On the trail of truffles in Tuscany: tips for experiencing it to the full

If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, beyond its timeless villages and wineries nestled among rolling hills and vineyards, there is another experience that deserves a place on your itinerary: truffle hunting. It is much more than a simple outdoor activity: it is a journey where nature becomes quieter, step by step through the woods, guided by the tireless nose of a trained dog and the experience of a truffle hunter who knows every fold of the land. And this is precisely what attracts more and more travelers: the opportunity to discover an extraordinary product while also enjoying an experience outside the routine. In Tuscany, a generous region rich in areas naturally suited to it, truffle hunting finds its ideal setting. At Fattoria del Cerro, you too can enjoy this encounter with nature and one of its most precious treasures.

What is the best time to go truffle hunting?

In Tuscany – but also in Umbria and the rest of Italy – the truffle varieties considered commercially significant and legally harvested follow well-defined calendars, which vary from species to species. It is therefore essential to understand which variety you want to discover and to consult an official harvesting calendar, as the periods can vary slightly depending on the land, climate, and regional regulations. Here are some of the most common types, with their scientific names and a reliable reference to the calendar:

• White truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico): generally from early October to late December / January


• Black truffle or winter black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittadini): from mid-December to mid-March


• Summer truffle (Scorzone) or summer black truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittadini): often from June to August; in some areas also from October to November


• Bianchetto or marzuolo truffle (Tuber albidum Pico or Tuber borchii Vittadini): from mid-January to April

Truffle-producing areas in Tuscany: where nature guards its treasure

Tuscany boasts an ancient and widespread truffle-hunting tradition, with some areas recognized as historically suited for it. Among these stand out:

• the Colline Samminiatesi (San Miniato), famous for the white truffle and the heart of the local truffle fair;


• the Crete Senesi (San Giovanni d’Asso) and Montepulciano, renowned for the white truffle of the Sienese hills;


• the Mugello and Casentino, Apennine areas where truffle harvesting—white, bianchetto, and also black varieties—has deep historical roots;


• and the Val Tiberina, also listed among recognized harvesting areas.

Other inland areas, such as the Valdichiana and parts of southern Tuscany, are frequently noted by local operators and associations for the presence of scorzone, marzuolo, and other varieties, especially in favorable years. In all these areas, the presence of truffles depends heavily on natural factors such as soil, symbiotic trees, rainfall, and microclimate; therefore, historical suitability does not guarantee a harvest every season. For this reason, it is always advisable to consult local truffle hunters or recognized initiatives before planning a hunt.

Truffle hunting: how does it work?

Going truffle hunting means entering a world of silence, observation, and respect. Here, everything moves to the rhythm of nature: every detail, from soil moisture to the dog’s behavior, becomes a clue to interpret.

Truffle hunting always begins alongside an authorized truffle hunter and their dog, trained from puppyhood to recognize the unmistakable scent of ripe truffles. Walking among oaks, poplars, holm oaks, and hazelnut trees, you learn to observe the forest with new eyes: the texture of the soil, small cracks, and spontaneous vegetation can reveal the presence of a natural truffle patch. The most exciting moment is the “search”: the dog stops, sniffs, and lightly digs with its paw. This is the signal—at that moment, the truffle hunter’s sensitivity comes into play, carefully opening the soil with a small spade to avoid damaging either the truffle or the roots of the symbiotic tree. Every extraction must be precise and respectful.

Truffle hunting is strictly regulated to protect the ecosystem: the truffle hunter always closes the hole, preserving the habitat for future maturation. During the experience, you learn how to assess the truffle’s ripeness, its aroma, how to store it, and which varieties grow at different times of the year.

Types of experiences: hunting, tastings, courses, and tours

Tuscany is one of the Italian regions that best showcases the truffle, and the experiences available allow you to explore this world from multiple perspectives. From a simple walk in the woods to educational paths for enthusiasts, each offering has a different character and can become a unique opportunity for discovery.

• The most iconic experience is truffle hunting with a truffle hunter and trained dog. It is perfect for those who want to have direct contact with nature and understand how truffles grow, how they are found, and which factors determine their quality and rarity.


• A highly appreciated option combines the hunt with a guided tasting: after the walk, participants sit down to sample fresh truffles paired with local products and regional wines—an ideal opportunity to understand aromas, textures, and pairings.


• Some experiences also include short cultural tours through villages, vineyards, and certified truffle areas, perfect for those who want a broader view of the Tuscan landscape and truffle-hunting tradition.


• For enthusiasts who want to go deeper, there are introductory courses on identifying species, hunting techniques, soil characteristics, and, finally, the preservation and culinary use of truffles.

Truffle hunting and tasting: the heart of the Fattoria del Cerro experience

Truffle hunting, as we have seen, is a slow exploration through the woods, where the moist soil and the shade of the vegetation create the ideal habitat for some of the most prized truffle species.

Fattoria del Cerro offers its guests exactly this truffle-hunting experience, which begins with a walk guided by our expert truffle hunter and his dog, the true protagonist of the day. Step by step, you will learn to recognize a truffle patch, understand how the soil changes, and sense that suspended moment when the dog stops, sniffs, and digs… and it is right there that the magic happens.

The hunting area is close to the Estate, making the walk accessible even to those who are not particularly fit. And when the truffle emerges from the earth, with its irregular shape and unmistakable aroma, it truly feels like witnessing the birth of a small natural jewel.

At the end of the excursion, those who wish can purchase the truffle found at the best market price. For an even more complete experience, it is possible to ask Chef Stefano Azzi of the L’Antica Chiusina restaurant at Villa Grazianella to transform it into a dedicated recipe: a tailor-made dish that reflects the seasonality and richness of the territory.

The day can continue with a tasting of the estate’s wines, designed to enhance the aromatic profile of the fresh truffles. It is the meeting point between forest and cellar, between nature and glass—a way to conclude the journey guided entirely by the senses.