The Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba celebrate the Friendship Festival at Grinzane Cavour Castle with a Christmas concert, international guests, and gastronomic tradition
The traditional Friendship Festival of the Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba took place on Saturday 6 December at Grinzane Cavour Castle. The event once again brought together a convivial atmosphere, Christmas celebrations, and a strong international dimension.
The exchange of Christmas greetings was accompanied by a concert by the vocal ensemble Alterati in Chiave, renowned for its contemporary polyphonic interpretations and its ability to blend classical and modern repertoires into original arrangements. Their performances provided an elegant musical backdrop to the presence of the Order’s international Delegations: the Toronto Delegation, accompanied by Master Scott Walker and Vice Master Raphael Au; the Master of the Rio de Janeiro Delegation, Marcelo Brocchi; and Master Inesa Semionova with Vice Master Aidas Šemežys of the Lithuanian Delegation.
“This year too, the Friendship Festival was imbued with a strong international spirit,” commented Grand Master Tomaso Zanoletti. “The presence of the Knights from the Toronto Delegation, one of our youngest and most dynamic realities, always fills us with enthusiasm: every year they come to visit us and spend several days in our region. We were also joined by the Master of the Rio de Janeiro Delegation: the Delegations in Brazil are working with great commitment, in close dialogue with the Embassy and the Consulates. We were also pleased to welcome the Master and Vice Master of the Lithuanian Delegation, which stands out for its elegant Chapters and highly prestigious participation. We thus conclude a 2025 rich in achievements, to which we dedicate a heartfelt toast, wishing for an even more rewarding 2026.”
As tradition dictates, the luncheon celebrated some outstanding Piedmontese specialties: bagna cauda and bollito misto, prepared by chef Alessandro Mecca of the Castle Restaurant, who enhanced local ingredients with his customary culinary finesse.
Durante il convivio il Gran Maestro Zanoletti ha conferito due importanti riconoscimenti.
During the convivial gathering, Grand Master Zanoletti bestowed two important honors. The title of Honorary Knight was awarded to Sergio Nodone, founder in 2019 and Master until 2024 of the Austrian Delegation, while the collar marking 20 years of Loyalty to the Order was presented to Davide Fino, Master of the Governing Council from 2011 to 2022.
“Two individuals who have given so much to the Order and who will certainly continue to contribute to its growth,” stated Grand Master Zanoletti. “Davide Fino served as Master of the Governing Council for over a decade and was among the first to travel to our international Delegations. Sergio Nodone founded the Austrian Delegation in 2019, leading it until 2024 and bringing it to an exceptionally high level, ultimately enabling it to become one of the international venues connected to the World Auction of the White Truffle of Alba through the Italian Embassy in Vienna.”
The day concluded in a spirit of sharing and pride in the path undertaken, enriched by a thoughtful gesture for all attendees: Dinoabbo, a historic Ligurian olive oil producer active since 1900 and specializing in extra virgin olive oils from the Taggiasca cultivar, presented each guest with a bottle of its prized oil— the perfect seal on a day dedicated to quality, conviviality, and friendship.
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