Fabulous fungus – no truffling matter

Truffles are best when fresh, and foodies around Melbourne are preparing to get their fix at the special events and celebrations held during the limited three-month season from June to August.

Festival celebrations commence with the Truffle Melbourne program launch held at the Prahran Market between 20-21 June. There will be truffled food and drink all weekend, showcasing a menu designed by chef Guy Grossi. Expect cooking demonstrations, tastings and master classes. 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra +61 3 8290 8220

Vue de Monde will be the stunning setting for the 2015 truffle season opening dinner on 20 June. It will be a special degustation, paying tribute to the fabulous fungi. Rialto, Level 55, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne +61 3 9691 3888

The largest truffle event outside Europe returns to Melbourne. Truffle Melbourne (11-12 July), held at Caulfield Racecourse, celebrates Australia’s place as the fourth biggest truffle-producing nation after France, Spain and Italy. Join truffle fanatics for a weekend of artisan food, appearances by some of Melbourne’s best truffle chefs, mock truffle dog hunts, music, sculpture and more. Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield.

For a hands-on experience, join a mock truffle hunt taking place at Black Cat Truffiere. This is one of Victoria’s premiere truffle growers, set on 20 acres at Wattle Flat, just 85 minutes from Melbourne. The cold frosty winters and warm summers make this region ideal for growing truffles, and during July and August visitors are invited to participate in six different events celebrating all things truffle. Talk to growers, see Ella the truffle dog in action and sample a range of truffle infused treats. Tickets are $110 per person, including tastings and morning tea. 150 Howards Road, Wattle Flat +61 3 5334 5563

Truffle Treasures is located just outside Daylesford, approximately one hour from Melbourne. Visitors are invited to join the educational Unravel the Mystery truffle tour on Sunday 10 August. This is a great way to learn about this delicacy through taste, touch and smell. Participants will come away with a greater understanding of the cultivation and harvest process, and join a truffle hunt with the aid of two canine experts, Abbie and Holly. Tickets are $105 per person, plus booking fee. Ballan +61 3 477 261 292

The historic goldfield town of Gordon is home to Oakhill Truffles, just an hour from Melbourne. The truffiere was established in 2007, producing their first Black Perigord truffles in 2012. Oakhill will host a Hunt & Dine experience on 18 July to celebrate the season. The event starts at 10.30am with participants donning their gumboots and joining the hunt at the truffle farm in the beautiful central highlands. The next stop is Plough restaurant for morning tea, truffle tastings and a gourmet three-course truffle inspired lunch prepared by chef Mark Mills. Tickets are $125 per person. Gordon,+61 3 5368 7173.

For a truffle experience with a twist, dog lovers can take their canine companions on the Gourmet Pawprints’ Gumboots Truffle Hunt.  The guided tour visits Yarra Valley Truffles, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, for a guided session explaining the mystery behind these aromatic nuggets and some play time for pooches to search for their own little treasure. Morning tea, lunch and wine tastings are included in the cost of $225 per person and $15 per dog. Tours depart Port Melbourne +61 488 702 840

Media enquiries for Truffle Melbourne contact: Tara Bishop +61 422 003 549 or email misstarabishop@gmail.com