International Alba White Truffle Fair – Italy 2025

Background & History

The International Alba White Truffle Fair, or “Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba,” began in 1928 as a local celebration of the prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) in Alba, Piedmont. Initially a modest event tied to the region’s agricultural heritage, it was elevated to international prominence in the 1930s by entrepreneur Giacomo Morra, who gifted truffles to global figures like Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill, cementing their status as a luxury ingredient.

Now in its 95th edition in 2025, the fair is a world-renowned showcase of haute gastronomy, blending culinary excellence with Piedmontese culture. Held under the theme “Profondo Rispetto” (Deep Respect), it emphasizes sustainability, tradition, and community, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually to the Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero regions.

Event Highlights

The International Alba White Truffle Fair is a sensory journey celebrating the white truffle and Piedmont’s culinary heritage. Key attractions include:

• Alba White Truffle World Market: A bustling marketplace where visitors can purchase certified white truffles directly from truffle hunters (trifulau) and traders, overseen by the National Truffle Study Centre’s Quality Commission.
• Cooking Shows and Fine Aperitifs: Michelin-starred chefs demonstrate truffle-infused dishes, with new “Gourmet Sunsets” offering elegant Italian-style aperitifs combining culinary artistry and local wines.
• Cultural and Folkloric Events: Historical reenactments, medieval parades, and the Donkey Palio, a traditional donkey race, immerse visitors in Alba’s rich history.
• Truffle Hunting Tours: Guided experiences with expert hunters and trained dogs in the forests of Langhe, offering an authentic glimpse into truffle foraging.
• Wine Tasting Experiences: Sample iconic Barolo, Barbaresco, and Nebbiolo wines, guided by local sommeliers and winemakers.

Date & Duration

Dates: October 11 – December 7, 2025 (Saturdays and Sundays only)

Duration: 9 weekends (18 days total)

Venue / Location

The fair is primarily held in the historic center of Alba, Piedmont, Italy, with key activities at:

• Cortile della Maddalena: The main venue for the Alba White Truffle World Market, located at Piazza Falcone, 12051 Alba (CN), Italy.
• Piazza Medford, 3, 12051 Alba (CN): Administrative offices and additional event spaces, including the Museo Federico Eusebio.
• Roddi Castle: Hosts guided tours, cooking classes, and traditional lunches, located at Piazza Umberto I, 12060 Roddi (CN), Italy.
• Various Locations in Alba’s Historic Center: Cultural events, exhibitions, and performances take place in squares like Piazza Risorgimento and Via Cavour.

Contact Information

• Ente Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba: Piazza Medford, 3, 12051 Alba (CN), Italy; Tel: +39 0173 361051; Email: info@fieradeltartufo.org; Administration Email: amministrazione@fieradeltartufo.org
• Centro Nazionale Studi Tartufo: Tel: +39 0173 228190; Email: info@tuber.it; Website: www.tuber.it
• Piemonte on Wine (Winery Tours): Tel: +39 0173 635013; Email: info@piemonteonwine.it; Website: www.piemonteonwine.it
• Piemonte on Food (Typical Products Tours): Tel: +39 0173 635013; Email: info@piemonteonwine.it; Website: www.piemonteonwine.it
• Ente Turismo Langhe Monferrato Roero: Tel: +39 0173 35833; Email: info@visitlmr.it; Website: www.visitlmr.it
• Consorzio Turistico Langhe Monferrato Roero (Bookings): Tel: +39 0173 362562 or +39 0173 366328; Email: info@langhe-experience.it; Website: www.langhe-experience.it
• SportABILI Alba Onlus (Accessibility Info): Tel: +39 0173 615670 or +39 366 9943748; Email: info@sportabilialba.org; Website: www.sportabilialba.org

Ticket Information

Tickets are required for the Alba White Truffle World Market and related experiences, available online via fieradeltartufo.org or onsite:

• Standard Entry:
  • Online: $5.40 USD
  • Onsite: $6.48 USD
  • Group Rate (30+ people): $4.32 USD (online only)
• Wine Tasting Package (includes entry, unmarked wine glass, and two drink tickets):
  • Online: $13.50 USD
  • Onsite: $14.58 USD
• Special Experiences:
  • Guided tours, cooking classes, and truffle hunts require separate bookings, with prices varying (e.g., Truffle Hunt: ~$70–$122 USD; Cooking Classes: ~$50–$100 USD).
  • The XXVI White Truffle Auction (November 2025) offers VIP bidding opportunities, with proceeds supporting charitable causes. Tickets are affordable, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience, and no lottery system is required.

Cultural Experience

The fair is a vibrant celebration of Piedmontese traditions, blending gastronomy with folklore. Visitors can expect:

• Historical Reenactments: Medieval parades, flag-waving performances, and the Donkey Palio evoke Alba’s past.
• Music and Performances: Concerts featuring local and international artists, from classical to folk, fill the streets.
• Traditional Costumes: Participants in historical events wear period attire, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Local Customs: The fair opens with a ceremonial night (September 30–October 1), marking the start of the truffle season, and includes the “Bela Trifolera” pageant, celebrating local culture.

Food & Drinks

The fair is a paradise for food lovers, with must-try specialties including:

• Tajarin with White Truffle: Thin egg pasta shaved with fresh Alba white truffles, a Piedmontese classic.
• Truffle-Infused Dishes: Risottos, cheeses, and honeys laced with truffle flavors.
• Local Wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, and Moscato d’Asti, paired expertly with truffle dishes.
• Hazelnut Products: Nocciola Piemonte IGP sweets, pralines, and Nutella-inspired treats, reflecting Alba’s hazelnut heritage.
• Regional Delicacies: Porro di Cervere (leeks), Cappone di Morozzo (capon), and artisanal cheeses and salumi. Gourmet Sunsets offer aperitifs with truffle-based canapés and local sparkling wines.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: The Alba Truffle Kids area offers workshops, games, and sustainable crafts for children, blending fun with education about the region’s heritage.
• Accessibility: Alba is committed to inclusivity, with SportABILI Alba Onlus providing resources for visitors with disabilities. The Cortile della Maddalena and other venues offer wheelchair access, and guides are available for sensory-impaired guests. Contact SportABILI at +39 0173 615670 for tailored support.

Getting There

• By Air: The nearest airports are Turin-Caselle (TRN, ~1 hour drive) and Milan Malpensa (MXP, ~2 hours drive).
• By Train: Alba’s train station, on the Turin-Alba line, is a 10-minute walk from the historic center. Trains from Turin or Milan are frequent and affordable.
• By Car: Alba is accessible via the A33 highway from Turin or Asti. Parking is available at lots like Sao Paulo, but spaces fill quickly on weekends; consider weekday visits or public transport.
• Public Transport: Local buses connect Alba to nearby towns like Asti and Monforte d’Alba. The historic center is pedestrian-friendly, with most venues within walking distance.
• Tips: Book parking or transport in advance due to festival crowds.

Sustainability Initiatives

The 2025 fair emphasizes sustainability with a revised truffle hunting season (October 1–January 31) to adapt to climate change. Initiatives include biodiversity protection, eco-friendly market practices, and partnerships with local schools to promote gastronomic education.

Exhibitions, Music, and Sports

Beyond gastronomy, the fair offers:

• Exhibitions: Art displays and truffle history exhibits at venues like the Museo Federico Eusebio.
• Music: Concerts range from classical performances to local folk bands, held in Alba’s squares and churches.
• Sports: The Donkey Palio is a highlight, alongside truffle hunting demonstrations that showcase the athleticism of trained dogs.