Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
91.7 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
46
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Our quinta is a 5.5 hectare farm within secluded nature, yet a gentle 20 min walk through the vineyards to the nearby village of Carvalhal Redondo. Nelas with its large supermarkets and cafes is just 4 km away. We are Nicole (Dutch) and John (English) and we moved here in July 2016 permanently.
We enjoy the massive night skies, the exquisite nature, along with the challenge of turning this once neglected Quinta into a working dream. We have just produced our first wine as we look to establish a winery for our own consumption.
We currently offer accommodation in a dedicated bungalow with own room and bath/ shower room and toilet
We are much travelled and love sharing experiences with new friends. We moved to Portugal to experience a better way of life amongst wonderful people and in beautiful nature.
Nicole is an exquisite cook and to sample that is a great way to end the day together ( of course with some superb wine!)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn about the local culture in a much underestimated part of Portugal, how to make wine, the chance to improve your language skills ( English, Dutch and Portuguese and some German), whilst helping us learn too! We used to look forward to our visits to the countryside, now we enjoy our occasional visits to the towns and cities. We hope to learn from each other!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Help with grape and olive harvests for our own consumption - some gardening, tree planting and maintenance, forest clearance, making fences etc etc is always appreciated, with varied tasks offered on a daily basis. Help with carpentry and tree surgery is always welcome!
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Portuguese: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Own room in our exclusive workaday bungalow, with own toilet/ shower/ bathroom. Wi-Fi available at our house. We provide three meals per day.
What else ...
We will ensure you have the opportunity to explore the area whilst with us. From villages that time forgot to the beautiful town of Viseu, along with visits to nearby thermal springs and trips to meet friends in the area.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 551751618149
Feedback (23)
3 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Charles)
What a pleasure it was hosting Charles. Always ready and able, tasks completed in record time! Chainsawing, Wood chopping with axe, building a greenhouse, keeping the accommodation spotless!
Welcome back anytime amigo!
Welcome back anytime amigo!
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Charles) for host
John and Nicole are amazing hosts.conversations are hilarious foods incredible and the works always a fun experience. topped off by outings to go hillwallking and sightseeing in definitely be back if you ever need help on the quinta
30 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ben & Heather) for host
Staying with John and Nicole absolutely lived up to what we expected after reading their profile and reviews! Nicole is a magnificent chef and cooked up absolute wonders for us everyday, this was only improved by the addition of John's homemade wine, port and jeropiga! Their location is absolutely idyllic, so peaceful and quiet and we loved the… read more
29 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben & Heather)
What a privilege it was to host Ben and Heather! A memorable time, with a couple that were engaging, polite, appreciative and very good helpers! They took to vine pruning, Wood chopping, chicken shed roof replacement etc, with aplomb.
Thank you for your flexibility in the wet weather, your excellent teamwork ethic, and your company in the… read more
Thank you for your flexibility in the wet weather, your excellent teamwork ethic, and your company in the… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Edward & Georgina)
George and Eddie were superb! In terms of working, it was a privilege to have them here. Polite, hard working, punctual and good fun to be around. Tasks were handled with aplomb, with great energy and enthusiasm.
We loved our social time together, their attitude is spot on and we feel we have met two fantastic people. Bungalow left spotless, help… read more
We loved our social time together, their attitude is spot on and we feel we have met two fantastic people. Bungalow left spotless, help… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Edward & Georgina) for host
We had a wonderful time with John and Nic (and Lyker and Leni) at their Quinta for a week helping on their land & in the vineyard. They were marvellous hosts, providing delicious food, meals and wine - we had great conversation and the work was rewarding. We got to stay in their bungalow which we loved so much and had all to ourselves. We helped… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
3 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Charles)
What a pleasure it was hosting Charles. Always ready and able, tasks completed in record time! Chainsawing, Wood chopping with axe, building a greenhouse, keeping the accommodation spotless!
Welcome back anytime amigo!
