I have been dreaming of going truffle hunting in Italy for years, so when we booked our trip to Italy last fall, my top priority was experiencing this unique Italian tradition. I took to the internet as well as a few locals I know to find out where we should go truffle hunting. We ended up choosing the family-owned, Black Truffle Lodge which runs Wild Foods Italy, located in the charming hamlet of Pettino, Umbria and it was one of the best experiences of our lives. More than just a truffle hunt, the adventure with Wild Foods Italy is “a day immersed in the culture and traditions of our family who have been hunting truffles in this region of Italy for centuries unknown.”
In the stunning Apennine Mountains on a warm fall day, surrounded by the colorful changing leaves of European beech trees, we follow truffle hunter Luca (who looks every bit the part in his muted camo, newsboy cap, and truffle spade) and his spotted truffle dogs Picchio, Vespa, and Musi, as they search for the buried culinary treasures. It’s not long before Picchio comes running back to us with his first truffle of the day. “Brava, Picchio, Brava!” exclaims Luca as he gives Picchio a treat in exchange for his discovery.
The day is filled with many more truffle finds as we stroll through the peaceful countryside. It’s a marvel to watch the dogs work at their craft, adeptly locating the prized Umbrian truffles, usually found growing near the base of trees. Once we’ve gathered our bounty, Luca and Mac take us to a picturesque spot in the hills with sweeping views of the unspoiled Italian countryside for a traditional Umbrian hunter’s lunch. We get to taste the freshly dug truffles shaved atop scrambled eggs and local, homemade pecorino cheese. The combination is beautiful, only made better by the stunning location and refreshing prosecco pairing.
In the distance, I hear the jangling of bells moving closer to us and soon see the family shepherd, his flock, and their pack of fluffy, white Maremma sheepdogs coming over the mountain to join us for lunch. The sheep settle in around us, grazing on the hilltop, while the large, friendly Maremma dogs greet us with gentle nuzzles and sniffs, hoping for a snack.
After our mountaintop truffle lunch, we hop in 4x4s with Luca and Mac and head back to the tiny, Ancestral village of Pettino, to continue our culinary adventure at The Black Truffle Lodge. Greeted with a glass of local Italian red, we settle in for a true farm-to-table experience, where almost everything served comes from their small, family-owned farm. In a centuries-old, rustic stone-walled farmhouse, Luca shaves thin layers of prosciutto for us to snack on, while Francesca prepares the wooden table for making fresh, traditional pasta. Francesca, whose family has owned this land since 1468, shares stories with us, as she kneads the homemade pasta dough. Luca and Mac pass around freshly grilled bruschetta with a variety of local toppings, including fresh truffle, and the wine continues to flow. Though rustic, the culinary offerings are nothing short of extraordinary. Wild Foods Italy knows their way around ingredients and the kitchen, so much so that a chef from the famed three Michelin star restaurant, The French Laundry, came to them to learn about cooking with truffles.
Once the pasta making is complete, we gather around the communal tables sharing in more stories and wine to accompany the perfectly prepared truffle pasta and other delightful specialties from the farm, all prepared fresh by Francesca and her wonderful cousin, Fabiola. It’s a true family affair, with no gimmicks. Just an authentic experience where they simply share their way of life and the way it has been for centuries. It is beautiful and genuine and I feel so lucky to have been welcomed into their home to have a glimpse of Italian countryside life in Pettino.
Though, a day trip of truffle hunting with Wild Foods Italy is a remarkable and unforgettable experience, we decided to stay a few nights at the beautiful Black Truffle Lodge for a more immersive cultural experience. You can learn about all of the other amazing experiences they offer with a stay at the lodge, such as shepherding, pecorino cheese making, cooking classes, and more here.
FAQs:
When to go truffle hunting in Italy?
You can go truffle hunting in Umbria between mid-June to mid-December. Check Wild Foods Italy website for exact dates.
Black truffle hunting season is quite lengthy and depending on the region can be found anytime between March through November. White truffles are more elusive and primarily found in Piedmont during the fall – early winter, but can also be found in Umbria, Tuscany, and Le Marche.
What to wear for truffle hunting?
You will be walking a lot so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. There won’t be any difficult hiking, but be sure to have stable footwear, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Bring layers. We went in the late fall, however, it was a beautiful sunny day and I was glad to have a lightweight sweater underneath my insulated rain coat. Depending on the time of year, bring a rain coat, as a lot of the best truffle hunting is during the rainy season.
Where to go truffle hunting in Italy?
You can go truffle hunting in Umbria, Tuscany, Le Merche, and Piedmont. There are lots of great options, but we loved truffle hunting with Wild Foods Italy in Umbria. Out of all of my research, it stuck out as the most unique and authentic experience and certainly did not disappoint. I can’t imagine a better truffle hunting excursion.
Have more questions or interested in learning more about our trip? Feel free to leave a message below, email me directly, or contact me on Instagram @wear_this_there.