Alba Truffle Festival 2025: Dates, Prices, Where to Stay & Why It’s Italy’s Most Unmissable Food Event

The International White Truffle Fair of Alba (Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba) is one of Italy’s most prestigious food festivals, dedicated to the world-famous Alba white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico). Taking place in the Piedmont region, the fair attracts food lovers, chefs, and travelers from across the globe. Today, we´ll cover everything you need to know: history, traditions, dates, prices, events, and the best places to stay.

Significance & History

Alba, located in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, is internationally renowned for its rare and aromatic white truffles. The fair started as a local truffle market and has grown into a world-class event combining gastronomy, culture, and tradition. The Alba truffle is celebrated for its scarcity and intense aroma, making it one of the most expensive delicacies in the world. In 2025, the festival will celebrate its 95th edition, continuing a tradition that has become central to Piedmont’s cultural identity.

Dates 2025

The 2025 edition of the Alba White Truffle Fair runs from October 11 to December 8, 2025.
The event lasts for nearly nine weeks, giving visitors flexibility to plan their trip.
Key markets, cooking shows, and cultural activities are mostly concentrated on weekends.

Festival Traditions & Highlights

The Truffle Market

At the heart of the fair is the International Truffle Market, where fresh Alba white truffles are sold, evaluated, and admired. Expert judges certify the authenticity and quality of each truffle, ensuring fair trade.

Cooking Shows & Tastings

Renowned chefs host live cooking demonstrations, preparing seasonal dishes enhanced with Alba’s white truffle. Visitors can join tastings, workshops, and wine pairings featuring Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Truffle Hunts

Guided truffle hunts with local trifolau (truffle hunters) and their specially trained dogs are a must. These experiences offer insight into the centuries-old tradition of truffle hunting in Piedmont’s forests.

Cultural & Family Events

Beyond gastronomy, the festival includes folklore performances, art exhibitions, and educational programs. Families can enjoy Alba Truffle Kids, which introduces children to the culture of truffles through games and activities.

Tickets & Prices

Ticket types vary depending on the experience:

Market entry: In past years, general admission was modest, with optional add-ons for wine tastings.
Cooking shows, tastings, and masterclasses: Priced separately depending on the chef and program.
Truffle hunts and guided tours: Require advance booking and are usually more expensive due to the exclusivity.

Prices change slightly each year, but expect higher costs for premium experiences such as gala dinners or guided truffle hunts.

Truffle Prices

White truffles are among the most expensive foods in the world. Prices at the fair fluctuate based on size, quality, and availability.

Top-quality Alba white truffles can reach €400–500 per 100 grams or more in good seasons.
Smaller or less aromatic specimens are more affordable, and many visitors opt for truffle products such as oils, salts, and sauces as souvenirs.

Where to Stay for the Alba Truffle Festival

Finding the right accommodation is crucial, as the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Alba (the central hub)

Staying in Alba itself means being at the heart of the action, within walking distance of the truffle market, restaurants, and cultural events.
Accommodation sells out months in advance, so book early.
Alba is the best option for visitors without a car.

Surrounding Langhe Villages

Many visitors prefer staying in the wine villages surrounding Alba for a quieter atmosphere and stunning vineyard views. These include:

Monforte d’Alba
La Morra
Barolo
Barbaresco
Grinzane Cavour
Novello
Guarene

These towns are ideal for travelers who want to combine the truffle festival with wine tastings and scenic drives through the Langhe hills. A car is recommended.

Further Options

If Alba and nearby villages are fully booked, some visitors stay in towns slightly further away:

Asti (a larger city with more hotel options, about 40 minutes from Alba)
Benevello and Bossolasco (smaller countryside towns offering boutique hotels and agriturismi within 20–30 minutes of Alba).

Visitor Tips

Book early: Accommodation and special events sell out quickly.
Visit midweek if possible: Weekends are the busiest.
Reserve truffle hunts and cooking shows in advance: Places are limited.
Wear comfortable shoes: The fair includes markets, walks, and hillside villages.
Bring cash: While cards are accepted, small vendors often prefer cash.
Explore the region: Combine the fair with wine tastings in Barolo or Barbaresco and scenic drives through UNESCO-listed landscapes.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Alba, explore the historic center
Visit the truffle market and enjoy an introductory tasting
Dinner with a truffle-based menu in Alba

Day 2

Morning guided truffle hunt in the woods
Afternoon cooking class or tasting workshop
Evening gala dinner with wine pairings

Day 3

Visit local wineries in Barolo and Barbaresco
Shopping for truffle products at the market
Farewell dinner in Alba or a Langhe village

Why is Unmisseable?

The Alba White Truffle Fair 2025 is more than a food festival.. it is a cultural and sensory journey into one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary traditions. Whether you stay in Alba’s bustling center or the serene vineyards of the Langhe, the experience promises unforgettable flavors, aromas, and memories. If you are passionate about gastronomy, wine, and authentic Italian traditions, this festival deserves a place on your travel bucket list.