From 10 October to 6 December 2026 Alba hosts the 96th International Alba White Truffle Fair, themed “Authentic Relations”. Eight weekends of market, cooking shows, sensory analyses and, on 8 November, the World Auction at the Castle of Grinzane Cavour. In recent editions, over 600,000 visitors have reached the hills of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato during the Fair. This guide gathers dates, rules and — for those accompanying high-end guests — how to arrange a private truffle hunt that is not a piece of theatre.
See also our calendar of free museum days to combine the Fair with Turin and the Savoy Residences.
One reading from our own network on the same ground: ItalyPlanner’s Alba white truffle guide. The way we work with tour operators and colleagues is set out in our network manifesto.
The dates that matter
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 4 October 2026, 3:30 pm | Palio degli Asini, the traditional opening | Piazza Cagnasso, Alba |
| 10 October – 6 December 2026 | International Alba White Truffle Fair, 96th edition | Alba and its territory |
| Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 am–7:30 pm (last entry 7 pm) | World Truffle Market | Cortile della Maddalena, entrance from Piazza Falcone |
| Sun 8 November 2026 | World Alba White Truffle Auction | Castle of Grinzane Cavour |
| Saturdays and Sundays until 22 November | Alba Truffle Bimbi (children) | Alba |
The World Market: how it works
The heart of the Fair is the World Truffle Market: truffle hunters and dealers sell certified Alba White Truffle, checked by the quality commission, alongside wine producers from the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato and a tasting area. The ticket costs €6: online (plus fees) it includes the MUDET – Alba Truffle Museum, on site it does not. Children under 15, visitors with disabilities with a companion and tourist guides enter free. Around the market revolve the Alba Truffle Show cooking demonstrations, sensory analyses, chef encounters (in 2026 also the “One-to-one with the Chef” format, for two people at most) and the Vinum tastings at the Museo Eusebio.
The World Auction
Since 1999 the World Alba White Truffle Auction, linked from the Castle of Grinzane Cavour with other cities around the world, has raised over €7.7 million for charity. In 2026 it takes place on Sunday 8 November. It is not an open event: attendance is by invitation or through the Fair’s and its partners’ channels, and seats are few. For a high-end guest it is the most exclusive appointment of the Piedmontese autumn, to be booked months ahead.
How to arrange a (real) private hunt
The truffle hunt with the trifolao and his dog is the experience most requested by foreign clients, and the easiest to do badly. Three rules. First, white truffle is hunted at night or at dawn, in autumn, in the lowland and hillside woods along the rivers: a midday walk through a wood with truffles “found” in advance is theatre, and experienced clients notice. Second, the trifolao must be registered and licensed, with the regional permit, and the dog must be his own: it is his relationship with the animal that makes the difference. Third, the outing ends at a table: the truffle found — or, if none is found, one bought at the Market with certification — shaved over tajarin or an egg at a restaurant or farmhouse in the area.
- When: mid-October to late November is the best period for quality and aroma; December is possible but uncertain.
- Where to stay: the relais between Barolo, La Morra, Monforte and Neive; Alba for those who want to walk to the Market.
- What to combine: Barolo and Barbaresco wineries by appointment, the Castle of Grinzane Cavour with its regional enoteca, Turin and the Reggia di Venaria an hour away.
- Logistics: chauffeured car; on Fair weekends the centre of Alba is closed to traffic and car parks fill early.
For the high-end guest
The high-profile client does not want the crowded Sunday Market: they want the trifolao who takes them into his own wood at dawn, lunch at a farmhouse with a single table, the Barolo producer who opens the family cellar and — if possible — a seat at the Grinzane auction. The advisor builds all of this in advance and through direct relationships; and visits the Market on Saturday at opening, with a curious guest, as part of a broader day rather than as the destination.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Market ticket?
€6; online it includes the Truffle Museum. Free under 15, visitors with disabilities with a companion, tourist guides.
Is the Market open every day?
No: Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, last entry 7 pm.
Can one attend the World Auction?
Only by invitation or through the Fair’s and partners’ channels: seats are limited.
When is the best time for white truffle?
Mid-October to late November, with variations depending on the year’s weather.
Sources verified on 3 September 2026: International Alba White Truffle Fair – World Truffle Market; presentation of the 96th edition, July 2026. Programme and dates may change: always check fieradeltartufo.org.
TourLeaderPro Network — contact us to arrange private truffle hunts and bespoke programmes in the Langhe.