The Monchiero family has been hunting the white truffles of Alba and training truffle hounds – “tabui” - for four generations now. The University of Truffle Hounds, founded in 1880, was officially recognized in 1935, at the Alba White Truffle Fair, by Count Gastone di Mirafiori, president of the Truffle Fair from 1930/1940.
A key piece of truffle hunting equipment is the “barot”, which means truffle hunter's staff in Piedmont dialect: it provides guidance as well as helping to find them; a symbol of rectitude and knowledge.
The truffle hunter's kit is completed by the “sapin”, a big kerchief, or a jacket inside his coat, and a lantern.
A close rapport with one's dog is the only way to recognize the signals that indicate the certainty of the presence of a truffle.
Giovanni Monchiero, a point of reference for truffle hunters, will personally lead us on this highly unusual hunt, allowing us to experience firsthand the essence of this profession, handed down from one generation to the next.
