Alba in Autumn: A 3-Day Itinerary for Truffles, Wine, & Fine Dining
Discover Alba in autumn with this 3-day itinerary: truffle fair, Barolo vineyards, and truffle hunting in the Langhe hills.
If you’ve already wandered Tuscany’s vineyards, drifted through Venice’s canals, or basked in Sicily’s sunshine, it might be time to explore a lesser known yet equally captivating corner of Italy: Alba, a medieval town at the heart of the Langhe wine region in Piedmont.
Often called the food capital of Piedmont, Alba is at its most enchanting in autumn. This is when the hillsides glow with crimson and gold, the grape harvest fills the air with anticipation, and the town celebrates its culinary jewel — the white truffle—at the annual International Alba White Truffle Fair.
With its vineyard tours, truffle hunts, Michelin-starred dining, and medieval pageantry, autumn in Alba offers an immersive food-and-wine experience unlike any other.
It’s also the high season, so planning ahead is essential. This three-day itinerary highlights the best of the season — giving you flexible options to fall in love with Alba and the Langhe at their most magical.
Day 1: Alba & the White Truffle Fair
If you’re arriving from Turin, take the train into Alba or hire an electric car (or private driver) from the airport for exploring wine country.
For easy access to the truffle market, you could spend your first night in Alba itself. Both Hotel Calissano and Hotel Langhe (each 4 stars) offer elegant comfort within walking distance of the fair.
But you may prefer to retreat into the countryside after the bustle of the market—if so, properties like Casa di Langa (Cerretto Langhe), Agriturismo Il Bricco (Treiso), or La Madernassa (Guarene) combine sustainability with vineyard views.
Once you’re checked in, dive straight into the International Alba White Truffle Fair. Held from October 11th to December 8th 2025, it transforms Alba into a hub of gastronomy and culture.
Weekends are busy during the truffle festival, so allow extra time if you’re travelling in as traffic can be heavy. The market itself brims with truffle vendors, cooking demonstrations, sensory workshops, and wine tastings.
Alongside the market, the fair hosts a wide range of seasonal events, including:
- The Palio degli Asini (donkey race), a tongue-in-cheek medieval pageant, on October 5th 2025 (tickets sell out fast).
- Traditional lunches at Roddi Castle, where chefs reinterpret Piedmontese classics.
- Barolo en primeur tastings, offering an exclusive preview of upcoming vintages.
- Cooking classes where you can try your hand at tajarin pasta or truffle sauces.
Visiting Alba this autumn? Check out this truffle fair guide.
After a day of indulgence, stop for an aperitivo at Jack Food & Wine, where you can snack on pizza boards and charcuterie.
For dinner, you’ll find some of Piedmont’s best farm-to-table dining close by: try the three-Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo in Alba, or Coltivare, a green-starred restaurant in La Morra, where the cuisine is rooted in sustainability and seasonality.
Day 2: Barolo Autumn Vineyard Tour
Autumn in Piedmont is misty, moody, and magical—especially in the vineyard hills south of Alba, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the home of Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco—two of Italy’s most prestigious wines.
Early and late autumn offer two different experiences:
- September to mid October coincides with the vendemmia (harvest), when the vineyards are buzzing with activity. Booking well ahead is essential at this time.
- October to December brings deep crimson and autumn ochre foliage, turning every hilltop village into a painter’s palette.
Spend your morning touring medieval wine villages such as La Morra, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Diano d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, Neive, and Barbaresco.
Along the way, look out for the colourful Big Benches art installations, created by designer Chris Bangle to encourage playful perspectives on the landscape.
Not sure when to plan your trip? Here’s your season-by-season guide to the best time to visit Piedmont.
Most private winery visits focus on tastings rather than full meals, but some larger estates will create curated food pairings if you arrange them in advance—try Ceretto (Alba), Gaja (Barbaresco), or Marchesi di Grésy (Barbaresco). For a boutique, eco-luxury approach, consider wineries like:
- Paitin (Neive): certified organic production with an emphasis on terroir.
- Poderi Colla (Alba): a family-run organic winery with strong sustainability commitments.
- Rocche Costamagna (La Morra): a sustainable producer offering intimate tastings overlooking the Barolo vineyards.
Afterwards, you could book a lunch with panoramic vineyard views at La Terrazza da Renza (Castiglione Falletto) or Locanda del Pilone (near Alba), both of which pair local wine with high-end, seasonal cuisine.
In the afternoon, return to Alba for a walking tour of the historic centre (available most days through early December). Explore medieval towers, Roman remnants, and lively piazzas, then wind down with aperitivi at Ape Wine Bar, a cosy favourite for both locals and visitors.
Day 3: Truffle Hunting Tour in Langhe
Wake up early and head into the misty woods of the Langhe for one of the region’s most unforgettable experiences: truffle hunting.
Accompanied by an expert trifulau and their highly trained dog, you’ll learn the secrets of finding Alba’s prized white truffle (tartufo bianco).
Since truffle hunting is a lucrative business, it’s best to book with ethical, reputable guides who prioritise the wellbeing of both the dogs and the environment.
