Special 2024
Alba White Truffle Fair
Lots of insights and information about the most anticipated Langhe event of the year.
The International White Truffle Fair is undoubtedly Alba’s main event, one of the most important events for the city and a world showcase for Langhe, Roero and Monferrato.
Its growth has marked the transformations of the city and its inhabitants, bringing not only tourism, but also art, culture and history.
It is an unmissable time of celebration during which the town is decked out with colorful banners and banquets and offers visitors many cultural and food and wine events. For lovers of the prized hypogean mushroom and wine tourists, the Fair is an undisputed autumn stop that also offers the opportunity to visit the surrounding area. If you also don’t want to miss it, on this page you will find lots of information, tips and ideas for experiencing it to the fullest. Cheerfulness and fun await you!
Insights
History of the Fair
Between festivals and re-enactments
The truffle fair was officially established in 1929 as the "Sample Exhibition fair" with prizes of the renowned Truffles of the Langhe, and in 1932 it became the "Truffle Fair". Under its hat, the area's many autumn fairs and festivals, as well as the grape harvest festivals of the Alba area, gathered over the years, increasingly enriching their programs and enlivening their participation. The idea of associating an aspect of historical re-enactment with the Event was conceived by Pinot Gallizio, a famous painter from Alba, who, more in a spirit of goliardism than of true historiographical reconstruction, wanted to make fun of the historical "enemies" of Asti. Over time the Truffle Fair has grown, even after the tragic stop dictated by World War II and the difficulties of the 1960s. The range of offerings, both for tourists and "natives," has expanded considerably. From the convivial moments of the Baccanale and Borgo si Rievoca, through guided tastings, to the always entertaining Palio delgi Asini, the Fair offers something interesting just for everyone: adults, children, foreigners and Italians. Finally, it is an opportunity to discover, in addition to the very expensive truffle, all the other local delicacies: wine and hazelnuts, cheeses and cold cuts... And why not, even some precious cultural treasures.
News and trivia
Villages and re-enactment
During the Fair, the city of Alba is divided into nine Borghi (the equivalent of the contrade of Siena), each with its own enamels (colors) and coats of arms. Protagonists of donkey races, parades, and flag challenges, as well as organizers of games and eating banquets during the bacchanal, the Boroughs are run by volunteers of all ages. They are grouped in the Joust of the Hundred Towers, the association created in the 1960s to revive the “tradition” of the Donkey Palio, which was abandoned after World War II. Over the past 40 years, the Joust and its Villages have become a mainstay of the Truffle Fair, organizing some of its most interesting, fun and colorful events.
Il traffico si ferma e tutti ammirano la sfilata che marcia a ritmo di tamburi.
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![Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco Alba - Eventi]( "Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco Alba – Eventi")
1World Market of the White Truffle of Alba
All fair weekends
The place to buy magnificent specimens of Tuber Magnatum Pico carefully selected by the Alba White Truffle Sensory Analysis judges trained by the National Truffle Study Center.
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![]( "FieraTartufo19-Alba-Truffle-Bimbi")
2Alba Truffle babies
All fair weekends
A place of fun designed entirely for children, but without ever neglecting the didactic and educational aspects. All with respect for the environment and the land, with a large area dedicated to the landscape.
Practical advice
Here are our suggestions for how to best experience the Fair from a traffic (pedestrian and non-pedestrian) perspective.
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1
Strollers
Given the large crowds of people, getting around with a stroller on some streets can be almost impossible-better to get around without one and equip in other ways.
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2
Four-legged friends
The downtown streets on fair weekends are really crowded. This is a good time to leave Fido at home rather than rushing him into the Sunday crush.
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3
Parking lots
If pre-departure early risers are not your thing, avoid looking for parking downtown-the best spots will already have been taken. Then prepare for a short walk and leave the car slightly farther away. Follow our tips and have a stress-free day!
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4
At the end of the day
Around 6 / 7 p.m. traffic comes to a standstill. The most congested areas are "La Pontina", a road leading to the Tanaro Bridge, and All Saints Street, the one leading from downtown to the Asti-Cuneo highway. Be prepared to queue or arrange to leave at different times.
I parcheggi
Evita di raggiungere il centro in automobile: multe e strade chiuse sono all'ordine del giorno.
1 - Ferrero
Distance to center: 10m Free Convenient for those arriving from both south (Savona, Cuneo) and north (Turin, Milan/Asti). It is the largest city parking lot, although perhaps a hair off the beaten path.
4 - San Paolo
Distance to center: 1m Paying Large underground parking lot, convenient for those arriving from Alta Langa or Barbaresco. Those arriving from Turin/Asti or Cuneo will have to drive through the city.
2 - Medford
Distance to center: 5m Free and paid Convenient for those arriving from Turin or Asti. The parking lot is very large, but located near the bridge over the Tanaro River, in one of the most congested areas of the city.
5 - Train station
Distance to center: 1m Paying The covered parking lot is located near the train station. However, its location is not ideal for avoiding traffic going out of or into the city.
