Under cover of darkness, a trifolau and his dog lead you into the guarded woods of the Langhe to unearth the white truffle of Alba—the most coveted flavour on earth, in the few weeks it reigns.

This is a secret handed down in whispers—an intimate initiation into a jealously guarded craft at the peak of its season. The best grounds are closely kept family secrets, worked by night to protect their locations; you follow the dog’s nose through the dark until it freezes over the earth.

Back at a private farmhouse table, a master chef builds a bespoke tasting menu around your find—egg, hand-cut tajarin, and fonduta—each dish crowned with fresh shavings carrying the scent of the woods, perfectly paired with a vintage Barolo.