Welcome back anytime amigo!
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Charles) for host
John and Nicole are amazing hosts.conversations are hilarious foods incredible and the works always a fun experience. topped off by outings to go hillwallking and sightseeing in definitely be back if you ever need help on the quinta
30 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ben & Heather) for host
Staying with John and Nicole absolutely lived up to what we expected after reading their profile and reviews! Nicole is a magnificent chef and cooked up absolute wonders for us everyday, this was only improved by the addition of John's homemade wine, port and jeropiga! Their location is absolutely idyllic, so peaceful and quiet and we loved the… read more
29 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben & Heather)
What a privilege it was to host Ben and Heather! A memorable time, with a couple that were engaging, polite, appreciative and very good helpers! They took to vine pruning, Wood chopping, chicken shed roof replacement etc, with aplomb.
Thank you for your flexibility in the wet weather, your excellent teamwork ethic, and your company in the… read more
Thank you for your flexibility in the wet weather, your excellent teamwork ethic, and your company in the… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Edward & Georgina)
George and Eddie were superb! In terms of working, it was a privilege to have them here. Polite, hard working, punctual and good fun to be around. Tasks were handled with aplomb, with great energy and enthusiasm.
We loved our social time together, their attitude is spot on and we feel we have met two fantastic people. Bungalow left spotless, help… read more
We loved our social time together, their attitude is spot on and we feel we have met two fantastic people. Bungalow left spotless, help… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Edward & Georgina) for host
We had a wonderful time with John and Nic (and Lyker and Leni) at their Quinta for a week helping on their land & in the vineyard. They were marvellous hosts, providing delicious food, meals and wine - we had great conversation and the work was rewarding. We got to stay in their bungalow which we loved so much and had all to ourselves. We helped… read more
10 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ana Lucia)
Ana was a caring and reliable person to have around. She worked diligently when harvesting the grapes and was still around in the kitchen hours later helping to clear up whilst others relaxed.
Ana thank you for being kind , considerate and attentive whilst staying with us!
Ana thank you for being kind , considerate and attentive whilst staying with us!
(Excellent
)
22 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ana Lucia) for host
Nicole and John are a sweet and lovely couple !
(They saved my life after two weeks without one day off, working 10 hours a day in another vineyard I had found as a host. I lived a nightmare eating only bread and cheese for meals and in the evening having cold showers. Thanks God they helped me!)
I met them when the other host once in a while… read more
(They saved my life after two weeks without one day off, working 10 hours a day in another vineyard I had found as a host. I lived a nightmare eating only bread and cheese for meals and in the evening having cold showers. Thanks God they helped me!)
I met them when the other host once in a while… read more
7 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ricky & Nathalie)
Thank you Ricky and Natalie for contributing to our vine pruning and enhancing the Quinta with your presence. A real "team" that complimented each other beautifully, work was carried out methodically, accomodation was respected and cleaned to an incredible standard.
Lovely to meet you and share our way of life.
Good luck in whatever you do.
John… read more
Lovely to meet you and share our way of life.
Good luck in whatever you do.
John… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Ricky & Nathalie) for host
John and Nicole are excellent hosts...there care and thoughtfulness went beyond normal expectations which provided for a most memorable experience. The accommodation was great and the vegetarian meals were superb. There were times we felt like guests rather than workawayers.
All in all a highly recommended workaway experience.
All in all a highly recommended workaway experience.
16 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Tim)
It was an absolute pleasure having Tim on the farm. He came for two weeks and stayed for four, which we are very grateful for.
