Gastronomic Travelers Can Savor These Three Truffle Experiences

For those who appreciate gourmet cuisine, truffles are one of the most sought after delicacies in the world. There are several species of truffles, but the most common edible varieties are black or white truffles. Found in abundance throughout Italy, skilled chefs can work magic with truffles, and dishes such as black truffles paired with the creaminess of classically made risotto are savored by foodies throughout Europe and beyond. According to allrecipes, truffles are considered a gourmet delicacy by many in the culinary world. They are extremely hard to source and lose their potency quickly once they’ve been harvested. These factors make them one of the most expensive foods in the world. Depending on the variety (Italian white truffles are generally the priciest), they can sell for as much as $4,000 a pound.

Truffles prefer to grow in climates that have hot summers, warm springs and cold winters. Extreme weather (humidity, snow) does not support successful truffle growth. In the U.S. areas such as California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Oklahoma and Idaho have climates to support successful truffle growth. Hunting for truffles once involved the use of pigs but now more commonly trained dogs are called upon to locate these edible spores. They’re often confused with mushrooms, but they’re technically not the same species because mushrooms grow above ground, while truffles grow underneath the surface.

Truffle hunting has become a popular activity at resorts throughout the world where the climate is conducive to growing truffles. In addition, cooking classes that teach guests the art of working with truffles fill up quickly at these resorts. Travelers can learn more about the world of truffles by visiting one of the following three locations.

The Allison Inn & Spa, Oregon

To celebrate Oregon Truffle month in February, The Allison Inn & Spa is partnering with Black Tie Tours and Furioso Winery to put together an exclusive three-day truffle experience for guests. The Willamette Valley is an exceptional growing climate for Oregon truffles due to the cool air, steady rainfall and shady forests. The Allison Inn & Spa’s lush property, situated in a wine country oasis, makes for a perfect cozy winter getaway. This Truffle Experience starts at $2,250 per couple and offers guests to savor Oregon truffles in a variety of culinary preparations and take a foraging expedition guided by a local expert, followed by unwinding in deluxe king rooms complete with an automatic fireplace and window seat. The itinerary includes a five course truffle-inspired meal at The Allison’s JORY Restaurant, a truffle hunt with the truffle dog team, an exclusive truffle dinner at Furiso Winery where guests will enjoy exceptional Oregon pinot noirs that pair perfectly with freshly harvested truffles and much more.

Tromp around the Oregon wilderness with a real truffle dog team. Guides will demonstrate how they work together to unearth the native Oregon truffle. You will learn about truffle hunting storage and care of truffles and how to use those delicious little nuggets in your own kitchen. Chef Jack Strong and the JORY culinary team have created a special five course celebration of truffles.

Casa di Langa, Italy

Opened in spring 2021, Casa di Langa is an Italian resort surrounded by nature and is nestled among hazelnut groves and vineyards of Cerretto Langhe in Alta Langa. Now, you can experience the ancient and elusive art of truffle hunting without ever leaving the Casa di Langa estate. Expert truffle hunters and their Lagotto dogs (an Italian breed known for their truffle finding abilities) will guide you on an exciting journey to discover both black and white truffles.

Here you can spend your time wandering 42 hectares of working vineyards and natural landscape, or venture out to explore the neighboring UNESCO World Heritage designated area, home to some of the finest wines and white truffles in the world. Immerse yourself in the history and techniques of the Langhe region’s world famous cuisine with hands-on cooking classes. These classes feature quality time in the kitchen along with an informative visit to the sustainable aromatic herbs garden, used by both the kitchen and head bartender. Overlooking the vineyards, the Fàula Ristorante is led by the young and talented Chef Daniel Zeilinga, who takes care of the catering offer at 360 degrees, from breakfasts to after dinner drinks. A contemporary cuisine focuses on the best raw materials of the area.

Les Pastras, France

Johann and Lisa Pepin of Les Pastras are a Franco-American couple who moved to the South of France from Chicago in 2003 to take over the family vineyard, leaving behind their jobs in finance and public relations for fresh air, starry skies and organic farming. Take a tour of a Provençal truffle plantation, learn how truffles are cultivated and truffle dogs are trained and go on a hunt for France’s elusive “black gold” with professional hunters who know all the tricks of the trade. You’ll also learn how to properly clean, store and cook with truffles.

Experience Provence off the beaten track with one of France’s most traditional and secretive countryside traditions: The truffle hunt. Les Pastras conducts truffle-hunting tours in English during summer and winter truffle seasons, followed by a sampling of fresh truffle hors d’oeuvres, Champagne and a tasting of Les Pastras’s olive and truffle oil. Winter truffles are the more aromatic of the two and are harvested from November through March. They tend to be at their peak in January.