White Truffle Festival, Italy – La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco
The last three weekends in November, in the particularly pictorial Tuscan town on San Miniato, are dedicated to the celebration of truffles, when ‘La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco’ takes place offering visitors the most divinely exquisite of white truffles and other truffle-derived products.
The countryside surrounding San Miniato in the Pisa province of Tuscany is amongst one of the most truffle abundant regions in Europe and the truffles that grow here are the most sought-after breed of this luxury delicacy and therefore the most expensive. As 25 percent of Italy’s fertile white truffle production is produced in the San Miniato area, it seems logical that in November, when the truffle hunting season is in full swing, a truffle fair is held here.
Although white truffles are not the only gastronomic delight to grace San Miniato with their presence during La Sagra del Tarfulo Bianco. Delicious Tuscan wines, including the region’s famous Vin Santo (sweet raisin wine), flow in copious amounts during these three heady weekends, accompanied with salami, San Miniato’s many flavoursome artichokes, pecorino and the finest olive oil of the region. Although eating fine cuisine and drinking delightful wine are not the only pleasurable facets of this popular festival. The medieval town comes alive with colour, music, aromas and joy, with marching bands frequently pounding their way town the San Miniato’s quaint streets and live displays and theatre performances displaying the local acting talent enthralling an enchanted audience.
Visiting the historical town of San Miniato, which sits in a historically strategic position atop three small hills, dominating the beautiful and verdurous Arno Valley, is guaranteed to get pulses racing, cameras clicking and inaugurate regular revisits. But experiencing the culture, traditional entertainment, exquisite local gastronomy, friendliness of the locals and of course the legendary white truffles, makes the last three weekends in November perhaps the best time to visit this delightful old Tuscan town.
For more information about the White Truffle Fair and other infamous events in Tuscany visit: www.festivals-of-tuscany.com