Every autumn, the historic centre of Alba becomes the world capital of white truffle. The Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba — held every weekend from early October to late November — is one of the most important food events in Italy and one of the most unique experiences in Europe. Villa Irene Langhe is 15 minutes from Alba. This is our guide to the festival, written from the inside.
What is the Alba White Truffle Festival
The International Alba White Truffle Fair has been held since 1929. Every weekend during the truffle season, the medieval streets of Alba fill with producers, restaurateurs, buyers and visitors from around the world — all drawn by the Tuber magnatum Pico, the white truffle of the Langhe and Monferrato.
The festival is not a single event but a series of weekends, each with its own programme: tastings, auctions, cooking demonstrations, dinners in historic cellars, and the famous Truffle Market inside the Cortile della Maddalena.
Alba White Truffle Festival 2026 — dates
The 2026 edition typically runs from the first weekend of October to the last weekend of November. The exact dates are confirmed each year by the Ente Fiera — we update this page as soon as they are announced.
Typical calendar:
- October: opening weekends, first truffle auctions, Barolo harvest still ongoing
- November: peak truffle season, most intense programme, international buyers arrive
- Late November: closing weekend, final auction
Our recommendation: the second and third weekends of November are historically the best for truffle quality, fragrance and programme. October weekends are less crowded and easier to combine with winery visits.
The Truffle Market
The heart of the festival is the Truffle Market, held inside the Cortile della Maddalena in the centre of Alba. Here, certified trifolai (truffle hunters) and traders sell fresh white truffles by weight.
Prices vary enormously depending on size, shape and the season's harvest. A small truffle (20–30g) suitable for one dish typically costs between €80 and €150. Larger specimens, especially those over 100g, can reach several hundred euros.
Practical tips for the market:
- Arrive early in the morning — the best truffles sell fast
- Smell before you buy — fragrance is the primary quality indicator
- Ask for a certificate of origin if buying to take home
- Check customs regulations for your country before purchasing
Truffle hunting in the Langhe
Beyond the market, one of the most memorable experiences during truffle season is going out into the woods with a trifolao and a trained dog before dawn — often between 5 and 7 in the morning, in complete silence.
We organise truffle hunting excursions for our guests on request, with local hunters we know personally. The experience lasts 2–3 hours and includes a tasting of freshly found truffle at the end. Available from October to December, subject to availability.
Where to eat truffle in Alba and the Langhe
The restaurants of Alba and the surrounding villages transform their menus completely during truffle season. Dishes you will find everywhere:
- Tajarin al tartufo — thin egg pasta, butter, fresh white truffle shaved at the table. The most iconic dish of the Langhe.
- Uova al tartufo — fried or scrambled eggs with white truffle. Simple and extraordinary.
- Risotto al tartufo — Carnaroli rice, butter, Parmigiano, truffle. A benchmark dish.
- Vitello tonnato con tartufo — classic Piedmontese starter elevated by truffle.
Restaurants we recommend during truffle season:
- Agriturismo Ca' Brusa — a few minutes from Villa Irene, also walkable. Authentic Langhe cooking, generous portions, truffle dishes when in season.
- More e Macine (La Morra) — refined Piedmontese cuisine, excellent truffle tajarin.
- La Locanda del Nocciolo — intimate atmosphere, seasonal menu, excellent value.
- La Cantinetta (Barolo) — traditional, family-run, truffle menu throughout the season.
- Felicin (Monforte d'Alba) — elegant, historic restaurant, ideal for a special truffle dinner.
- Piazza Duomo (Alba) — three Michelin stars. The most celebrated restaurant in the Langhe, and one of the best in Italy. Reservations months in advance.
What else to do during truffle season
Truffle season coincides with some of the most beautiful moments in the Langhe calendar:
- Barolo harvest — the Nebbiolo harvest takes place in October, often overlapping with the first truffle weekends. Combining a winery visit and a truffle market in the same day is very possible from Villa Irene.
- Vineyard foliage — October and November are when the UNESCO hills turn gold and red. The views from Villa Irene's loggia are at their finest.
- Barolo Wine Auction — the Asta del Barolo, held during the festival, brings together collectors and producers for one of Italy's most important wine events.
- Donkey Palio of Alba — a historic and irreverent race held in Alba on the first Sunday of October, a counter-event to the famous Palio di Siena.
Where to stay for the Alba White Truffle Festival
Villa Irene Langhe is 15 minutes from the centre of Alba — close enough to attend the festival easily, far enough to enjoy the silence of the hills and the vineyards at the end of the day.
During truffle season, we personalise each stay: we advise on festival days, book restaurants, organise truffle hunting excursions and arrange winery visits to combine with the market.
The three units — The School House, Suite Red and Suite Green — can be booked individually or exclusively for groups of up to 10 guests. Truffle season weekends fill up quickly. We recommend booking well in advance.
How to get to Alba from Villa Irene Langhe
- Villa Irene Langhe to Alba centre: 15 minutes by car
- Turin to Alba: approx. 45 minutes
- Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) to Alba: approx. 1h
- Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Alba: approx. 1h45
- Milan Linate (LIN) to Alba: approx. 1h35
- Genoa (GOA) to Alba: approx. 1h15
- Nice (NCE) to Alba: approx. 2h25
We arrange private transfers on request.