Experience the joy of rural life in Italy! Share our family home, immerse yourself in the beauty of the vineyards, and learn the traditions of winemaking passed down through generations. Join us!
Opportunity to travel Italy on a budget – requirements & tasks
You’ll be joining my parents and me in our spacious and modern home in the heart of the Gavi vineyards. We’re a warm and welcoming family, and we share our home with two friendly dogs and a cat.
Our family farm is a haven of sustainability, where solar panels gleam in the sun and the scent of wood smoke fills the air in winter. You’ll witness the magic of winemaking, from tending the vines to savoring the fruits of our labor, and discover the joys of a life connected to the land.
The majority of the work centers around caring for the vines, as we are committed to minimizing our footprint on the land by harnessing human energy and minimizing machinery use. Our winemaking philosophy is one of natural intervention, with fermentation happening in barrels during the colder months using traditional practices enhanced by select modern techniques.
We cultivate a self-reliant community in the countryside, giving helpers a chance to embrace the rhythms of Italian rural life and delve into our rich cultural heritage.
Typical tasks
Here’s what you’ll be doing:
Vineyard Work:
- Vine care: Pruning, training vines, leaf thinning, and harvesting grapes.
- Planting: Assisting with the planting of new vines.
- Soil cultivation: Preparing and maintaining the soil.
- General vineyard maintenance: Removing extraneous branches and other tasks as needed.
Winery Work:
- Wine production: Participating in all stages of the winemaking process.
- Bottling: Assisting with bottling and labeling of finished wines.
Other tasks:
- Firewood collection and preparation: Gathering and preparing wood for heating systems.
You’ll work for about 25 hours per week.
If you enjoy working outdoors and are interested in learning about viticulture and winemaking, we encourage you to apply!
Additional info
While we’re away on the weekends, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful cities! Easy train access connects you to Milan, Genoa, Turin, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Bologna, Parma, and Modena.
To make the most of your time here, be sure to pack the following:
- Work clothes: Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Sun protection: A hat
- Comfortable shoes: Essential for long days in the vineyard
- Gloves with rubber grips: For better grip and protection
- Plastic boots: To keep your feet dry in wet conditions
Important note:
This experience is best suited for energetic and motivated individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to our vineyard and winery. The work can be physically demanding, but rewarding for those who are passionate about working outdoors and learning about winemaking. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, this may not be the right fit.
Opportunity to travel Italy on a budget – what we offer
You’ll be welcomed into our home and share two comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom. We believe in creating a warm and familial atmosphere where everyone contributes to both the enjoyable and practical aspects of daily life.
You’ll have a chance to learn about the Italian language, regional cuisine, local history, and the art of winemaking. We aim to create a welcoming environment where our helpers feel truly integrated into our family, participating in both the work and the rewards throughout their visit.
My mother enjoys cooking delicious meals for everyone, and we typically have lunch and dinner together. As our meals are communal and feature traditional Italian cuisine, which often includes meat, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate vegetarians or vegans.
To help maintain our home, we ask that you assist with light housework such as cleaning, washing dishes, and tidying the kitchen.
Important notes:
- You’ll be sharing the rooms with other helpers, usually 3 or 4 in total. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people from around the world!
- If you have allergies, especially to grass and pollen, please bring any necessary medication.
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