Where to get your truffle fix in Canberra this winter
Posted on
Truffle season is once again upon us – here’s where you can indulge in some of Canberra’s finest experiences.
Unfolding from mid-June until August, truffle season has long been one of the most delicious experiences on Canberra’s calendar, seeing top restaurants and producers test their skills to treat foodies to their paddock-to-plate creations.
It’s not only an opportunity to enjoy the rare fungus (known as ‘black gold’) but to celebrate the cool climate region we call home.
From truffle hunts to special dinners, here’s where to get your fix of Périgord truffle this winter.
Beltana Farm (Pialligo)
There’s nothing like truffle season at Beltana Farm. Home to a truffle farm of over 800 trees, this year they are hosting four ways to immerse yourself in the season.
Start with the annual opening night celebration at the Dark Truffle Fest on Friday 3 July where you’ll eat truffles under the evening sky, and then every Saturday and Sunday from 4 July you can join a guided hunt and long lunch with Hunt and Lunch.
If that’s not enough, that evening you can also book into the first Twilight Hunt & Outdoor BBQ of the season. Held every second Saturday, you’ll participate in a golden hour hunt followed by truffled snacks from the outdoor BBQ and a glass of bubbles as night settles in.
Finally, from Saturday 11 July, Beltana Farm is running an intimate truffle masterclass limited to just 20 guests with The Truffle Kitchen. Held every second Saturday, you’ll pull a fresh truffle out of the ground and learn how to shave it, how to store it, how to pair it, and how to cook with it at home.
Book your tickets here before they sell out.
14 Beltana Road, Pialligo | beltanafarm.au
The Truffle Farm (Majura)
It’s only right to visit The Truffle Farm during truffle season. Surrounded by a picturesque oak tree forest and boasting captivating views of Mount Majura Winery’s lush vine-covered trellises, here you can immerse yourself in a true farm-to-fork adventure.
Book in for a traditional truffle hunt or indulge in either the Hunt + Brunch or the Hunt + Degustation. Both take you on an exhilarating truffle hunt experience where you’ll learn about the history of the farm before diving into a decadent truffle-focused meal.
23 Mount Majura Road | thetrufflefarm.com.au
Capitol Bar and Grill (City)
This truffle season, Capitol Bar and Grill has partnered with The Truffle Farm to curate an unmissable one-night-only experience on Friday 26 June. Block out the day because from 2.30 pm you’ll be chauffeured to The Truffle Farm for a truffle hunt to dig up some black gold.
Then, you’ll be driven back to the city where you’ll eat a seasonal menu inspired by the day’s hero ingredient. Think: truffle smoked mushroom casarecce with whipped ricotta, Flinders Island lamb rump with truffle butter and a truffle infused Tiramisu to finish.
6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | capitolbarandgrill.com
Turalla Truffles (Bungendore)
Turalla Truffles near Bungendore is hosting a degustation lunch cooked and curated by Chef Kim De Poorter on Sunday 28 June – a must-try for any truffle obsessive.
Held in the Water Through Reeds Art Gallery, you’ll eat your way through sourdough toast with truffled chicken liver pâté, truffled brie with frisée salad and truffle profiteroles served with Jasper & Myrtle gelato and chocolate.
Can’t make it on the day? Keep an eye out – they’ll also be selling fresh truffles at the EPIC Farmers Market every Saturday until mid-August.
11 Gibraltar Street, Bungendore | turallatruffles.com.au
Mount Majura Vineyard (Majura)
For those who can’t resist a wine pairing, the Truffled Brie and Wine Tasting at Mount Majura Vineyard is a must-do.
Using fresh truffle from their neighbours at The Truffle Farm to infuse a deliciously rich triple-cream brie-style cheese, for $40 per person you can taste your way through a flight of three 80ml matched glasses. Bookings are essential for this decadent experience.
88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | mountmajura.com.au
Mercure Canberra (Braddon)
Think you can’t get a good truffle experience in a hotel? Think again. On Saturday 11 July the Mercure Canberra is hosting an exclusive Truffle & Wine Dinner in collaboration with the award-winning Macenmist Black Truffles & Wines.
Celebrating the finest flavours of the season, for $180 per person you’ll dig into a decadent five-course degustation menu with each course heroing fresh, locally sourced truffles, and paired with wines from Mount Majura Vineyard.
During the dinner, you’ll also hear a presentation from Macenmist Owner Barbara Hill and meet a working truffle dog up close.
Mercure Canberra, 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon | mercurecanberra.com.au
Heywood (Wallaroo)
Under bakery light rye with truffle butter, duck fat noodles with Shiitake truffle dashi and fillet mignon with mash, asparagus and truffle jus. Those are just some of the dishes on the menu at Heywood’s first-ever Truffle Dinner.
Taking place on Friday 10 July, you’ll indulge in five curated courses, each of which will be paired with a Nick O’Leary wine. With limited spots available, be quick to book your spot.
149 Brooklands Road, Wallaroo | nickolearywines.com.au
Chef Christophe and Josephine Gourmet Tours (Bungendore)
Take a road trip this winter to Bungendore for a truffle experience a tour that blends French heritage with Australian charm.
Led by Chef Christophe (who is a recipient of France’s prestigious National Order of Agricultural Merit) and his wife Josephine, during the event you will forage for black truffles alongside their spirited Border Collie, Largo, before enjoying a rustic French brunch. Expect delights such as egg brouillard on a warm baguette, lashings of shaved fresh truffle on top, a fresh salad, and your choice of tea or coffee.
With only 12 spots available for each session, make sure to book ahead.
chefchristopheandjosephine.com.au
Elvesgate Truffle Farm (Harolds Cross)
Did you know that Australia’s only biodynamic truffle farm is located just over an hour from Canberra? A small family-run, certified organic and biodynamic truffle farm in the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Elvesgate hosts an immersive truffle-themed experience that’s worth booking.
From a hunt with their truffle labrador Billy, to feasting by the family-built firepit, each aspect is carefully curated by the couple. And personally, they had us at dessert – smooth truffle ice cream, with crisp shards of hazelnut meringue.
They’re open for only two weeks during July, and limited sessions are available. Book early so you don’t miss out.
455 Parlour Creek Road, Harolds Cross | elvesgate.com.au
Feature image: Beltana Farm. Photography: VisitCanberra.
