The gold of our land

Truffle from Monte Baldo

Discovering the region through its local products

Hidden among the forests of the Verona mountains, especially around Monte Baldo and Lessinia, lies one of the area’s most prized treasures: truffle. More than just a delicacy, truffle reflects the deep bond between nature, local traditions, and the identity of this land. The mountains of Verona are considered one of the richest truffle-growing areas in the Veneto region. Several varieties thrive here, including summer black truffle, winter black truffle, and the delicate spring bianchetto truffle.

Monte Baldo, in particular, is known for the presence of the highly valued Tuber melanosporum, appreciated for its rich aroma and widely used in local cuisine to elevate simple dishes rooted in tradition. The area’s unique environment makes this possible: limestone-clay soils and woodlands filled with black hornbeam, downy oak, and hazel trees create the ideal habitat for truffle growth.

Truffle: nature’s hidden treasure

Truffles are underground fungi that grow in close symbiosis with the roots of certain trees through a natural process known as mycorrhiza. In this relationship, the fungus receives nutrients from the plant while helping it absorb water and minerals from the soil. Unlike mushrooms that grow above ground, truffles cannot release their spores into the air. Instead, they develop their unmistakable aroma to attract animals and insects, which naturally help spread them.

No truffle story would be complete without the tartufaio, the truffle hunter. Truffle hunting is a tradition built on experience, deep knowledge of the landscape, and a unique partnership with specially trained dogs capable of detecting the scent of mature truffles beneath the soil. Over generations, this practice has become part of the local cultural heritage, preserved today by the Associazione Tartufai Veronesi Baldo Lessinia, which actively promotes environmental protection and the sustainable development of local truffle grounds.

Ferrara di Monte Baldo: Veneto’s Truffle Town

Nestled in the heart of Monte Baldo at 856 metres above sea level, Ferrara di Monte Baldo has become a true symbol of truffle culture and is officially recognised as the first “Truffle Town” in Veneto region. Here, ancient traditions meet modern sustainable practices, with carefully managed truffle grounds helping preserve both quality and biodiversity.

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a range of truffle-themed experiences, from guided tastings and educational activities to woodland excursions and meetings with local truffle hunters. All set within an extraordinary natural landscape known for its biodiversity, scenic ridges, and beautiful beech forests.

Regional Truffle Fair

Truffles also take center stage in a variety of events and festivals that bring the region to life, offering visitors the opportunity to discover authentic flavours and local traditions while exploring the area. Among the most anticipated events is the 2nd Veneto Truffle Fair – The Gold of Our Land, taking place from 17 to 20 July 2026 in Ferrara di Monte Baldo, where the fair celebrates its second edition.

During the event, visitors can taste traditional truffle dishes, watch truffle-hunting demonstrations with trained dogs, and enjoy music, entertainment, and local traditions in a warm mountain atmosphere.

FAIR PROGRAMME:

Colors of Truffle – Artists at Work in the Village of Ferrara di Monte Baldo

Throughout the day, artists will portray Monte Baldo and the Truffle of Monte Baldo through colours, emotions, and landscapes.

11:00 AM – Conference: The Veneto Truffle: Experiential Tourism and Digital Innovation

Organised by DVG – City of Truffle, this conference explores opportunities for local development through experiential tourism, the promotion of the Veneto Truffle, and digital innovation.

12:30 PM – A Celebration of the Veneto Truffle at the Heart of Monte Baldo

A festive lunch in the main square, with tables arranged in a square around the central stage to mark the official opening of the event.

Following this, at 3:00 PM – Official Opening of the 2^nd Veneto Truffle Fair

Official opening ceremony of the fair, featuring the inauguration of its main themed areas:

Fieracavalli Experience – Monte Baldo
An area dedicated to children and families, featuring horses, nature, and the Truffle of Monte Baldo.
The Lands of Veneto Truffle and Wine
Featuring the Veneto Truffle Hunters' Associations and wineries from the Verona area, offering a journey through outstanding food and wine traditions, rural heritage, and local identity.
Presentation of the Truffle Hunting Baldo Garda Project (DVG)
Official Presentation and Signing of the Ferrara di Monte Baldo Forests – Controlled Truffle Grounds Project

3:30 PM – Equestrian Event: From the Monte Baldo Bridle Trail to the Truffle Fair

Arrival of the Natura a Cavallo riders, travelling along trails through forests and truffle grounds in the heart of Monte Baldo's rich biodiversity.

"Dining with the Monte Baldo Truffle" Restaurant Initiative

Throughout the event, participating restaurants will offer special menus dedicated to the Truffle of Monte Baldo, providing a gastronomic experience that celebrates the region's products and authentic flavours.

6:30 PM – Opening of the Fair Kitchen

8:00 PM – Live Concert: Zoe Safari

9:30 AM – Conference: Truffle Cultivation Today: Symbiotic Trees, Soil, and Climate Change

With Dr. Marco Montanari – Agricultural Technician

From 10:00 AM – Opening of the Event with Exhibition Areas and Activities for Visitors

The Lands of Veneto Truffle and Wine
The Veneto Truffle Hunters' Associations and wineries from the Verona area will guide visitors on a journey through outstanding food and wine, local traditions, and rural heritage, discovering the authentic flavours of the region.
Fieracavalli Experience – Monte Baldo
An area dedicated to children and families, offering the opportunity to experience the local area through horses, nature, and the Truffle of Monte Baldo. The programme also includes a fun Truffle Hunt designed especially for children.
Colors of Truffle – Artists at Work in the Village of Ferrara di Monte Baldo

Throughout the day, the village will host a live art event where artists interpret Monte Baldo and the Truffle of Monte Baldo through colours, emotions, and landscapes.

Children's Truffle Hunt (Children's Ears and Tail)

11:00 AM – Conference: Truffle: How to Preserve, Cook, and Enhance It

Meet Alessandro Zanetti, Truffle Chef at Trattoria Rocchetti, Lazise.
Followed by a live cooking demonstration.

12:00 PM – Opening of the Fair Kitchen

4:00 PM – Conference and Masterclass: Wine and Truffle: The Roots of Monte Baldo

5:00 PM – Truffle Hunting Demonstration at Penny's Truffle Ground

6:30 PM – Opening of the Fair Kitchen

8:00 PM – Live Music: Just Friends Q4T

From 10:00 AM – Opening of the Event with Exhibition Areas, Activities, and Experiences Showcasing the Local Territory

Colors of Truffle – Artists at Work in the Village of Ferrara di Monte Baldo

Throughout the day, artists will interpret Monte Baldo and the Truffle of Monte Baldo through live artistic performances, transforming the village into an open-air art gallery.

The Lands of Veneto Truffle and Wine
The Veneto Truffle Hunters' Associations and wineries from the Verona area will guide visitors on a journey through outstanding food and wine, local traditions, and rural heritage.
Fieracavalli Experience – Monte Baldo
An area dedicated to children and families, where visitors can experience the local territory through horses, nature, and the Truffle of Monte Baldo. The programme also includes a Children's Truffle Hunt designed especially for younger visitors.