Growing highly prized Black Winter truffles in
the heart of the beautiful Yarra Valley
Black WINTER Truffle
This is the famous Black Winter Truffle (tuber melanosporum) that is so sought after and highly prized worldwide. It is also known as “Périgord Truffle”, after that region in France. Its outer layer is a black rough looking skin but inside reveals an intricate network of thin, white veins which standout on the inner black. Truffles have a mysterious history of secret forest hiding places. In the past, the whereabouts of truffles was a heavily guarded secret of peasant farmers.
Bianchetto Truffle
This is Bianchetto, meaning whitish truffle. A native of Italy, Bianchetto (tuber borchii), has quite a sweet, almost garlicky aroma, quite different to the flavour of the Black Winter Truffle. Its’ appearance is quite dissimilar, with its lumpy, whitish exterior and marbling interior. It is less frequently grown in Australia but is nevertheless, very popular with those who have tasted its luxurious, elegant flavour – a wonderful, aromatic, culinary treat.
TRUFFLE HUNTING EXPERIENCE
Visitors to our truffle farm can have a captivating truffle hunting experience in the stunning Yarra Valley winter season.
This immersive adventure is led by the farm’s expertly trained Labrador truffle dogs, who use their remarkable scent detection skills to locate ripe truffles beneath the soil. Smell, touch, taste the ‘Black Gold’ you discover!
BOOK A HUNT to secure your spot for this coming Truffle Harvest season.
Our Amazing Truffles
Black Winter Truffle, (tuber melanosporum) is treasured worldwide for its intense aroma and deep earthy flavour. For this reason it is also aptly nicknamed BLACK GOLD.
Harvested in winter, the cold ground yields the ‘Black Gold’ when it develops its intense, distinctive aroma. It is a culinary treasure, found beneath the ground, clinging to its host tree for vital carbohydrates and sugars. In return the fungus feeds the tree roots with phosphates and nitrates creating a wonderfully symbiotic relationship!
Truffle Valley grows mostly Black Winter Truffle but also a limited amount of Bianchetto Truffle or (Tuber Borchii). Just as scrumptious and aromatic as its black cousin, white truffle is also a culinary delight. Choosing between black and white truffle is like, preferring red or white wine, or soft or hard cheese. Many of us love both!
Eat Truffle
Truffles are an epicurean delight with a unique, unforgettable, tantalizing taste, that cannot easily be described by comparison with other food fare. Their history, cultivation and character make them an exotic, sought-after ingredient by discerning chefs and foodies alike.
Truffles can be used in many foods such as pastas, soups, sauces, cheeses, honey and eggs. Or they can simply be shaved over your favourite steak, fish, or white meat to enhance the meal with a whole new dimension of scrumptious pleasure.
Discover Truffle Valley
In the heart of the lush Yarra Valley where fertile soils and cool mists nurture some of the world’s finest produce, Truffle Valley grows Black Winter Truffles of rare distinction. Just 1 hour from Melbourne, amidst rolling vineyards and untouched landscapes, our truffles draw their richness, depth and unmistakeable character from the spirit of this extraordinary region. Each Truffle Valley truffle is an indulgent pleasure for your palate.
Truffles are one of the most exquisite flavours known in the culinary world, so visit us in truffle season and indulge yourself by purchasing some fresh truffles. For a truly authentic winter experience, we offer Truffle Hunts that will transport you into the mysterious, subterranean world of truffles.
We produce mostly Black Winter Truffles (tuber melanosporum), famous for their distinctive aroma and unforgettable flavour. Truffles have always been an elusive crop demanding years of patient dedication before they come to maturity. In the cool winter months, their exotic aroma escapes the earth to signal when they are ripe to harvest and it is only then that they are expertly detected by our trusty truffle dogs, Tessa and Rita, and finally harvested with the care of an archaeologist.
Explore the Yarra Valley
Truffle Valley is located in the Yarra Valley , where you can enjoy a wonderland of experiences, only an hour from Melbourne. Discover the wineries, artisan foods, farmers markets, beautiful scenery and experience unique adventures that take your breath away. Click here for more information about exploring the beautiful Yarra Valley.
Latest News
Truffle Hunting at Truffle Valley now available!
Bookings for Truffle Hunts are now available for the 2024 Truffle Season (Click here for more details) Choose one of the available dates! or request a date for group bookings. July 14th 10am, July 28th 10am, August 11th 10am, August 25th 10am.Submit the ‘GET IN TOUCH’ form at the bottom of this page! Include your name, EMAIL and contact details; your preferred date/time; and the number of people attending. Bookings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. We will email you to confirm...
Eating Truffles – Our First Truffle Dinner
It was so exciting to finally enjoy our first truffle meal at Truffle Valley last year. We never imagined that we would be eating truffles from our own truffle orchard in just the fourth winter after its establishment. Comparatively speaking, this is an early yield. So we were very happy to make cheese toasties with grated truffle on top. Our first ever truffle snack! After years of hard work, this event was incredibly satisfying and that cheese toast tasted so good. Some of the tasks involved...
Rita apprentice truffle hunter graduates
We are proud to report that Rita apprentice truffle hunter, has graduated to trainee truffle hunter at Truffle Valley in the Yarra Valley. She started her scent detection training at 3 months old as apprentice truffle hunter. She loves doing the work but really thinks it is all just a fun game. Tessa giving Rita driving lessons in the farm buggy Tessa was delighted from day 2 when Rita, arrived at Truffle Valley in the Yarra Valley. She was only 8 weeks old, but already confident and curious...
