The Plan... Part 3

I am back in Italy for the next 3 months and plan to see as much of the north of Italy as possible. My goal is to experience the cuisine, wine growing regions and culture from the Alps to the Dolomites. My only experience in the north is in Milan and Lake Como so I am really looking forward to discovering the other hidden gems of the north.

July 8 - July 27
The Monferrato Farm
Via Roatto, 27
Maretto, Asti


I am at a cascina (large Italian farm house) that has a few acres of land with a vineyard (freisa & barbera grapes), hazelnut trees, walnut trees, figs and other fruit trees and a variety of tasks to do around the house. The hosts are American and Italian. The American is a gal from Colorado and works in the food safety industry! We have had a great time together and enjoyed many evenings of creative cooking with the bounty of fruit and veggies available during the summer.

July 27- August 15
Au Pair Family, Albugnano, Asti Province


Venturing outside of agriculture and food and beverage for a short time, I will be an Au Pair for a teenage girl. My main duties will be to teach her English, and swimming instruction. I will also be part of the Italian family life and will do activities with the girl such as cooking, hiking, etc. If they go to the mountains or seaside, I will accompany them there as well.

August 15- August 21
"Vacation Week" for me!
Going to Siena for the Palio (!!!!),  exploring Lucca for a day and then will meet up with my sister in the Cinque Terre to enjoy some hiking, pesto and limoncino.

August 21- 31
Azienda Agricola L'Amaranto
Loc. San Giacomo, 2 - fraz. Rivalta
12064 La Morra, CN

This is a small farm located in the Langhe between Bra & Alba, just north of Barolo. Lauren and I will be WWOOFing together and we will be helping with the hazelnuts, vegetables and fruit. They sell their items in markets in Piedmont and Liguria. They also make bread and biscuits in their wood stove.

August 31- Sept 15
Chalet Ghiazza
Casella Postale 68
11013 Courmayeur, Aosta

This is a small chalet in the mountains at the foot of Mont Blanc. Located in the highest part of Italy, they have a fruit and vegetable garden and chickens. I will be staying either in the house or in a studio int he village. Looking forward to seeing the leaves change and taking long walks in the Alps!

Sept 16- Sept 26
Collina Cerreto
Loc. Cerreto, 5 
27052, Godiasco, Pavia
http://www.collincerreto.it/

Small family run farm located in the Oltrepo' Pavese hills. They have a vineyard, other crops and a few farm animals. I will be joining my friend and fellow WWOOFer, Reva, and together we will help with the grape harvest and other agritourism duties. We will also help in the restaurant and guest activities such as trekking with the horses and cheese making!

Sept 26- Oct 3
Anna Campetti
Loc. Laghel 3
38062, Arco, Trento

Reva and I will go to the base of the Dolomites in Trento to be with this couple who has an organic vegetable garden, olives and fruit trees. We will be working with preserves, preparing firewood and preparing the olives for harvest. Hoping to do a few excursions to Verona, Bolzano and other great spots in this area.

Oct 4- 5
Travel to Florence to fly to Chiappas, Mexico to visit my friend and her kiddos for about a month. Will be sad to leave Italy but plan to return next year to explore Sicily, Sardenia and Marche.