Oberon: Truffle Hunt and Tasting Experience

If you’re a foodie or just someone curious about the mysterious world of truffles, the Oberon Truffle Hunt and Tasting at RedGround Farm offers more than just a culinary adventure — it’s a genuine peek into the craftsmanship and passion behind these elusive ingredients. While we haven’t personally been, this experience looks like a well-rounded, engaging activity that combines education, hands-on fun, and indulgence.

Three things we particularly love about this experience are the opportunity to hunt with trained dogs, the detailed insights into truffle cultivation and grading, and the chance to sample a variety of tantalizing dishes and products. A possible drawback might be the restricted age and mobility requirements, as it’s not suitable for children under 18 or wheelchair users, which could limit some visitors. This tour seems perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone keen to discover the secrets of truffle hunting in a scenic rural setting.

Key Points

  • Authentic Experience: Hands-on truffle hunting with trained dogs creates a memorable, genuine activity.
  • Educational Insight: Learn about how truffles are grown, graded, and appreciated worldwide.
  • Tasting Variety: Enjoy multiple truffle-infused dishes, from savory dips to sweet treats.
  • Purchase Opportunities: Take home fresh truffles and truffle products for continued culinary adventures.
  • Private, Guided Tour: An intimate experience with a live guide enhances understanding and engagement.
  • Weather Flexibility: The tour runs in all weather conditions, including snow — so dress accordingly.
You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Oberon Truffle Experience

Starting Point: The Truffle Tasting and Introduction

Your adventure kicks off at the Truffle Hunting Lodge, where you’ll be greeted with a delicious tasting of truffle-infused bites. This isn’t just a snack — it’s a carefully curated introduction to the world of truffles, paired with an engaging talk about why these fungi are so highly prized by chefs globally. Expect to learn about the different truffle varieties cultivated at RedGround, and how their flavor profiles influence gourmet cuisine.

Guests often mention that the informative talks are clear and approachable, making this experience perfect even for those with little prior knowledge. The lodge setting is cozy, warm, and welcoming, creating a comfortable environment to get excited about what’s next.

Walking Through the Truffière

Once you’re familiar with the basics, you’ll head out to the truffiere — the orchard where truffles grow, after passing through a biosecurity footbath that emphasizes the farm’s commitment to biosecurity standards. Here, you’ll see the different truffle types growing among the trees, with guides explaining the growing process, the importance of soil quality, and how climate influences the harvest.

In reviews, guests have appreciated that the guides are knowledgeable but approachable, making complex topics like cultivation accessible. The tranquil farm landscape provides a perfect backdrop for an outdoor walk, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions or just enjoy the fresh air.

The Truffle Hunt: Dogs at Work

The highlight for many is the truffle hunt with trained dogs. Following behind these clever animals, you’ll see how they sniff out underground treasures. The dogs are well-trained, and their enthusiastic alerts make the activity exciting and engaging. Several reviewers have described the moment of discovery as thrilling, with one noting, “It was fascinating to see how the dogs work and how they find the truffles hidden beneath the soil.”

Guests are encouraged to try digging out the truffle themselves, which adds a rewarding, hands-on element to the experience. The guides are patient, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate.

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Uncovering and Judging the Truffles

Once a truffle is found, the process of assessing its ripeness and quality begins. You’ll learn how truffles are graded and what makes a truffle top-quality. This part of the tour demystifies the culinary value of different truffles and helps you understand what to look for when purchasing.

Tasting and Cooking Demonstration

Back at the lodge, the experience continues with more tastings. Expect to sample a variety of truffle-infused dishes, including a cheesy dip with garlic, spinach, and artichoke, served with sourdough bread, and a selection of elegant canapes. Sweet tooths will appreciate the truffled panna cotta and ice cream, which showcase the versatility of truffles beyond savory dishes.

Guests have commented that the quality of the food is excellent, and the pairing of flavors highlights the earthy, umami essence of the truffle. The host also demonstrates how truffles are graded, giving you insight into why some are more expensive than others.

Purchase and Take-Home Experience

Before leaving, you’ll have the chance to buy fresh truffles and truffle-infused products to enjoy at home. Prices are competitive, especially considering the high quality of the product, and many guests find this to be a highlight — bringing home a piece of the farm’s bounty.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts approximately three hours, which is well-paced to avoid feeling rushed. The private group setting ensures a relaxed, personalized experience, and the live English-speaking guide makes sure everyone’s questions are answered.

Dress warmly and bring weather gear, as the activity takes place outdoors in various weather conditions, including rain and snow. Comfortable, clothes that can get dirty are advisable, especially if you want to try digging up a truffle yourself. Since pets are not allowed and children under 18 cannot participate, this experience is best suited for adults, couples, or small groups of friends.

The cost of $145 per person is reasonable considering the combination of hands-on activity, education, tastings, and the opportunity to purchase high-quality truffles. For food lovers and those eager to understand the finer details behind gourmet ingredients, this offers excellent value.

Why This Experience is Worth Considering

This tour isn’t just about finding truffles; it’s about connecting with the land, the farming process, and the culinary artistry behind a sought-after ingredient. The guided nature of the experience, combined with tastings and product sales, makes it a well-rounded outing that appeals to both curious travelers and serious foodies.

If you’re seeking a unique, authentic activity that combines nature, learning, and gastronomy, the Oberon Truffle Hunt ticks all those boxes. The opportunity to see trained dogs in action, learn about grading, and sample an array of truffle dishes ensures you’ll walk away with not just a new appreciation for truffles but also some delicious memories.

The Sum Up

The Oberon Truffle Hunt and Tasting experience offers a balanced mix of outdoor adventure, education, and indulgence. It’s ideal for those who want to deepen their understanding of truffles and enjoy a hands-on activity in a scenic rural setting. The private, guided format makes it intimate and informative, while the tasting component satisfies both curiosity and cravings.

While it’s not suited for children under 18 or those with mobility issues, for adults eager to explore a unique aspect of Australian agriculture and gastronomy, this tour provides fantastic value and authentic insights. Plus, taking home fresh truffles ensures the experience lingers long after you leave RedGround Farm.

Overall, if you’re in the Blue Mountains or Oberon area and looking for a culinary adventure that’s both fun and educational, this is a must-try. It’s a chance to see nature and gourmet food come together in a truly memorable way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not allowed to participate in this experience.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted during the tour to maintain biosecurity standards and ensure safety for everyone.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly and comfortably, and bring rain gear or wet weather clothing as the activity takes place outdoors in all weather conditions.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including tastings, the hunt, and educational talks.

Is the tour private or group-based?
It’s a private group experience, providing a more personalized and relaxed environment.

Can I purchase truffles on the day?
Yes, fresh truffles and truffle-infused products are available for purchase at the end of the tour.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the truffle hunting with trained dogs, tastings of various dishes, educational talks, visit to the truffiere, and a cooking demonstration.

Is the experience available in different languages?
The tour is conducted in English, with no mention of other language options.

If you’re after a genuine, hands-on look at truffle hunting coupled with delicious tastings and expert insights, the Oberon experience promises an enjoyable day that’s both fun and educational — a true highlight for any food lover or curious traveler in the New South Wales region.

You can check availability for your dates here: