ROOT44: Curating Authentic Culinary Excellence & Travel Experiences
Founded in 2005, ROOT44 began with a singular passion—to share the rare and exquisite wild truffles of Croatia with Canada’s top chefs and food lovers. Today, our story continues to evolve beyond the forest floor, into a world of thoughtfully curated culinary and travel experiences shaped by passion, story, and authenticity.
For over two decades in the fine food industry, ROOT44 has built trusted relationships with producers, artisans, and chefs across Europe’s most storied regions. This network allows us to source exceptional ingredients that reflect our unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and provenance. From world-class olive oils and small-batch vinegars to heritage wines and artisanal delicacies, each product is chosen for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to place.
Our Curated Gifting Program brings this philosophy to life—offering bespoke selections that go beyond the ordinary. Though we don’t sell online, our access to rare and remarkable ingredients enables us to craft thoughtful gifts that embody taste, story, and elegance. Whether for private clients, corporate gifting, or discerning food lovers, each ROOT44 gift reflects our reputation for refined quality and personal curation.
Through ROOT44 Travel, we invite you to journey deeper into the culinary and cultural heart of Croatia and beyond—from the truffle-rich forests and medieval towns of Istria in the north to the sun-soaked vineyards and coastal flavors of southern Croatia and onward to the castles and culinary treasures in Slovenia. Our immersive luxury tours connect travelers with local artisans, winemakers, and chefs through hands-on experiences, private tastings, and authentic encounters that celebrate the true essence of place- its hisotry and its culture.
At ROOT44, every experience—whether a rare truffle, a bottle of olive oil, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey—is shaped by the same philosophy: to offer unforgettable culinary discoveries defined by story, heritage, and excellence.
ROOT44 is where passion meets provenance—connecting you to the people, places, and products that make the world’s most authentic flavors come alive.
Wanda Srdoc
Founder, Truffle Lover, Culinary and Cultural Travel Expert
My journey began with a single, extraordinary ingredient — the famed white truffle, which thrives in the enchanted truffle forests along Route 44, the very road where my family roots run deep. I’ll never forget the joy and anticipation of opening those forest-fresh shipments — the intoxicating aroma filling the air as I watched chefs’ faces light up with excitement. Those moments, witnessing pure awe and inspiration sparked by something so rare and beautiful, reminded me that food memories are among life’s most powerful connectors — and the greatest ones stay with us forever.
ROOT44 was born from my family’s deep roots in the truffle world. Growing up surrounded by the magic of Croatia’s forests and the legacy of Pietro & Pietro, I learned early on that food is never just food — it’s history, heritage, and human connection. Truffles will always be close to my heart, representing not just my family’s craft, but a philosophy that continues to guide everything I do: authenticity, quality, and passion.
Over the past 20 years as a truffle purveyor and fine food expert, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside remarkable artisans, winemakers, and chefs across Europe. Their devotion to their craft inspired me to expand ROOT44 beyond truffles — to celebrate the broader world of exceptional, story-driven ingredients and the people behind them.
Through ROOT44’s Curated Gifting Program, I help clients access the most thoughtful and authentic gourmet products — from award-winning truffle delicacies to world-class olive oils, artisanal wines, and small-batch culinary treasures. We don’t sell online; instead, each gift is personally sourced and curated through relationships built over decades in the fine food industry. Every selection tells a story — one of craftsmanship, culture, and care.
And through ROOT44 Travel, my passion project, I invite you to experience these stories firsthand. Each season, our immersive journeys through Croatia and beyond connect travelers to the artisans, flavors, and landscapes that define the region — from truffle hunts, olive oil and wine tastings in Istria to the coastal kitchens and sun kissed coastline and islands in southern Croatia to the magificent mountains, castles and culianry delights of Slovenia. These aren’t just trips — they’re heartfelt explorations of food, culture, and place.
At its core, ROOT44 is a reflection of my heritage and lifelong mission: to share unforgettable culinary experiences that connect people through story, flavor, and memory. From the forests of Istria to tables around the world, my journey continues to be guided by the same purpose that started it all — creating meaningful moments through the art of food.
Where do we sit in the Culinary and Truffle World?
At the pinnacle of plant-based luxury! Truffles are one of the finest plant-based ingredients, coveted by the world’s most esteemed kitchens. At ROOT44, we champion the power of plant-based cuisine not just for health but for the planet’s well-being. With years of experience working alongside top chefs and passionate home cooks, we’ve learned that remarkable dishes begin with fresh, natural, and premium ingredients. ROOT44 curates an exclusive selection of the finest plant-based delicacies, starting with our wild truffles sourced directly from the best truffle regions.
We invite food enthusiasts, taste explorers, and culinary innovators to join our vibrant community and embark on an extraordinary gastronomic journey. Elevate your culinary skills, create unforgettable dining experiences, and savor the finest flavors. ROOT44 is your gateway to a sustainable lifestyle that nourishes both body and soul.
FAMILY ROOTS
Our roots trace back to the early 1930s when Wanda's great-grandfather, Pietro Zigante, and his friend Pietro Cerneka set up a humble truffle market stand in Istria, Croatia. Their mission was simple: to bring the finest, freshly discovered truffles to local dignitaries. Over the decades, our family's knowledge and passion for truffles grew, propelling us into the ranks of a respected international business. We honed our skills in training the most intelligent and athletic truffle dogs, sourcing wild truffles from the heart of Croatia, and crafting innovative and award-winning truffle preserves.
Today, the Pietro & Pietro brand and family business thrive under the ownership and operation of Danijela Puh, Wanda's first cousin, and her husband Marko Puh. Their relentless pursuit of quality and innovation has propelled our company to prominence on the world stage.
We proudly offer the Pietro & Pietro barnd and we invite you to experience the culmination of generations of truffle expertise. Explore our extraordinary range of products, meticulously crafted to showcase the incomparable flavors and aromas of wild truffles.
Photo shows President and Founder of Pietro&Pietro, Danijela Puh with expert truffle hunting dogs, Beba and Mojica.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
At ROOT44, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are redefining the food and travel industries by championing source transparency and product integrity. Every truffle, every experience, is rooted in clean, sustainably sourced ingredients, ensuring top-quality, authentic offerings. But our commitment doesn’t stop at the plate. We believe in travel that works in harmony with the environment and local communities, forging sustainable partnerships that minimize our ecological footprint while uplifting local economies and cultures. ROOT44 is on a mission to transform food and travel into a force for good.
EXPLORE - TRY - SHARE - REPEAT
SHOP
Browse our collection of the finest, nutrient-rich and authentic earth-friendly FRESH & PRESERVED food from sustainably foraged wild plants or prepared by ethical and sustainable farmers and producers.
NO-FUSS TRUFFLE RECIPES
Make incredibly tasty, easy and elevated plant-forward truffle creations from decadent snacks and desserts to elegant mains for EVERYBODY - your fussiest to your most high brow foodies!
