As one of the most feted ingredients in culinary circles, truffles inspire awe among gastronomes at the mere mention of them. A big part of its revere has much to do with its hunting and foraging as much as its prized earthy flavour that lends a deep aromatic intensity to food.
Piedmont in truffle season is the place to be. The region is renowned for the white Alba truffle, the most renowned and sought-after truffle amongst truffle hunters and gourmets.
Debuting in time for the upcoming white truffle and harvest season, Casa di Langa in the heart of Piedmont has premiered the world’s first hotel truffle concierge along with a programme of Truffle Hunting and dining experiences.
Autumn in Piedmont is a magical time to explore the region’s vineyards recognized for its Barolo, Barbaresco, and Alta Langa wines and to enjoy the most beautiful fall foliage covering the rolling hills as one truffle hunts through orchards. From mid-September to January, the official truffle season in Italy, international connoisseurs and excited food lovers arrive in Piedmont searching for the highly sought-after delicacy. For eight weeks every year, the International Alba White Truffle Festival from October to December turns the spotlight on Alba for its culinary excellence and finest quality of white truffles.
Casa di Langa will host a culinary experience to celebrate the return of Piedmont’s truffle season. Called the Truffle Hunting and Dining package, it honours the region’s famous truffles and Alta Langa wine produced on the hotel’s working vineyards.
With a spectacular setting, the boutique hotel is nestled within 100+ acres of working vineyards and forested hills. Hotel guests will be invited to a very unique truffle hunting experience with the region’s expert truffle hunters, who will take guests on an exciting journey to discover the fine art of truffle hunting.
Guests will be able to forage for this delicacy alongside the truffle hunters and the specially trained Lagotto dogs, an Italian breed known for their truffle-finding abilities. The thrill of setting off into the forest in search of truffles, hidden in plain sight just under the ground, is one of the most memorable traditions in Piedmont, the secrets of which are passed down through generations of truffle hunters.
After the hunt through the fertile grounds of Casa di Langa Estate, the concierge service also includes proper handling and storage back on the property for truffles purchased by guests. The hotel’s specialist chiller is dedicated solely to storing guests’ truffles with the utmost care and respect in order to preserve their quality before being shipped back to guests’ homes. The concierge can also arrange for the procurement of truffles via some of the country’s most renowned suppliers.
After a day out in the idyllic countryside, the fine dining restaurant will execute a full-on truffle extravaganza and invite guests to an indulgent seasonal 3-course culinary dinner.
Of course, there is so much more to do beyond truffle foraging in Piedmont and on the grounds of the Casa di Langa hotel. Set next to Le Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a region known for Barolo wine production and idyllic villages, guests have plenty to explore within the surrounding areas. The 39-room hotel also offers cooking classes, art tours, and a wine academy, in addition to all-natural treatments at the Spa & Wellness centre.
For foodies, oenophiles and bon vivants alike, this retreat to the 5-star Casa di Langa in spellbinding Piedmont is not to be missed.
