In Italy, Volunteering with WWOOF on a Tuscan Vineyard

culture-ist

12 years ago

Curated by Kristin Kownacky

In an attempt to truly experience Italy to its fullest, photographer Bethany Salvon and journalist Randy Kalp volunteered at a Tuscan vineyard through the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms organization (WWOOF). In exchange for room and board, the two worked on the vineyard, picking grapes. While the work was tedious, the experience was one of a lifetime.

From G Adventures: The Looptail

The ghostly fog breaks mid morning, revealing a September sun eager to dry the damp Tuscan grape vines. Suddenly, someone shrieks as blood trickles from their pruning nick. I glance at my hands; they are still soft and free of cuts. I laugh to myself knowing it is only a matter of time before I too shed blood and put more of myself into a bottle of wine than I care to admit.

For the next two weeks, we own the 200-year-old vines at Fattoria Cerreto Libri in Pontassieve, Italy. From dawn till dusk, Beth and I work in the Tuscan vineyard with six other volunteers picking grapes. And while the work is arduous and monotonous, it’s satisfying””in part because we are contributing to the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms organization (WWOOF)”…Continue Reading on The Looptail

ABOUT THE CURATOR

Kristin Kownacky is a junior at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, where she is currently working towards a BA in journalism and international studies. It is her dream to travel the world, discovering hidden treasures and writing about each experience. Read her articles on her personal blog, Depart We Now.

Photo: Volunteering with WWOOF by Beers & Beans