Delve into the secretive world of truffle hunting, seeking out nuggets of “black gold” at the base of ancient oak trees on an idyllic Provençal farm. Learn about this treasured product from an expert guide, and then savor the fruits of your labor with truffle-centric appetizers and a champagne toast.

Make your way to a picturesque property dotted with olive groves, fig trees, and rows of grapevines and meet your guide, a truffle-hunting pro and his 2 trained dogs. Truffles—unlike other fungi—thrive in the warm, sun-baked soil of Provence, and this farm is full of these flavorful, savory treasures.

Discover how truffles are cultivated, how they grow in the wild, and how truffle dogs are trained as you traipse across the hillsides and through the brush. Watch for “witch’s circles,” bare patches in the grass where truffles absorb all the nutrients in the soil, and hear captivating stories of sabotage along with tips and tricks for rooting out these highly prized tubers.

Dig up your own batch of tuber melanosporum and head back to the farmhouse, where you can grab a seat in the sun for a delicious aperitif. Learn how to distinguish authentic black Perigord truffles from “fake” Chinese truffles as you enjoy hors d’oeuvres like buttered bread with sliced truffle, truffle fries and burgers with foie gras, and truffle risotto along with a crisp glass of champagne and a tasting of the estate’s own olive oil and truffle oil.