We’re going on a truffle hunt

Early June to September is truffle season when underground, rare black winter truffles are quietly developing their intense aroma and unique characteristics. The South West’s similar soils and weather conditions to the Southern Forests region provide idyllic growing conditions for the delicacy fetching $2,500 a kilo.

Truffle hunts are typically led by dogs specifically trained to sniff out the truffle scent that is almost undetectable to the human nose. Many farms use Labradors as they have an exceptional nose and a natural inclination to seek and retrieve. They don’t mind the cold, are loyal, and are highly motivated by food.

Truffles have quietly been harvested in Busselton, Yallingup, and Cowaramup with orchards in Carbanup and Karridale as well, but the opening of The Margaret River Truffle Farm’s gates to the public marks the first offering a visitor experience in the region.

For owners Ben and Charmaine Warner, it all started with a lashing of truffle butter. During a trip to Margaret River in 2012, Ben picked up a tub of the heavenly spread during a food festival. Immediately hooked, the Warners swiftly switched up their lives becoming the proud owners of seven hundred truffle-inoculated oak and hazelnut trees.

After five years of patiently cultivating, The Margaret River Truffle Farm is now inviting guests to partake in the truffle hunt. As a very eager-to-please black Labrador named Alby embarks on the hunt, Ben takes guests through the rows of oak and hazelnut trees digging deep into the history, biology, and life cycle of truffles.

With his notably large head, 2-year-old Alby was quick to pick the task of truffle hunting, however, due to an insatiable desire to find the fastest way to a treat, Ben often has to revisit the location of truffles already harvested. Mid-season retraining sessions and sulking are common with Alby who will soon be joined by 5-month-old Taz. Fox red Labrador Taz has shown great potential, however his official truffle hunting training won’t begin for another year.

The Margaret River Truffle Farm invites you to two truffle hunting experiences both offering a Labrador-led adventure where guests will have the opportunity to dig up truffles. The delicate growing process of truffles means no two hunts are the same. An unripe truffle will emit a scent Alby is not trained to pick up in one week, only to ripen up and become detectable by the next week’s hunt.

Each hunt is followed by a stop at the farm shop tasting The Margaret River Truffle Farm’s range of products as well as freshly harvested truffles. For a more in-depth, intimate adventure, the Premium Truffle Hunt Experience is 2 hours of hunting, a shave-your-own-truffle experience, and a premium truffle tasting with a light lunch of truffle-infused dishes. The lunch explores the tasting profile of truffles and how different storage, and preparation techniques of truffles change their flavours. As the menu changes to reflect the season and local produce available, each lunch finishes with an exquisite truffle macaroon created with Maison Lassiaille.

Family-owned and run with a mission to share the joys of truffle with everyone, The Margaret River Truffle Farm has partnered with two beloved Margaret River Region tour operators for the 2024 season. The Margaret River Truffle Farm will operate from mid-June to August this year with tours bookable through Go In Style and Forage Safaris. Both experiences can be booked on their own or as part of an itinerary crafted by the team – or yourself!

If we’ve now got you drooling, The Margaret River Truffle Farm products can be purchased online with a range catering to every taste including a truffle-infused chocolate bar made in collaboration with Bahen & Co. You can also try the truffle macaroon at Maison Lassiaille’s flagship patisserie. Margaret River’s The Spot Italiano also features Margaret River Truffle Farm’s produce on their menu for when those truffle cravings take over.

Extend your truffle hunting to Manjimup with a visit to Truffle Hill, Western Australia’s very first truffière at the town’s famed Seven Day Road. 90 minutes from Margaret River, Manjimup is home to Truffle Kerfuffle, an indulgent festival celebrating black truffles every June.