Event Details
Welcome to the 96th International Alba White Truffle Fair 2026
Every autumn, the medieval city of Alba in Piedmont becomes the world capital of the white truffle. The Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba, first held in 1929, is one of Italy's most prestigious food events, attracting chefs, gourmets and food lovers from around the world. The 96th edition runs from Saturday, 10 October to Sunday, 6 December 2026. Every weekend throughout the season, the heart of the event, the Alba White Truffle World Market, opens inside the Cortile della Maddalena in the centre of Alba.
Highlights
- Alba White Truffle World Market every Saturday and Sunday at the Cortile della Maddalena
- Purchase fresh white truffles directly from Trifulao (traditional truffle hunters)
- Quality control by the official commission of the National Truffle Study Centre
- Cooking shows and fine aperitif experiences led by renowned chefs
- Taste workshops and wine tastings featuring Barolo, Barbaresco and regional wines
- Palio degli Asini (Donkey Race) and medieval folklore parades
- Guided tour and lunch at the Castle of Roddi
- International charity white truffle auction (Asta Mondiale del Tartufo Bianco)
- Alba Truffle Kids: dedicated program for children and families
- Art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the historic centre
Opening Hours of the Truffle World Market
The Alba White Truffle World Market at the Cortile della Maddalena (entrance from Piazza Falcone) is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 October to 6 December 2026. On Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry 7:00 PM); on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 6:30 PM). Tickets can be purchased online via the official ticket portal or at the entrance on the day.
Program
Beyond the central Truffle World Market, the fair offers an extensive supporting program. Cooking shows and aperitif experiences are led by celebrated chefs; visitors can taste truffles, enjoy Barolo and Barbaresco guided by AIS Piemonte sommeliers, and participate in hands-on cooking classes. Medieval parades, the traditional Palio degli Asini donkey race, and art exhibitions enrich the cultural offering throughout the city. Families benefit from the dedicated Alba Truffle Kids program. The season's crowning event is the exclusive international charity truffle auction held at Grinzane Cavour Castle, with simultaneous satellite auctions in cities across the world.
Tickets
Entry to the Alba White Truffle World Market requires a ticket, available online via the official fair ticket portal and at the gate. Tickets for individual experiences such as cooking shows, taste workshops, cooking classes and the exclusive castle lunch can be booked separately. An optional wine tasting coupon (€9.00 online) entitles holders to taste two wines at the Grande Enoteca inside the fair, plus additional tastings at wine producers' stands; a tasting pocket and glass are included.
The Alba White Truffle
The Tuber magnatum Pico, the white truffle of Piedmont, is considered the world's most valuable food ingredient. It grows exclusively in the woods and hills of the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero and cannot be cultivated. Season runs from October to December, with the finest quality typically ripening in November. At the Truffle World Market, Trifulao sell their finds directly, under the supervision of truffle judges from the National Truffle Study Centre. Small specimens of 20–30 g suitable for one dish typically cost between €80 and €150, depending on harvest quality and size.
Visitor Tips
- For the best truffle quality and fragrance, visit on November weekends.
- October weekends are less crowded and easier to combine with winery visits in the Langhe.
- Visiting mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) makes restaurant reservations easier to secure.
- The nearest international airport is Turin Caselle (TRN); Alba is approximately 60 minutes by car from Turin.
- Book accommodation in Alba and surrounding villages several months in advance.
- Purchase tickets online in advance, as peak weekends can see queues at the gate.
- Alba was officially designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017.
