed on the spot.
Alba and its truffle fair
Alba is the capital of the white truffle. Each autumn, the town hosts its international white truffle fair, an event that runs over several weekends and draws visitors from around the world. The heart of the fair is the truffle market, where truffles are examined, weighed and sold under the supervision of experts, and visitors can smell and buy them. Around it, the town fills with stalls of local products, cheeses, hazelnuts, wines and sweets, along with cooking demonstrations, tastings and sensory workshops on truffle analysis. Medieval pageants and a traditional donkey race add to the festive atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants in and around Alba book up well in advance for the fair weekends, so planning early is essential.
Truffle dishes and restaurants
In the Langhe, white truffle is served simply, to let its perfume speak. Classic dishes include tajarin, thin egg pasta with butter, carne cruda, the region's finely chopped raw beef, a fried or soft egg, risotto and fonduta, a creamy cheese sauce. The waiter shaves the truffle at the table, and the price usually depends on the weight used. Restaurants range from rustic trattorias and osterias in hilltop villages to renowned gourmet tables, and many offer special truffle menus during the season. Booking ahead is strongly advised, especially at weekends. Black truffles, also found in the region at other times, are more affordable and often used in cooking. The wines of the Langhe, above all Nebbiolo, Barolo and Barbaresco, are the natural accompaniment.
Planning an autumn trip
Autumn in the Langhe also means the grape harvest and the golden and red colours of the vineyards, making it a superb season for a visit. Plan two or three days to combine the truffle market, a few cellar visits and long meals. Some agencies and estates offer truffle-hunting experiences with a trifolau and his dog, a memorable activity that should be booked in advance. Weather can be misty or rainy in late autumn, so bring layers and comfortable shoes for walking in the woods and vineyards. Because restaurants and cellars are spread across hilltop villages, and wine flows freely at every meal, having a chauffeur allows everyone to enjoy the experience fully without worrying about driving.
Travelling to Piedmont with AirportsTransfers.ch
To reach Alba during truffle season, book your transfer online with AirportsTransfers.ch. You see the fixed price per vehicle before paying by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and your chauffeur takes care of the long drive through the Alps. Flights are tracked, so your driver waits in arrivals with a name sign and there is no extra charge if your flight is late. An S-Class offers the quietest comfort for couples, while a V-Class takes up to seven passengers with luggage, and child seats are available on request. Return trips can be booked together, and companies planning a gourmet incentive trip receive an invoice. For questions, call or message +41 78 346 56 77 at any hour.
