Meet the Hunters & Hounds

Our expert guides and trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs guarantee an authentic, educational, and fun adventure in the Tuscan woods.

Over 20 Years of Heritage

Dedication & Expertise

Since 2000, Truffle Hunter has delivered experiences worth sharing. We pride ourselves on our dedication and devotion to producing and searching for some of the finest white Magnatum Pico truffles in the world. Praised by acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs and passionate foodies alike, our delicate Tuscan truffles bring a certain refinement, tempting taste, and aroma to enhance any dish.

The Professional Team

Our Truffle Experts

Francesca Starnotti

Francesca Starnotti

Truffle Hunter & Estate Host

Francesca's legacy began with her grandfather Marco in 1882 exporting fresh truffles to Florence. She welcomes guests to her family's XVII-century countryside villa in San Miniato, combining truffle hunting with warm Tuscan family hospitality and exquisite cooking classes.

Vittorio Del Bono Venezze

Vittorio Del Bono Venezze

Founder & Lead Sommelier

Born in Florence in 1962, Vittorio is a certified Professional Sommelier and truffle expert. He combined his double passion for Tuscan wines and forestry to found Truffle Hunter, structuring luxury day tours and gourmet food pairings for travelers from across the globe.

Valter Franchini

Valter Franchini

Truffle Hunter & Farmer

Born in San Miniato in 1977, Valter's connection to agriculture and nature runs deep. An expert farmer and woodsman, Valter knows every path and oak tree in San Miniato. He is skilled in the ancient methods of searching and training truffle dogs.

Trained canine partners

The Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian water retriever breed from Romagna. Since the drainage of the local marshlands, they have been selectively bred and trained exclusively for truffle searching due to their exceptional scent tracking, focus, and gentle temperament.

Our dogs, including Chocolat (Choco), are trained using positive reinforcement and play. Their scent capabilities allow them to detect ripe truffles buried up to 30 cm (12 inches) underground, ensuring we only harvest truffles at their peak aroma.

During the tour, you will see how the dog reacts to a scent, signals the spot, and happily trades the dug truffle for a dog treat from the handler.

Lagotto Romagnolo truffle dog digging in the Tuscan woods

Join Francesca & Choco in the Woods

Check our available private or shared experience itineraries, and book your truffle hunt today.

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