Description
Truffle hunting in Motovun is led by a family that has worked with truffles for generations at Miro Tartufi, in the forest around the hilltop town. It starts with a welcome drink and a tasting of three homemade rakijas.
An experienced truffle hunter then walks you into the woods with the family's dogs. The route crosses the family plantation and goes on into the wild woods, among the first places in Istria where truffles were hunted. Your host, a food anthropologist, explains how truffles grow, how the dogs are trained and why the people of the region have prized them for so long.
Back at the family estate, the hunt turns into a three-course brunch in an open-air kitchen facing Motovun, made with seasonal produce from the area.
- To start: truffle spreads, cheeses, sausage, truffle salt and oils, rustic bread
- Main course: eggs scrambled with fresh truffles, and you may join in the cooking
- To finish: a rich chocolate cake topped with shaved black truffle and local honey
Water and local white and red wine come with the meal. The experience lasts about two and a half hours. Dress for a walk in the forest; it is not suitable for people with animal allergies, and transport to the meeting point is not included.