Where to snuffle out some truffle goodness

So you have a yen for truffles?


From truffle-themed wine-matched lunches to hands-on truffle hunts, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is showcasing several ways to unearth the magic of truffles and wine this winter.

Truffle Lunch Series at Pt. Leo Estate

Mornington Peninsula's Pt. Leo Estate is hosting a series of truffle-themed lunches at its two-hatted restaurant, Laura, in conjunction with local producers Red Hill Truffles. The day kicks off with a cooking demonstration by culinary director Josep Espuga followed by a four-course menu with dishes enriched by truffles. On August 25, the Luxe Truffle Lunch is where guests get to meet the owners of Red Hill Truffles and their truffle hunting dogs before sitting down to a seven-course truffle-centric menu with wine pairings available. Dates: July 19, August 11, August 25. Cost: $225-$380 per person.

Oak Valley Truffle Menu and Chef’s Table Lunch at Leeuwin Estate

The Manjimup region of Western Australia is known for its high-quality truffles, and Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River has collaborated with Oak Valley Truffles to offer a month-long, six-course truffle-themed menu at the winery restaurant. The Oak Valley Truffle Lunch menu is available for the month of July, and features dishes like Jerusalem artichoke with truffle, chestnut fazzoletti, egg yolk and roasted onion, paired with current and museum release wines. On July 27, head chef Dan Gedge will present a Chef’s Table Truffle Lunch with five truffle courses and co-owner Simone Furlong will share stories on the wines. Dates: Throughout July (truffle menu) and July 27 (Chef’s Table lunch event). Cost: $250-$260.

Red Hill Truffle Weekend at Montalto Estate

Leading Mornington Peninsula wine producer Montalto Estate is partnering with Red Hill Truffles on July 20-21 for a "decadent truffle extravaganza", with a set menu showcasing Red Hill truffles, or the option to add shaved truffle to dishes served in the Piazza. On Sunday, July 21, guests can book in for an interactive truffle hunt and get their hands dirty digging for truffles alongside truffle hunting dogs Thomas and Maddie. The experience concludes with a five-course truffle-inspired lunch, starring the truffles unearthed on the morning’s hunt. Dates: July 20-21. Cost: $125-$269.

Festa Tartufo at Josef Chromy Wines

Tasmania’s chilly climate and rich soil has proved ideal for growing truffles, which is why Festa Tartufo - or Truffle Festival - is returning to Josef Chromy Wines at Relbia, outside Launceston. A five-course dinner will see executive chef Nick Raitt reveal the nuances of truffles with dishes matched to winemaker Ockie Myburgh's cool-climate wines. Date: August 2. Cost: $160.

Truffle Dinners at Mandoon Estate

Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley will be taking guests on a culinary journey in August, with two truffle-inspired dinner events. Matched Mandoon Estate wines from both Margaret River and the Swan Valley will be available to enhance the flavour of dishes starring West Australian ingredients like Stirling Ranges beef short rib and Abrolhos sea scallops (with a generous dose of truffle). Dates: August 9 and 16. Cost: $125.

For details see: https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/