Sixty years and counting: in Acqualagna, during the first four weekends of November, the International Truffle Fair invades the village and attracts thousands of enthusiasts. Cooking shows, market, multimedia museum, truffle-wine pairing workshops and visits to the nearby Furlo Gorge. An appointment to mark in the agenda. From our correspondent Luciano Lombardi Vignadelmar.
A call of home
As has been the case for sixty years now, in November Acqualagna – a beautiful town in the Marche region a stone’s throw from the spectacular Furlo Gorge – celebrates its International Truffle Fair. And I, born just a few miles from here, could not resist the organization’s invitation. What’s more, I had already breathed in the anticipation at the presentation press conference, held in Rome, in the Senate.
Four weekends of crowds (and irresistible scents)
The fair was held during the first four weekends of November and, in various ways, involved the whole town: on these days Acqualagna is literally invaded by tourists eager to taste the delicious white truffle.
For economic and seasonal reasons, however, one does not live on (highly prized) white alone. The beauty is also discovering “lesser” truffles: fine black, summer black and bianchetto. Each has a different character and, depending on its use in cooking, may prove more or less suitable.
Cooking show: the spectacular heart of the Fair
Among the most appreciated things are the numerous cooking shows, led by professional chefs – sometimes world-famous – in a large hall that welcomes hundreds of enthusiastic spectators.
I followed that of the Bellunese chef Vanni Del Pan, with a very successful dish: polenta gnocchi with white truffles, typical of its mountains. And then the meeting with a true national star: Giorgio Barchiesi, that is, “Giorgione,” beloved TV host. His spaghetti alla chitarra alla norcina, with fine black truffles, flavorful and (fortunately) not dietary, was a resounding success.
Truffles and wine: pairings that matter
Of course, there is no shortage of truffle/wine pairing workshops, coordinated by Otello Renzi, sommelier of very long experience, good, funny and self-deprecating. There is also an award, dedicated to Enrico Mattei, founder of ENI, who was actually from Acqualagna.
But the program doesn’t end there: workshops for children, the brand new Truffle Museum – innovative and multimedia, open year-round -, the truffle market and stands with cured meats, cheeses and spices from around the world. Plus restaurants, taverns, wine bars, concerts in the square, guided tours of the surrounding natural beauty and conferences.
My two days and a final piece of advice
During my two days at the fair, I was interviewed, suggested possible pairings in some taste workshops and also during the cooking shows. I sampled everything that could be tasted, having a great time, in a frank and genuine environment typical of these areas.
The final advice? Mark yourself already for next November: is worth the trip. And if you can’t, remember that Acqualagna and its truffles await you all year round, as does the surrounding area: history, art and natural beauty, half an hour from the sea and close to many good wine producers, which you can discover in our Essential Guide to the Wines of Italy 2026.
