An immersive journey into the secrets of Italy’s most sought-after gastronomic experiences: The Alba Truffle. Wine, dine, smell, taste and hunt.
Join us in a unique three-day adventure to get up close and personal with one of the world’s most exclusive foods. From truffle-match discovery at legendary local wineries to joining in a traditional truffle hunt and lunch, in the warm company of one of the region’s most highly recognized truffle families.
Indulge in some of the ultimate ways to taste white truffles, Piedmont style, with home-made pasta from golden Tajarin to Raviolini di fonduta or del Plin in elegant warm-hearted local trattorias. Delight in another of the region’s natural delicacies with a visit to hazelnut and cheese producers.
Savour the exquisite tastes of the Piedmont region with the elegance of some of the best quality veal in the world in preparations such as Vitello Tonnato, Salsiccia di Bra and knife-cut Carne Cruda or the Lange speciality Carne all’albese. Discover the diverse dining locations that best represent the region from a cosy family-run osteria, considered one of the temples of traditional Piedmontese cuisine to an exceptional fine dining restaurant, the highly rewarded Piazza Duomo.
This trip will also be the occasion to sit at the same table with some of the best local winemakers, who will join our dinners to present their vintages. This is a unique opportunity to gain a real understanding of the region’s wine traditions and techniques, with idea wine matching taking place “live”, explained and explored.
The Highlights
Gaja
Experience this legendary winery with a full tasting tour. Take in the full environment and deep learning about local grapes and appellations from the most coveted wines in Italy. Savoir wines personally selected by the Gaja family on each occasion of the entire trip.
Founded in 1859, the Gaja winery produces Italy’s celebrated and exclusive Barbaresco and Barolo wines. Current owner and president, dynamic-wine personality Angelo Gaja is credited with developing methods that have transformed winemaking in the country.
Piazza Duomo
Discover the extraordinary cuisine crafted by chef Enrico Crippa at Piazza Duomo. A true culinary gem nestled in the heart of Alba, ruled by exceptional flavours, inventive menus based on raw or fermented vegetables from the restaurant’s own farm, impeccable service, and an enchanting visual universe.
In the early 2000s, visionary entrepreneur Bruno Ceretto, driven by his love for art, wine, and the magnificent Piedmontese hills, embarked on a mission to showcase the region’s splendour: Piazza Duomo was born. Now the proud holder of three Michelin stars, a distinction shared by only eleven restaurants in all of Italy.
As you step into the elegant pink room bathed in natural light, you’ll be captivated by the ethereal frescoes adorning the walls, painted by the renowned artist Francesco Clemente.
Enrico Crippa, supported by his dedicated team, personally tends to the restaurant’s bountiful garden, located just moments away in the Monsordo Bernardina Estate owned by the Ceretto family. This ensures that the freshest vegetables and herbs are harvested and incorporated into every meticulously crafted dish. While a carefully curated selection of wines, enhances and extends the dining experience.
Immersive experience with historical family
What better way to get a 360° knowledge of this earthly delight, than participating in a truffle hunt and lunch prepared with your bounty in the warm company of Alba’s most important truffle families. Truffle hunters for four generations, you’ll be given insider insight into their grounds, hunting methods and preparation techniques. Take in the sound of silence, broken only by the excitement of a “find” as you walk the paths trodden by past and present generations of trifulau.
Program
9th November, Thursday
Aperitif at Relais Villa d’Amelia.
Dinner at a cosy family-run eatery, which will serve the guests traditional cuisine with truffles. The Osteria, appreciated for its “homemade” flavours even by starred chefs from the Cuneo area, is a sure point of reference for those who wish to rediscover the taste of real “homemade” pasta.
10th November, Friday
Breakfast at a local cheese farm.
Legendary Gaja winery visit with a full-tasting tour. Take in the full environment and deep learning about local grapes and appellations from the most coveted wines in Italy. Savoir wines personally selected by the Gaja family. Founded in 1859, the Gaja winery produces Italy’s celebrated and exclusive Barbaresco and Barolo wines. Current owner and president, dynamic-wine personality Angelo Gaja is credited with developing methods that have transformed winemaking in the country.
Lunch at an elegant classic trattoria located next to the bell tower serves a traditional Piedmont-style menu with truffles and tajarin pasta.
Hazelnuts producer visit, a family-run farm where the first hazelnuts plants were planted in 1939.
Dinner at Piazza Duomo – a three Michelin star restaurant run by chef Enrico Crippa in an old town of Alba. Here the menus are based on raw or fermented vegetables from the restaurant’s own farm. Our Luxeat experience will be framed within the exceptional Alba White Truffle Menu, including six surprise courses by the chef himself, with 20 gr of Alba White Truffle per person, opening with a glass of sparkling wine and the meal accompanied by a sommelier selection of wines.
11th November, Saturday
Truffle hunting and traditional lunch prepared by the hunter’s family. A truffle-hunting family with a legacy of four generations behind them, harvesting this rare and unique product. The truffle hunt lasts around one and a half hours, walking along the paths you listen to nature – almost in a religious silence, broken only by the excitement of the dog which digs the soil and by the careful movements of the truffle searcher, they bring the truffle to light.
Truffle market visit.
Dinner at a family-owned restaurant with panoramic views of Barolo. Leisurely dinner with a classically beautiful setting with a historic dining room and a menu featuring classic dishes with truffles. We will be joined for this dinner by a local winemaker who will present its vintages (more information coming soon).
12th November, Sunday
Departure day
Accommodation
Villa d’ Amelia
Relais Villa d’Amelia was born from the masterly renovation of the nineteenth-century Cascina Bonelli, in the heart of Piedmont’s Langhe region, a short distance from the town of Alba.
Sitting on the ridge of a hill between luscious woods and spectacular hazelnut groves, and a breathtaking view of the Alps to boot, Villa d’Amelia is the perfect starting point to discover a magic region, rich in flavours and traditions. The hotel’s elegant and warm interiors and its manicured blooming gardens surrounding the villa create the perfect atmosphere one would find in a private home, where every guest receives carefully tailored services.
Transportation
Domestic transportation during the tour is included, pickups and drop-offs will be done from/to Villa d’ Amelia.
Conditions
Luxeat reserves the right to make changes to the program or substitute any planned activities on the program in case of unexpected issues. Every effort will be made to substitute any cancelled activity with another similar one according to Luxeat standarts.
Refund policy
Cancellations before 9th September will receive an 80% refund; cancellations from 10th September onwards will not be refunded.
The tour starts at 6:30pm on 09th November and finishes on 11th November after dinner.
Only a very limited number of tickets are available. Please inquire at evelina@luxeat.com to book and for more information.
