Truffle Mania: Events

They’re exclusive and elusive unless you know where to find them. And when you get your hands on some, you’ll appreciate just what all the fuss is about with the earthy, aromatic, sublime truffle. —Denise Shoukas

Truffles have reached festival status, with events that celebrate the hunt and the feast. Check out some major truffle events around the world in 2012.

Napa Valley Truffle Festival, Napa, CA—January 13–16, 2012
As North America’s premier truffle event, the 2nd Annual Napa Valley Truffle Festival will showcase the winter Périgord truffle, which will be examined, discussed, prepared and finally feasted on for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Programs and activities throughout the weekend will include culinary/cooking demos, lunches and winery tours. Truffle dogs will also be on hand for hunting and training.

Oregon Truffle Festival, Eugene, OR—January 27–29, 2012
Oregon is big truffle country, and the 7th Annual Oregon Truffle Festival is all about the white and black beauties. Attend classes in truffle-dog training, learn to forage for this delicacy and take cooking classes to learn how to use them. Don’t miss the Grand Truffle Dinner, prepared by some of the best chefs from Portland.

National Truffle Fest, Asheville, NC—February 23–25, 2012
Seminars presented by truffle experts, gourmet brunch and dinner, cooking demos and a gala with silent auction, all against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, makes for an enchanting and educational weekend.

Mundaring Truffle Festival, Mundaring, Australia—July 28–29, 2012
Details for 2012’s event have yet to be revealed, but last year’s included meals prepared by top chefs from around the world, truffle-tasting classes and cook-offs, and even kid-friendly activities for fledgling young chefs.

The Spanish Touch Truffle Tour, Barcelona—mid-December through March
Truffle-hunting season is in full swing mid-December through March in Spain, and The Spanish Touch helps visitors (and locals) get in on the fun with personalized, private hunting tours. Visit truffle country, learn from local farmers and hunters, and walk through a truffle market for an authentic experience.

No time to learn to hunt for these gems on your own? We’ve gathered some award-winning, truffle-infused specialty foods that you can enjoy in the comfort of home.

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