Truffle Hunting with Dogs: Follow Lucy and Enzo into the Orchard

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Meet Lucy and Enzo, our Lagotto Romagnolo truffle dogs and the four-legged stars of harvest time. With their remarkable sense of smell and plenty of personality, they lead guests through the orchard in search of ripe black truffles. 

​Truffle hunting with dogs offers a rare chance to experience the winter harvest as it happens. Follow Lucy and Enzo through the orchard, watch their noses at work and share in the anticipation of what might be waiting beneath the soil. 

​With hunts running only until the end of August, there are just a few weeks left to join us and experience the magic of this year’s winter harvest. ​

​Meet Lucy and Enzo  

​Lucy and Enzo may share the same important job, but they each bring their own style to the hunt.

​Lucy is our seasoned professional, with a finely tuned nose and years of practice behind her. Her training began with truffle-scented targets before progressing to formal scent work and regular practice on the farm. As for motivation? Roast chicken quickly became the reward of choice.  

Enzo brings playful energy, sharp instincts and natural enthusiasm to the search. Together, they make quite the team, each bringing their own personality and instincts to the hunt. 

​For guests, watching them work is all part of the charm. One moment they’re weaving between the trees and the next, a subtle change in pace or sudden pause tells us they may have found what we’re looking for. 

How do truffle dogs find truffles?

Truffle hunting dogs are trained to recognise the distinctive scent released by a mature truffle. As Lucy and Enzo move through the orchard, they follow that aroma until they can pinpoint its location, pausing with their nose to the ground or giving a gentle scratch to signal the spot. 

Lucy’s first real discovery showed just how powerful that instinct can be. During a training session, she stopped several rows away from the hidden targets and refused to move on. Her attention remained fixed on one particular spot, and beneath the loose soil was not a training aid, but a naturally grown truffle. 

It was a memorable milestone for Lucy and a sign that all that practice, and plenty of roast chicken, was paying off. 

Unearthing winter treasure

Once Lucy or Enzo have marked the spot, the soil is gently loosened to reveal what lies beneath. Then comes one of the most rewarding moments of the hunt: the chance to unearth the truffle yourself. 

Throughout the experience, we share more about how truffles grow, what influences their quality and what we look for when harvesting. There’s time to ask questions, take in the orchard and watch Lucy and Enzo continue doing what they do best. 

From the orchard to the fire

The hunt may take place among the oaks, but there is still plenty to enjoy once the searching is done.

Afterwards, guests gather by the open fire for tea or coffee, hot soup finished with freshly shaved truffle and signature Cheese & Truffle Toastie. We invite you to warm up, compare finds and enjoy a true taste of the winter harvest. 

We also take a closer look at what happens after a truffle leaves the ground, including how fresh truffles are cleaned and graded. Guests can pick up practical advice for storing, preparing and enjoying them at home.

Make a weekend of it at the Farm Gate

Our Farm Gate is open every Saturday and Sunday throughout truffle season from 10am to 3pm, offering another way to slow down and enjoy Flinders. Settle in by the firepit, take in the peaceful surrounds and ocean views or say hello to Lucy and Enzo when they are not busy putting their noses to work.

You can also enjoy Farm Gate favourites, including truffle choc tops and the Truffle Troll, and browse a selection of seasonal produce, with fresh truffles available during the harvest, subject to availability.

Whether you are extending your morning after a hunt or simply dropping in for a weekend visit, there is plenty to savour while the season lasts. 

A season worth seeking

Each year, truffle season returns for a short winter window, with every hunt bringing something a little different. Lucy and Enzo will be leading hunts until the end of August, when another season at Flinders Truffles draws to a close. 

Book your truffle hunt or visit the Farm Gate this August.

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FAQs

How do dogs find truffles?

Truffle dogs use their highly developed sense of smell to locate mature truffles growing beneath the soil. Lucy and Enzo are trained to recognise their distinctive aroma and signal when they’ve found the right spot.

What happens on a Flinders Truffles hunt?

Guests walk through the orchard with our farmers and truffle dogs, learn how black truffles are grown and harvested, watch Lucy and Enzo search and have the opportunity to unearth a find themselves. Afterwards, the morning continues by the fire with warming food and practical advice on cleaning, grading, storing and enjoying fresh truffles.

Can children join a truffle hunt?

Yes. Truffle hunts are suitable for families, and younger guests often particularly enjoy meeting Lucy and Enzo and watching them lead the search.

What should I wear on a truffle hunt?

Wear warm layers and enclosed shoes or boots suitable for walking across open farmland. Weather-appropriate outerwear will also help keep you comfortable throughout the morning.

Can I buy fresh truffles after the hunt?

Yes. Fresh truffles are available to purchase during the harvest, subject to availability.

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