A family, a farm, and a devotion to truffles.
Our Story
Virginia Truffles is a family-owned and operated truffle farm in Rixeyville, Virginia. What began as a small nursery has grown into a thriving truffle orchard and a center for truffle science. We remain dedicated to advancing truffle cultivation in the United States, with hands-on farming supported by research in our on-site microbiology lab. We're committed to cultivating high-quality truffles, promoting scientific integrity, and sharing our love of truffle farming with growers and guests alike.
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![A cleared grassy field lined with small blue tree protectors and marked with stakes, surrounded by dense green trees under a clear sky.]()
2008
The Beginning
Virginia Truffles planted its first orchard in 2008, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment to cultivating Black Périgord truffles in Virginia.
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![Two smiling people kneeling in snow beside a white Labrador dog, with a large sign behind them featuring a green tree and the text "Le Clos de la Rabasse Virginia Truffles," in a snowy forest.]()
2009
Founding Team
Pictured with Virginia Truffles' original sign, Pat and John Martin are joined by Bo, the farm's first truffle dog and an integral member of the founding team. Together, they laid the groundwork for what would become a leader in American truffle cultivation.
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![A greenhouse with a curved transparent roof sits on a gravel surface, surrounded by rocks and plants. The background shows trees, green fields, and a bright sun in the sky with rays of sunlight filtering through the clouds.]()
2010
Growing the Future
The addition of the greenhouse expanded Virginia Truffles' nursery operations, where inoculated seedlings were cultivated for the farm and growers across the country.
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![Woman with brown hair, wearing a furry hat, sunglasses, and outdoor clothing, kneels beside a yellow Labrador retriever in a rural, wooded area during late fall or winter.]()
2011
A New Generation
Olivia Taylor officially joined Virginia Truffles, taking the lead in daily operations, truffle dog handling, and harvesting. Her passion, leadership, and dedication helped shape the farm's growth and future.
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![A woman with short, wavy brown hair wearing a gray turtleneck sweater holding a glittery rock or mineral close to her face, with a surprised or excited expression.]()
2018
The First Harvest
Nearly a decade after planting its first orchard, Virginia Truffles harvested its first Black Périgord truffle. Pictured is Olivia Taylor holding the milestone harvest that fulfilled the Martin family's vision and marked the beginning of a new chapter.
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![A female scientist in a white lab coat and gloves using a pipette to transfer liquid into test tubes in a laboratory.]()
2019
Advancing Truffle Science
Olivia Taylor, Virginia Truffles' first truffle scientist, began working in the farm's newly established on-site laboratory. Her work laid the foundation for the scientific research and diagnostic services that continue today.
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![A brown dog with floppy ears is sniffing the ground in a wooded area, wearing a red and pink harness, with a green collar, and some visible black leash.]()
2019
The Empress of Truffle
Nadine officially became Virginia Truffles' primary hunting dog, ushering in years of successful harvests and unforgettable experiences. Her remarkable nose and gentle precision made her an ambassador for truffle hunting and a beloved part of the farm.
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![Three women and a dog outdoors in a grassy area during sunset, wearing dark green shirts with a logo, walking together, with trees in the background.]()
2020
Growing Recognition
Virginia Truffles was featured in the December 2020 edition of Virginia Living magazine, introducing readers across the Commonwealth to the farm's pioneering work in truffle cultivation.
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![A man and woman standing outdoors holding certificates, with a black dog in the foreground. The man is wearing glasses, a blue beanie, a green jacket with a shearling collar, and blue pants. The woman has long dark hair and is wearing a brown jacket, brown boots, and holding a cream tote bag. The dog is wearing a harness. There are signs in the background with text, and they are smiling.]()
2020-2021
Sharing the Experience
Virginia Truffles welcomed its first truffle hunt guests during the inaugural harvest season. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the farm introduced visitors to the excitement of truffle hunting through an experience that continues to grow today.
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![A smiling man and woman hugging outdoors in fall, standing in front of a signpost with red signs pointing to Truffie's, Farm House, and Office & Lab, in a wooded area.]()
2020
The Next Chapter
Vanessa and Adam Shea officially joined Virginia Truffles, bringing new energy and expertise to the family business. Together, they helped expand the farm's educational experiences, culinary offerings, and public outreach, broadening Virginia Truffles' reach to new audiences.
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![Two women standing outdoors next to a black signboard promoting a truffle hunt event in Virginia. They are smiling and dressed in casual outdoor clothing including boots, and are standing on a paved walkway near a house with a large tree and fallen leaves around.]()
2020
The Truffle Sisters
Olivia Taylor and Vanessa Shea helped shape Virginia Truffles' agritourism program, blending education, science, and hospitality into an experience that continues to welcome and inspire guests each harvest season.
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![Person holding a large, dark, textured mineral or rock outdoors with trees and a blue sky in the background.]()
2021
A True Ripsnorter
Virginia Truffles unearthed its largest Black Périgord truffle to date, weighing an impressive 12 ounces. As the Australians would say, it was a true "ripsnorter"—an extraordinary harvest worth celebrating.
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![A signboard for The Guff's Cafe & Inn, situated near a sidewalk, with green foliage and trees in the background, and a wooden fence along a grassy area.]()
2022
A Culinary Partnership
Virginia Truffles partnered with Hazel River Inn to launch the Truffle Hunt & Dinner experience. The collaboration paired fresh truffles with exceptional cuisine, creating one of the farm's signature guest experiences.
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![A woman with short curly hair, wearing a maroon long-sleeve shirt and beige pants, kneeling on the ground outdoors during daytime. She is smiling and holding a large black Labrador puppy, which is lying on the mossy ground surrounded by fallen leaves and a clump of dirt. The background features leafless trees, some with small pale leaves, and a partly cloudy sky.]()
2024
A Lasting Legacy
Olivia Taylor's passion for truffle cultivation, scientific discovery, and education helped shape Virginia Truffles into what it is today. Her legacy continues to inspire the farm's mission and future generations.
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![Two scientists wearing protective goggles, gloves, and lab coats working with samples in a laboratory. There are three dark brown objects on white paper in the foreground. The background features lab equipment and a poster on the wall.]()
2024
Building on the Foundation
Building upon Virginia Truffles' scientific foundation, Brandi Martin and Joe Porco joined the team to expand the farm's research, education, and laboratory services.
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![Close-up of a black dog with brown eyes wearing a red sweater and a harness in a fall outdoor setting with fallen leaves.]()
2025
Following Great Paw Prints
Pozzi became Virginia Truffles' lead hunting dog, building on the legacy of those who came before her. With her own unique personality and determination, she continues the farm's tradition of unforgettable harvests and guest experiences.
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![Group of people gathered outdoors in a circle, participating in a team-building activity involving standing on hands and knees, with autumn trees in the background.]()
2026
Planting the Future
From the orchard to the laboratory and the classroom, Virginia Truffles continues to cultivate the future of truffle science, education, and agritourism—one harvest, one grower, and one guest at a time.
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Join Us On A Truffle Hunting Adventure
Hunt the Virginia Truffle Truffiere, following our truffle dog as they track down the elusive scent of the black truffle.
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Shop Our Products
Virginia Truffles offers Black Winter Truffles (Tuber melanaporum, also known as Perigord Truffles), which are cultivated on oak trees in our local truffiere.