Alba

Alba is the truffle capital of the world, set among the rolling Langhe hills. It hosts the famous International White Truffle Fair every autumn.

Things to do

Attend the Truffle Fair — Held October to November, it's the world's most prestigious white truffle market.
Walk the medieval town center — Alba's towers and cobbled streets make for a charming afternoon stroll.
Visit a Barolo winery — The Barolo wine zone is minutes away; many estates offer tastings and cellar tours.
Tour the Langhe hills by bike — Rent an e-bike to explore the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape surrounding the town.
Visit the Ferrero factory museum — Ferrero, maker of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, was founded in Alba and has a local chocolate heritage site.

White Truffle Pasta — Fresh egg tajarin pasta shaved with prized local white truffle is the ultimate Langhe luxury.
Tajarin al Ragù — Thin egg noodles with a slow-cooked meat sauce, a staple of Langhe home cooking.
Barolo Wine — Known as the king of Italian wines, produced from Nebbiolo grapes in the nearby hills.
Hazelnut Cake — Local Tonda Gentile hazelnuts are used in rich, moist cakes unique to this area.

Book restaurants early in truffle season — October and November are peak season; top restaurants fill weeks in advance.
Truffle buying etiquette — Always smell the truffle before buying and purchase only from certified vendors at the fair.
Wine tasting norms — It is polite to spit at formal wine tastings; buying a bottle after a free tour is customary.