Set in 500 acres of stunning woodland, the historic Tuscan retreat Villa Lena will be hosting a special weekend this October in celebration of the white truffle – trifola d’Alba Madonna, which grows amid the roots of oak, ash, and white poplar trees in their own forests.
A Lagotto Romagnolo dog with truffles
Guests will be invited to forage with truffle hunters and their Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, and will then be invited to prepare and cook and subsequently dine on their haul. Help will be on hand by the resident chef at the Villa Lena, Guillaume Rouxel formally of the famed Parisian restaurants, Le Chateaubriand and Le Crillon.
On arrival, guests will be welcomed by a cocktail hour hosted by one of the resident artists at the retreat after which a five-course truffle dinner will be served, created by chef Guillaume Rouxel. There will be opportunities to indulge in painting alongside the artists in residence and on Saturday night, a gala dinner will be prepared and served, creating the centrepiece for the weekend.
This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing weekend focused on art, nature and gastronomy in one of the only places in the world where the white truffle grows.
by Amanda Bernstein