A wonderful holiday in Piedmont
CIN: IT006048C2ZHUJ9J4I
From Casa Mumu · Piedmont · Italy
Under the oak trees by the house, in the forests around Acqui Terme, and in the markets of the town: in autumn, this region revolves around one thing. Here's where to find it.
Why Piedmont
Mention truffles, and Piedmont comes to mind — specifically the hills around Alba and Acqui Terme, less than a fifteen-minute drive from Casa Mumu. The combination of lime-rich soil, oak forests and the microclimate of the Apennines makes this one of the few places on earth where the prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum) grows naturally. The season runs roughly from late September to January, peaking in October and November.
What's special is that you can sense the atmosphere before you've even tasted anything: early in the morning, you'll occasionally spot a trifulau (truffle hunter) with their dog heading out on the narrow roads, well before the rest of the region wakes up.
Head out yourself
The best way to get acquainted with truffles is to go looking yourself. Several local trifulau around Acqui Terme and Alba offer short excursions: a morning walk through the forest with a dog, where you get to help search and dig. The outing is often rounded off with a tasting on site or at a nearby agriturismo.
Book these excursions a few weeks ahead if you can, especially in October and November — the busiest weeks of the season. The tourist office in Acqui Terme can put you in touch with licensed guides.
Tasting and buying
Acqui Terme holds a lively market twice a week, and during truffle season extra stalls appear selling fresh truffles straight from the hunters. Always ask for a certificate of origin — that's part of buying honestly.
For a full day out, the Fiera del Tartufo in Alba is well worth it: one of Italy's most famous truffle fairs, with tastings, auctions and an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. Prefer something smaller and closer to home? At Il Giardinetto in Sessame, just down the road from Casa Mumu, they serve homemade pasta shaved with fresh truffle during the season — simple and utterly delicious.
And back at Casa Mumu itself? Truffles have been found under the old oaks by the house before, by neighbours with a well-trained nose — maybe you'll be lucky during your stay too.
Practical info
Casa Mumu is the perfect base for exploring Piedmont in autumn — close to the forests, the markets and the region's best tables.
Check availability