3 - Zona H
Distance to center: 3m Free Convenient for those arriving from highway and ring road. It is located behind the train station, near a park. From here the center is really very close.
6 - Nino Bixio
Distance to center: 3m Free Great for those arriving from Treiso / Barbaresco / Neive. Unfortunately, its small size does not allow it to accommodate more than a hundred vehicles.
4 - Miroglio
Distance to center: 10m Free ample parking, very convenient for those arriving from Alta Langa (Cortemilia) and easily reached by a "roundabout" maneuver for those arriving from Asti/Torino.
8 - Convitto
Downtown For a fee The most central of all, 200m from Piazza Duomo. There is a high risk of finding a lot of queue at the exit during peak times (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
Ferrero
Via Giovanni Ferrero, 12051 Alba CN
Medford
Piazza Medford, 12051 Alba (CN)
Zona H
Piazzale Beausoleil, 12051 Alba CN
Miroglio
Via Santa Barbara, 12051 Alba (CN)
San Paolo
Piazza San Paolo, 12051 Alba (CN)
Train Station
Corso Fratelli Bandiera, 12051 Alba (CN)
Nino Bixio
Via San Rocco, 12051 Alba (CN)
Convitto
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 12051 Alba (CN)
Buying Guide
Find out where to buy wine without spending a fortune
If you are looking for a few prestigious bottles to take home as souvenirs, leave the main streets and head for a winery. The reason? The producers welcome you with immense pleasure, and you have the opportunity to taste the wines even before you take them home. Dizzying bottles and absolutely honest prices-the wineries are a must for all wine enthusiasts. Don’t miss Wineries open their doors, an educational event that lets you meet firsthand the people who actually make wine. Below is a list all the participating wineries you’ll find open for a visit and a sampling of great labels.
Fai un salto nelle cantine e acquistali a prezzi imbattibili.
Wineries open their doors
sa rendere un uovo o un piatto di tajarin un pasto da re.
Appetite appeasement
Plan your lunch to enjoy the Langhe cuisine
Be prepared not to find a seat in downtown restaurants at lunchtime. If sandwiches, flatbreads, and street food stalls aren’t your thing, consider a little field trip (or book ahead!).
Tip
Did you know that you can buy truffles in the store and take them to the restaurant? The truffle cutter is provided by the caterer, and you can enjoy the precious mushroom in the quantity you most prefer, with considerable savings for your wallet.
Restaurants in the area
The White Truffle of Alba
A few notions to learn about this valuable product
The White Truffle of Alba, to which the fair is dedicated, is an underground mushroom, growing underground. The type of soil in the Langa Albese & Astigiana gives the truffles that grow in these areas an intense aroma and a very distinctive flavor. Truffles are sought by the “Trifulau”, who venture through the woods at night in the company of their companion par excellence: the tabui, or truffle dog. Protagonists of bitter “wars,” the Trifulau are “mysterious” characters: the times of the outings, but especially the search locations are jealously guarded secrets that are not revealed at any time.
Un buon tartufo deve essere turgido e compatto, leggermente elastico.
Buying Guide
To buy truffles, it is best to follow a few tricks...
Let’s get this straight: due to the slight climate change and the late phase of the moon, the optimal season for finding white truffles is moving later and later in the year, with November and December being the ideal months. In October, when the fair is at its peak, demand is very high, while supply, given the suboptimal weather, is rather low. Therefore, it is easy to come across outrageous prices, or even, unfortunately, half-scams (white truffles of “dubious” origin). Our advice is to buy truffles at the Truffle Market (admission: €5.00 per person), even if it is very crowded, or to target small specialty stores.
The White Truffle Exchange
4.00 € / gram For retail sale, including VAT - pieces from 20g and up. Updated weekly - last updated on 9/10/2023
Truffle recipes
You don’t have to be a great chef to prepare a truffle meal. What matters for the success of the dishes are the raw materials.
While you are at the Fair…
If you stay a few days, the Fair becomes just an excuse to visit a magnificent area and have truly memorable experiences.
Live the experience of truffle hunting
Walking in the woods of Langa and Roero in the company of the trifulau and tabui.
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![Ricerca del tartufo]( "pier carlo vacchina @ armando rotoletti 2013")
1Exclusive truffle search
With Piercarlo and Rocky
An exclusive experience that sees you searching for the White Truffle of Alba. The search sites: natural truffle grounds in Barolo, Neive or Trezzo Tinella.
122,00€ per due persone + 12.00 € for each additional person
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![Massimiliano Bertello e Kelly - Langhe Truffle]( "Massimiliano Bertello e Kelly – Langhe Truffle")
2Searching for truffles in groups
With Massimiliano and Kelly
In groups, searching for the mysterious White Truffle of Alba. Search locations: natural truffle grounds in Roddi (hamlet of Ravinali), Canale, La Morra (hamlet of Annunziata).
80,00 € fino a 4 persone + 10.00 € for each additional person
