Piedmont in Autumn: Truffles, Hazelnuts and Wines Just a Step Away from Turin

Autumn in Piedmont is an invitation to slow down. The hills are tinged with red and gold, the woods are filled with the scent of chestnuts and mushrooms, and local markets overflow with truffles and hazelnuts. If you are staying in Turin and want to enjoy the most atmospheric season of the year, you don’t need to travel far: less than an hour from the city you’ll find villages, festivals, and tastings that showcase the richness of this land.

The Flavors of Piedmontese Autumn

• Truffle – The undisputed king of the autumn table. Beyond the famous white truffles from the Langhe, the Lanzo Valleys and the areas around Turin also hide lesser-known truffle grounds, where you can discover the tradition of “truffle hunting” guided by trifolau and their dogs.
• Piedmont Hazelnut IGP – Crunchy and aromatic, it is the star of cakes, creams, and gianduja chocolate. In pastry shops and local fairs you’ll find it in countless variations.
• Local Wines – While Barolo and Barbaresco are further away, just a few kilometers from Turin you can taste Freisa di Chieri, Barbera, Erbaluce di Caluso, and Nebbiolo from the Turin hills. Perfect wines to accompany autumn dishes.
• Chestnuts – A true symbol of the Piedmont mountains, celebrated with fairs and festivals that bring life to valleys and villages.

Where to Go Less than an Hour from Turin

• Sacra di San Michele (Susa Valley) – A symbolic monument of Piedmont, perched on Mount Pirchiriano. In autumn the valley glows with foliage, and nearby villages host chestnut festivals and food markets.
• Canavese (Caluso, Agliè, Ivrea) – The homeland of Erbaluce, a fresh and mineral white wine. Many wineries open their doors for tours and tastings. Don’t miss the historic pastry shops of Ivrea with their hazelnut-based desserts.
• Hills of Chieri and Pecetto – Famous for Freisa, a lively and aromatic red wine often paired with local cold cuts and cheeses. In autumn, small food and wine events bring the villages to life.
• Pinerolo and Surroundings – Autumn here is celebrated with traditional fairs: from the National Horse Fair to events dedicated to chestnuts and mountain products.
• Avigliana and Almese – Medieval villages with lakes and castles, perfect for a day trip that combines nature, culture, and good food.
• Truffle Fairs near Turin – Rivalba, Moncalieri, Piobesi, and other towns around Turin host smaller fairs compared to Alba, but ideal for discovering truffles in an authentic setting.

Experiences to Enjoy

• Join a truffle hunt with trifolau and their dogs.
• Visit a winery in Canavese to taste Erbaluce or Freisa from the Turin hills.
• Pick chestnuts in the woods of the Susa Valley and end the day with a traditional meal in a trattoria.
• Combine culture and taste: for example, visit the Sacra di San Michele followed by lunch with local wines and products.

Conclusion

Piedmont in autumn is a season of simple and authentic pleasures: the scent of truffles, the warmth of a glass of wine, the charm of a medieval village surrounded by colorful foliage. If you want to discover the most genuine side of Piedmont starting from Turin, Wonderful Italy welcomes you with cozy and authentic apartments, so you can live autumn like a true local.
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