The Alba white truffle (tartufo bianco) appears in the Langhe hills of Piedmont between mid-October and late December. It is the most expensive food in the world by weight and one of the few that cannot be cultivated.
The window Hunting begins October, peaks first half of November, slows by mid-December. The Alba International White Truffle Fair runs every weekend October–December in the old town. Outside the fair, the best truffle is bought directly from a trifolau (truffle hunter) at his home cellar.
Where to actually eat truffle **Piazza Duomo, Alba** — three Michelin stars, Enrico Crippa, the international benchmark. Reservations 6–8 weeks ahead, especially in season. **La Ciau del Tornavento, Treiso** — one star, sweeping view of the vineyards, deep wine list, slightly easier to book. **Antica Corona Reale, Cervere** — two stars in Roero, 30 minutes from Alba, the most ingredient-led truffle kitchen. **Osteria del Vignaiolo, Treiso** — no stars, no pretensions, an osteria run by a winemaker, perfect for a long Sunday lunch with truffle shaved at the table.
What it actually costs Restaurant supplement for truffle in 2026: €18–€24 per gram, with a standard 4–6 gram shave at the table. A pasta dish with truffle: €60–€90. A full truffle tasting menu: €280–€350.
Where to stay **Villa Tiboldi, Canale** — small relais in a vineyard, 15 minutes from Alba. **Castello di Guarene** — 18th-century castle, contemporary rooms, the regional grand hotel. **Borgo Sant'Anna, Monforte d'Alba** — 8 rooms, opened 2022, the new face of Langhe luxury.
How to get there 2h 15min by car from Milan. With a [Mercedes V-Class chauffeur](/atlas/private-transfer-milan-lake-como), the journey is itself the start of the experience — the road from Asti into the Langhe winds through Roero. [Tell our concierge](#concierge) the weekend and the number of seats; we book the table and the room.
white trufflePiedmontAlbatartufo biancoLanghe
Frequently asked
Is the Alba White Truffle Fair worth the visit?+
Yes — the fair (Saturdays and Sundays, Oct–Dec) is the only place where you see 50+ trifolaus at once with fresh inventory. Bring cash for serious purchases; €4,500–€6,500 per kilogram is the 2026 range.
Can I buy truffle to take home?+
Yes, fresh truffle keeps 5–7 days refrigerated. Most fair vendors pack for international travel; declare at customs (EU declarations are simple, US/UK requires phytosanitary).
What wine pairs with white truffle?+
Barolo or Barbaresco, ideally 8–12 years old. Lighter Nebbiolo or aged Roero Arneis (whites) work for delicate truffle pasta.
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