I'm standing in a room with a glass in a holster around my neck and I'm surrounded by truffles. I'm talking the "dog snuffled" variety, not the chocolates. White truffles at that – the most prized of all. And I am in heaven.

I'm in Alba in Piedmont, an hour from Turin in Italy for the annual International Alba White Truffle Fair or Fiera del Tartufo. Held every October and November it's a feast for the eyes, nose, mouth… and tummy. The scent of truffles fills the air – literally – it's intoxicating.