Meet the Truffle Hunters of Tuscany: Stories from the Forest

Beyond the Truffle: The People Who Keep the Tradition Alive

When you join a truffle hunting experience in Tuscany, you’re not just walking through the woods—you’re stepping into a living tradition. And at the heart of that tradition are the tartufai: the skilled truffle hunters who dedicate their lives to this ancient craft.

In the hills near San Gimignano, these men and women aren’t performers—they’re guardians of knowledge, nature lovers, and storytellers. Their lives are shaped by the rhythm of the forest, the bond with their dogs, and a deep respect for the land.

👨‍🌾 Truffle Hunting Is a Way of Life

Meet Luca, a second-generation truffle hunter who learned the craft from his grandfather. He doesn’t use GPS, apps, or maps—just his eyes, his instinct, and his dog, Milo, a Lagotto Romagnolo trained since puppyhood.

“We don’t find the truffle. The dog does. We just learn to trust him,” Luca says with a smile.

In Luca’s family, truffle hunting isn’t a business. It’s a tradition, passed down, protected, and lived day by day—rain or shine, summer or snow.

🐶 The Unsung Heroes: Truffle Dogs

Every great tartufaio has a four-legged partner by their side. In San Gimignano, you’ll likely meet Lagotto Romagnolo, cocker spaniels, or even rescued mixed breeds—each trained with care and affection.

Hunters speak of their dogs like family, not tools. The training takes years, and the bond is unbreakable.

“A good dog won’t just find truffles,” says Giulia, one of the few women in the area who leads her own truffle hunts. “He’ll protect them, and protect you, too.”

🏡 Family, Simplicity, and Tradition

Many of the truffle experiences near San Gimignano take place on family-run farms or agriturismi, where the same people who guide you through the woods also cook your lunch, pour your wine, and share their table.

There’s no script, no staged performance. Just real people welcoming you into their world.

📖 Stories You’ll Never Forget

You’ll hear stories of legendary truffles found decades ago, passed around like folklore. Of dogs who dug where no one expected. Of rivalries, superstitions, and moments of pure magic.

And maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll find your own story to tell—like the time you spotted the dog’s tail wag first, and uncovered your very first Tuscan truffle.

Truffle Hunting Is People First, Truffles Second

Sure, the truffles are delicious. But it’s the humans behind the hunt who make the experience unforgettable. Their warmth, pride, and passion stay with you long after the forest walk is over.

👉 Meet the truffle hunters of San Gimignano and book your tour today.