From Soil to Table: Truffle Hunting in Umbria

Did you know that Umbria is one of Italy's top truffle-producing regions? Here, you’ll find every variety, from the prized White Truffle to the ‘Bianchetto’ truffle, as well as the country’s largest quantity of black truffles.

While black truffles are tubers found on the surface of wooded areas, white truffles are hypogeous fungi that grow underground. Their rarity and the difficulty of locating them explain their higher price. But there’s more to truffle hunting than just the search; it’s a tradition deeply rooted in skill, heritage, and an intimate connection with nature. Hunters have access to certain wooded areas and permits alongside their highly trained lagotto romagnolo dog, will head out in search of these delicacies.

Let's hunt!

We may have found some...

Found one!

You're the best!

Truffle hunters, known as trifolai, obtain special permits and, alongside their highly trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, set out into the woods in search of these culinary treasures. Experiencing a truffle hunt is not just about uncovering a delicacy; it’s a ritual that celebrates the harmony between humans, animals, and the land. That said, not all truffle hunting experiences are authentic. Over-tourism has led to staged hunts in recent years, but it’s usually easy to distinguish the real from the contrived. Genuine hunts are typically conducted in secluded natural areas, led by experienced trifolai who share their knowledge about the truffle ecosystem, sustainable practices, and respect for the environment.One of the most authentic truffle hunting experiences we’ve found is with Andrea and Michele, owners of Seven Restaurant Café in Monteleone d’Orvieto.

Well, let’s say the experience is organised by Andrea and Michele… but the true stars of the show are Argo, Livio and Bella, the three family mascots. On a crisp December morning, we set out, following a briefing and breakfast at Seven, to the family fields, spanning over seven hectares of land that has been in the family for generations. We were a group, led by Michele and Argo. Of course, autumn is said to be the best season for hunting truffles, but we had faith. 

Getting hungry after an active morning

Smell that awesome aroma...

Lunch is ready...

Buon appetito!

We arrived at a patch of woodland, divided by a stream. Here, the light dappled through the naked tree branches. Among anecdotes and truffle secrets, Argo darted excitedly beneath the trees, sniffing for hidden treasures. At one point, he begins to dig fervently; “Argo stop” shouts Michele as he leaps towards him. It’s not uncommon for these enthusiastic pups to gobble up truffles worth hundreds—sometimes thousands—of euros before their handlers can intervene! Michele carefully dug into the soil with a small spatula and unearthed a perfect white truffle. Watching the bond between the hunter, the dog, and the land was mesmerizing. The hunters smell the soil, read its truffle-tinged aroma, and instantly recognize the type of truffle hidden beneath. Michele’s eyes lit up with surprise and joy as he unearthed the bite-sized, earth-covered prize, rewarding Argo with a treat before the hunt resumed. By the end of the experience, we found over 70g worth of truffles. 

After a very satisfying hunt, we return to the restaurant where Andrea, sommelier, offers us a glass of wine and a local cured meats and cheese board. The grand finale? A plate of tagliatelle topped with freshly shaved truffles. The tantalizing aroma of the truffle-filled dish wafted through the air, perfectly complemented by the light, buttery pasta that allowed the truffle’s flavor to shine. This meal was a true ode to Umbria and a testament to Italy’s rich culinary heritage. 

The experience is open to all, including children, and lasts around five hours—an ideal half-day activity for anyone visiting this extraordinary region. 

Do you also want to discover Umbria? Have a look at our holiday villas in Umbria here.