Since 1965
Our story
We are the third generation of truffle hunters in the Espasa family. Since 1965 we have searched for truffles in the Prades Mountains and the forests of Poblet; today we also grow them, take them to kitchens and share them.
- 1965
First steps in the forest
The family starts hunting wild black truffles in the Prades Mountains and the forests of Poblet Monastery, with dogs and plenty of patience. A craft passed down from parents to children.
- 2nd generation
From craft to passion
Harvesting becomes more regular and truffles from the Conca reach more kitchens. The dogs are trained through play and become part of the family.
- 3rd generation
Truffle orchards
The new generation brings our own orchards of mycorrhized holm oaks and oaks: black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) and summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) grown with respect, at nature’s pace.
- 2015
Tòfona de la Conca goes online
The Tòfona de la Conca website is born, to spread the word about truffles, truffle tourism and our work with the dogs.
- 2017
The Black Truffle Fair is born
We create the Black Truffle Fair and the truffle dog competition, first in Vilanova de Prades. Today the fair is held every January in Vimbodí i Poblet, with Dídac Espasa as director.
- Tuber Gourmet
The online shop
To bring truffles and truffle products to everyone, all year round, we create Tuber Gourmet, our online shop.
- Today
Industry, research and territory
We sit on the board of PROTOCAT, drive TrufForum Vic with the CTFC, co-founded the Fet a la Conca cooperative and opened La Tofonera, our rural holiday home.
Why we created Tuber Gourmet
Fresh truffles have a short season and a short life: they are harvested in winter and must be eaten within a few days. For years, many people asked us for truffles out of season, or couldn’t come all the way to the Conca to buy them.
So we took the plunge: we turned part of the harvest into truffle products —oil, salt, honey, cheese, risotto…— and opened Tuber Gourmet, our own online shop. That way, truffles from the Conca arrive fresh in season and as gourmet products all year round, for home cooks and restaurants alike, with no middlemen.
Tuber Gourmet is the same family and the same truffle: what we have learnt in the forest, now in your kitchen too.
Our philosophy
Above all, we respect nature’s cycle. We only harvest ripe truffles, found by our dogs’ noses, and we look after the soil and the trees so the orchard keeps producing year after year.
Our dogs are not tools: they are companions. We train them from puppies through play and reward, so that hunting truffles is the best fun they could have.
Rooted in Conca de Barberà
Our truffles grow between the Prades Mountains and the Poblet Natural Area, on limestone soils in a Mediterranean climate: the conditions that make truffles from the Conca unique.
That’s why we work hand in hand with other local producers in the Fet a la Conca cooperative, selling local produce at its shop in Montblanc.
Right now at Tòfona de la Conca
The season, truffle tourism outings, the fair and everyday life with the dogs: we share it all on Instagram.