Established in 2007, Nangiyala Truffière is set on a 48-hectare property at the base of Mount Barranhet, in the Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, a part of Australia’s Great Dividing Range.

The parcel of land the Truffière sits on has been in the McConnell family since the mid- seventies. “Nangiyala” fell into disuse after the family patriarch suffered a stroke, after which, son David, wanting to do something special with his family’s property, chanced upon an article about truffles in the Age newspaper, which piqued his interest, and kicked off his truffle growing odyssey.

Creek Junction is known for its distinctive and rugged terrain, with its granitic landscape formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface millions of years ago. Over time, the granitic material has weathered to produce soil that is sandy to loamy with exceptional drainage.

In order to make this soil more suitable for truffle cultivation, David and wife Kate, have deftly applied over time, an assortment of lime, nutrient rich fertiliser and biochar to enhance the pH level. This careful tending has resulted in improved soil oxygenation and structure, aiding the symbiotic relationship of the soil and the truffle mycelium, and of course, producing fine truffles.

The microclimate plays a significant role, the Truffière benefitting from warm summers and cold winters. Influenced by elevation, this climate results in consistently cold winter temperatures and high rainfall, ranging from 800 to 1,000 mm annually.

While a city boy, David, refers to himself jokingly as an “accidental” farmer. Perhaps appropriate given his choice of a Basenji, an African hunting dog from the Congo, domesticated in the 1930’s, as his truffle hunting dog.

As a breed Basenjis are known for two main characteristics; (1) they are highly prey driven and love nothing more than chasing small animals, and (2) they love to yodel (Google it!).

Given the temperament and instincts of the Basenji, David was told that the idea of one being trained for truffle hunting was just bonkers. However with much pride he succeeded in training “Audrey,” realising she loved cheese as a reward for learning the scent of the truffle and scratching at its location beneath his oak trees; quite possibly the world’s only truffle hunting Basenji.