FESTIVAL INFORMATION

General  ::  Schedule  ::   Lodging  ::   Weather

General
The Oregon Truffle Festival 2007 offers a multitude of exciting ways to participate. Mark out January 26-28, 2007 in your calendar for your truffle experience!

photo by Georgia Freedman

Workshops and events filled up quickly in 2006. Early registration is recommended. All events are located in and around Eugene, Oregon

In the rarified world of truffles, Oregon is known as the premier center of research and expertise outside of Europe. A lineage of eminent scientists has maintained that standing for almost a century, and continues to hold it to this day. Oregon is also blessed with an abundance of wild truffles with culinary qualities equal to those of Europe, and as with French grapes, Oregon has the perfect climate for cultivation of the renowned French truffles. As the ultimate culinary delicacies, truffles serve as emblems of the good life in every region where they grow, and in Oregon they are complemented by our wealth of other wild and cultivated gourmet foods, and an increasing number of extraordinarily talented and award winning chefs.

photo by Georgia Freedman

Despite Oregon’s long history of truffle research, its truffle industry is young and undiscovered. The few sources for wild truffles are avidly sought and jealously protected by harvesters who sell the truffles quietly here and there throughout the country. Secrecy pervades the world of truffles and is a part of their mystique, but it has not served Oregon’s truffles well. Here it also conceals knowledge necessary to bring the real potential of the Oregon truffles to light. Simple details like how to choose and handle a truffle to tease out its grandeur are known to only a few harvesters and chefs. As a result, Oregon truffles have not received the recognition that those who have experienced their essential magnificence know they deserve.

photo by Georgia Freedman

Some of us in Oregon’s nascent truffle industry decided we needed to change that. Our native truffles deserve to be celebrated as the delicacies that they are, at the same time the ground is being prepared for growing a domestic supply of the illustrious French and Italian truffles. Our scientific tradition, our wealth of native truffles, and the advent of technology to cultivate truffles have reached a confluence in Oregon, placing us at the beginning of a culinary ascendancy in North America. The best way to experience this phenomenon is to attend the Oregon Truffle Festival - designed to celebrate Oregon truffles’ earthy elegance – from January 26-28, 2007.

Schedule [ top ]

Lodging [ top ]

Our Headquarters Hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott located in Springfield off of the I-5 corridor. Complimentary shuttles to the airport and selected festival locations are available. Ask for the Oregon Truffle Festival room rate.

The Campbell House, a Co-Sponsor, was built in 1892 and fully restored as a grand historic inn, offers personalized service, comfortable surroundings, and all the amenities one would expect from a fine hotel. The Campbell House is located at 252 Pearl St., Eugene, OR 97401, 1-800-264-2519 -- 1-541-343-1119.

Other lodging and accommodations can be found at the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County. http://www.visitlanecounty.org

Weather [ top ]
Keep in mind that it is winter, and Oregon can be wet, so dress appropriately. Although the average temperature in the southern Willamette Valley in January is mid-30’s to mid-40’s, and one in ten years can result in snow on the valley floor, it is just as likely to be a brilliantly sunny day in the last week in January. Thus, we recommend a both a raincoat and sunglasses!

Warm layers of wool or fleece, with a final waterproof, breathable layer are best. A scarf, gloves and a hat will make your head and hands happy.