Alba
White truffle capital of the world, surrounded by UNESCO-listed Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards.
About Alba
Alba is a food and wine lover's paradise. This small town in the heart of the Langhe hills is world-famous for the white truffle—tartufo bianco d'Alba—the most expensive ingredient in gastronomy, hunted with dogs in the surrounding oak woods every autumn. The town hosts the International White Truffle Fair from October to December, drawing epicures from around the world. But Alba is equally important for wine: the Langhe hills surrounding it produce Barolo, Barbaresco, and Nebbiolo, and the landscape itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has elegant medieval towers, excellent restaurants, and the Ferrero chocolate empire (Nutella, Ferrero Rocher) is headquartered here.
Best Time to Visit
October to November for white truffle season and the Truffle Fair. May to June for vineyard touring in pleasant weather. The harvest season (vendemmia) in September-October is magical in the vineyards.
Local Tips
- Go truffle hunting at dawn.
A local can arrange a truffle hunt with a trifolao and his trained dog in the misty Langhe woods, followed by a meal where the truffle is shaved generously over fresh tajarin pasta and fried eggs.
- Drive the Barolo wine trail.
The villages of Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga each produce distinct wines. A local knows the tiny family cantinas that don't appear on maps and the viewpoints where the UNESCO landscape takes your breath away.
- Visit the Truffle Fair like a local.
The annual Fiera del Tartufo can be overwhelming. A local will navigate the stalls, teach you to evaluate truffle quality by scent and texture, and arrange a truffle lunch that's worth the trip alone.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Isabella
Novara, Turin +3
I am a tour guide, a travel companion, and a travel designer, but perhaps above all, I am a discerning traveler. My decade-long experience and my way of discovering the world allow me to create proposals and itineraries that transform every trip into a unique and memorable experience. With a solid background in the tourism industry that began in hospitality and grew with travel, I have developed a keen sensitivity to the needs of my clients, ensuring travel experiences that go beyond expectations.
Simone
Alba
I was born in Victoria, Australia. My mum was a kiwi and my dad an Italian. At 15 I moved to Dunedin, New Zealand. When I finished my degree I came to Italy to play softball. Europe took hold of my heart and I ended up staying. That was over 30 years ago. I have lived in Macerata, Stratford-on-Avon, Macclesfield, Claviere/Cesana Torinese/Sauze di Cesana, Bussia and now Guarene. I have a 22-year-old daughter and two cats. I now work as an ESL teacher in Alba. My job takes me travelling with middle and high school students to English speaking destinations. I love hiking, bike touring or doing an easy ferrata. I love visiting quaint villages full of history and great stories. I am happiest when immersed in nature. There are loads of nature walks and rides that I enjoy. I have hiked around Mount Viso sleeping over in lodges. I have cycled from Alba to the seaside off road and passing through National Parks and villages lost in time. I am into locally grown and know where the best farmers markets and small producers are. I have a dream to visit all the Slow Food Presidia and interview the local farmers about their products, then bike to the place of origin and eat/drink the product at the source and with the knowledge of its tradition.
Heaven
Turin, Alba +2
Ciao! My name is Heaven, originally from the UK but living in Piemonte for the last 10 years and travelling around the world for work and research, more than 60 countries at the last count! I'm a big foodie (currently writing a book about five foods that changed the world) and Piemonte is an absolute foodie paradise. It's also one of the most beautiful parts of Italy in my opinion with mountains, forests, rolling vineyards, fascinating villages and beaches all in close proximity. I'm also a hot air balloon pilot so I'm lucky enough to get to see all this from the air!