Some reputable providers include the following:
- Casa di Langa (Cerretto Langhe): As well as the hunt, they offer the world’s first truffle concierge, who can arrange procurement and even shipping of your finds.
- Tartuflanghe Experiences (Alba): Pioneers of truffle products, they offer immersive hunts with tastings.
- Meet Piemonte (various Langhe villages): Private tours that often include wine pairings or cooking classes.
Some truffle hunts finish with a rustic lunch in the vineyards or a farmhouse feast featuring your freshly unearthed treasure. If not, you could head to Osteria del Vignaiolo (La Morra) or Trattoria Antica Torre (Barbaresco) for authentic Piedmontese and truffle-based cuisine. Alternatively, try L’Argaj at Castiglione Falletto for innovative contemporary takes on traditional local dishes.
Spend your afternoon at leisure back in Alba. If you haven’t had your fill of wine yet, Pio Cesare—one of Alba’s historic family wineries—offers tastings in its centuries-old cellars right in the town centre.
Otherwise, simply wander Alba’s cobbled streets for a spot of shopping: artisanal chocolate, hazelnut spreads, and truffle-infused products make elegant souvenirs.
End your trip with a memorable dinner. Options include:
- 21.9 (Piobesi d’Alba) — Michelin-starred Piedmontese and Ligurian cuisine with a creative twist.
- Locanda in Cannubi (Barolo) — panoramic vineyard views and a seasonal tasting menu focused on local produce.
- Il Centro (Priocca) — a family-run Michelin-starred restaurant known for its dishes that blend tradition and innovation.
For your final night, consider staying somewhere you haven’t yet tried — such as Réva Monforte (luxury eco-resort with spa and golf), Villa d’Amelia (a restored 19th-century villa near Benevello), or the boutique Palás Cerequio (immersed in Barolo vineyards).
Each offers a blend of sustainability, design, and indulgence—an ideal way to close your autumn escape in the Langhe.
If you’re heading back to Turin or Milan the next day, allow 2–3 hours for the drive.
Want more Piedmont inspiration? Check out this in-depth guide to visiting the region.
Visiting Alba in Autumn: FAQs
When is the best time to visit Alba in autumn?
The International Alba White Truffle Fair runs from 11 October to 8 December 2025, making this the peak season. September is also beautiful, as you’ll catch the wine harvest (vendemmia) in full swing, while late October and November bring colourful foliage to the Langhe vineyards.
Where should I stay for the Alba truffle festival?
If you want to be within walking distance of the fair, book a central hotel in Alba such as Hotel Calissano or Hotel Langhe (both 4 stars). For eco-luxury travellers, countryside stays like Casa di Langa, La Madernassa, or Réva Monforte combine vineyard views with sustainability.
What are some eco-luxury hotels near Alba and Barolo?
Casa di Langa (Cerretto Langhe), Villa d’Amelia (Benevello), Réva Monforte (Monforte d’Alba), La Madernassa (Guarene), and Palás Cerequio (La Morra) are among the top eco-luxury stays in Piedmont. These properties focus on sustainability, wellness, and high-end design while placing you in the heart of the wine country.
How can I book Alba truffle fair tickets online?
Tickets for the Alba truffle market, cooking classes, and cultural events can be booked directly through the official International Alba White Truffle Fair website. Book well in advance as weekends often sell out.
What’s the best way to get around the Langhe wine region?
To explore Barolo and Barbaresco villages, you’ll need to rent a car or hire a private driver. Distances on the map can be deceptive — winding vineyard roads mean that short distances often take longer to drive. Sustainable travellers may prefer electric car hire from Turin or Alba.
What’s the weather like in Alba in October and November?
October in Alba is cool and humid, with daytime temperatures around 10–15°C. September is warmer and sunnier, averaging 20–21°C, while November is chillier, with highs of 7–9°C. Pack layers and waterproof shoes for vineyard walks.
Is Alba worth visiting outside truffle season?
Yes. Alba and the Langhe are year-round destinations for wine tasting, medieval village tours, and slow tourism. Spring brings wildflowers and outdoor festivals, summer is ideal for hiking and hazelnut groves, and winter offers cosy vineyard stays with fewer crowds.
How busy does Alba get during the truffle fair?
Weekends in October and November are very crowded, especially around the truffle market. Weekday visits are calmer, though the market itself runs only on weekends. Always book accommodation, winery visits, and truffle hunts well in advance.
Can you visit wineries in Barolo and Barbaresco without booking?
Most wineries in Barolo and Barbaresco require advance reservations, especially during harvest and truffle season. A few accept walk-ins, but during peak months it’s common to be turned away without a booking.
What should I pack for Alba in autumn?
Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking in vineyards and forests. A smart outfit is recommended if you plan to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants in Alba or Barolo.
Are truffle hunts in Alba suitable for families with children?
Yes. Many truffle hunting tours welcome families and children, though age requirements vary. Check with providers in advance — some offer short, educational hunts designed especially for younger participants.
Your Piedmont Adventure Starts Here
This three-day itinerary is designed to give you maximum flexibility so you can plan your dream trip.
But there's only so much you can see in three days—and they're sure to leave you wanting more.
Curious what Piedmont's like the rest of the year? Check out this seasonal guide.
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