Truffles and Olive Oil in Umbria: Seasons, Fairs, Tours

Umbria is one of Italy’s truffle regions and one of its finest olive oil regions, and both are tied to the calendar. In short: come from late autumn to early spring for black truffles, in October and November for white truffles and the new olive oil, and in summer for the cheaper summer truffle. The best experiences are simple: a walk with a truffle hunter and his dog, a mill visit during the harvest and a plate of pasta with fresh truffle or oil.

Which truffles grow in Umbria

Truffle	Italian name	Typical season	Notes
Black winter truffle	Tartufo nero pregiato	Roughly December to March	The classic Umbrian truffle, around Norcia, Spoleto and the Valnerina
Summer truffle	Scorzone	Late spring to early autumn	Milder and much cheaper, common in summer menus
White truffle	Tartufo bianco pregiato	Mainly October and November	Found in parts of northern Umbria and around Orvieto
Bianchetto	Bianchetto or marzuolo	Late winter to spring	Small, pale, strong aroma
Winter black truffle	Tartufo nero invernale	Winter	Less prized relative of the black truffle

Harvest periods are fixed by regional rules and shift a little with the weather, so treat these months as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Where truffles come from

The black winter truffle is most closely associated with the mountains of eastern Umbria: Norcia, the Valnerina and the hills around Spoleto. White truffles are found mainly in the north, in the upper Tiber valley around Città di Castello and around Gubbio, and in some areas near Orvieto.

Truffle hunts and fairs

In Italy, truffles may only be collected by people with a permit, so visitors join a hunt led by a licensed tartufaio and his trained dog. These outings usually last a couple of hours through oak woods, followed by a tasting of dishes made with what was found. Wear shoes for muddy paths and ask in advance whether the meal is included.

Several towns hold truffle fairs. Norcia has a large food and truffle fair in late winter, while Gubbio and Città di Castello host white truffle fairs in autumn. Dates change every year, so check the town’s website or our festival calendar for the typical months.

Buying and eating truffles

• Fresh truffle should smell strongly and feel firm. It loses aroma within days.
• Prices depend on the type, the size and the season. White truffle costs far more than black, and summer truffle far less.
• Many ‘truffle’ oils and products use flavouring rather than truffle. Read the label if you buy something to take home.
• The classic preparations are simple: strangozzi or tagliatelle with black truffle, eggs, and grated truffle over bruschetta. Our page on Umbrian food lists more dishes.

Umbrian olive oil

Olive trees cover the hills of central Umbria, especially the slope between Assisi and Spoleto, where terraces of olive groves run below the towns. Umbrian extra virgin oil is known for its green, slightly bitter and peppery taste when young.

The protected designation

Oil labelled Umbria DOP must come from the region. The label names one of five subzones: Colli Assisi-Spoleto, Colli Martani, Colli Amerini, Colli del Trasimeno and Colli Orvietani. Local varieties such as Moraiolo give the oil its sharp, peppery character.

Harvest and the new oil

The harvest usually starts in late October and continues into December. During this time, mills press the olives within hours of picking, and the fresh, cloudy olio nuovo appears in shops and restaurants. Try it the local way: grilled bread rubbed with garlic, a pinch of salt and a generous pour of oil.

In autumn, many mills and towns open their doors with tastings, guided visits and music, often under a shared regional programme. The Umbria tourism website lists events for the season.

Visiting a mill

• Go on a weekday if you can, when the mill is working but less crowded.
• Ask whether the mill uses modern continuous extraction or traditional stone mills.
• Buy oil with a harvest date and store it in the dark. Tins travel better than glass.

Combining both on a trip

November is the month when the two worlds meet: white truffle fairs in the north, the new oil in the centre and the first black truffles on menus by the end of the month. A base in the countryside makes it easy to visit mills and restaurants by car; our guide to choosing an agriturismo helps with that. For the eastern mountains, see Norcia and Castelluccio.