Tim often stated he was working outside his comfort zone and pushed himself in all tasks. Chopping wood, pulling weeds and a fantastic effort helping with our grape harvest, picking here and at other friends in the… read more
Tim often stated he was working outside his comfort zone and pushed himself in all tasks. Chopping wood, pulling weeds and a fantastic effort helping with our grape harvest, picking here and at other friends in the… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Tim) for host
I really enjoyed my stay with John and Nicole during the grape harvest. At times the work was hard but I had 3 square meals a day and Nicole’s cooking is to die for! The accomodation was great. I had the bungalow all to myself With private bathroom and kitchen. All very comfortable. I could wax lyrical for longer but just see the comments below.… read more
7 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephen)
When a person is passionate about what they do, they have the opportunity to be excellent. Stephen is not only passionate about his work and offering assistance and advice, he is also an advocate of workaway and the benefits it brings to both parties.
In short, he was excellent!
Our experiences with Stephen echoed the fantastic reviews we read… read more
In short, he was excellent!
Our experiences with Stephen echoed the fantastic reviews we read… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Stephen) for host
I had a fabulous time at the Quinta owned by John and Nicole. They are true workaway hosts. They welcomed me into their family, provided excellent separate living accommodation, great food and wine. They took us on a variety of interesting excursions into the Portuguese countryside and mountains, which to me was above and beyond the call of duty.… read more
1 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Nora & Emmett)
Nora and Emmett exceeded expectations for us, given this was their first workaway experience!
With youth on their side they showed a maturity to ensure that their work was of a very high standard, displaying a great work ethic, superb camaraderie, with personalities that were infectious.
They both contributed to a fine workaway experience for us,… read more
With youth on their side they showed a maturity to ensure that their work was of a very high standard, displaying a great work ethic, superb camaraderie, with personalities that were infectious.
They both contributed to a fine workaway experience for us,… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Nora & Emmett) for host
This was our first time doing workaway, and we could not have had a better experience. John was waiting for us at the train station the day we arrived, and Nicole welcomed us with open arms and an incredible barbecue dinner that night. We stayed for about two weeks, and loved every minute of it. Since the Quinta is relatively small, there was a… read more
2 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
David arrived as our youngest ever workawayer, which was for us a new experience. He definitely was a shining example of a relatively inexperienced workawayer.
We had a really nice time hosting David, who is a young man with a very focused outlook on life. We shared some jokes, listened to his music ( an acquired taste!) and taught him many things… read more
We had a really nice time hosting David, who is a young man with a very focused outlook on life. We shared some jokes, listened to his music ( an acquired taste!) and taught him many things… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
This was my first stay with workaway ever and it was great. John and Nicole are two lovely, welcoming people and their pets are lovely as well (even the big little one ^^). On this big land there's always something to do, so I learned many new things, pruning vines, planting trees, strimming or how to mix concrete. After a day of good, sometimes… read more
15 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael & Taylor)
Thank you so much to Tayler and Mike for being perfect workawayers in every sense! Possessing a fantastic work ethic, taking ownership and pride in tasks, polite and courteous, willing, punctual, enthusiastic, it was a pleasure to have you two around. Good luck, we miss you!
(Excellent
)
16 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
Workaway reviews probably aren’t the place to wax poetic, but it’s hard to resist after my two weeks with John, Nicole and their cast of merry characters. Set on a winery/farm/homestead in the Portugal countryside, this is a place full of laughter and stories, first night frenzies and after dinner dips, new friends and old, delicious wine and (of… read more
15 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma is a fantastic human being and worked superbly and efficiently during a busy time in the calendar, namely the grape harvest. Emma was an absolute pleasure to host, showed great initiative and it was a sad day when she moved on. We cannot recommend her highly enough in terms of work ethic, camaraderie and friendship. Thank you so much for… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellyn & Mick )
Ellyn and Mick were perfect workawayers in many ways. Respectful, diligent, positive, genuinely lovely people who complemented each other superbly thus making a great team, hard working and good fun to have around.
They helped us with the pressing matter of digging trenches, fixing fencing to posts ( Ellyn took the lead on this and was excellent),… read more
They helped us with the pressing matter of digging trenches, fixing fencing to posts ( Ellyn took the lead on this and was excellent),… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ellyn & Mick ) for host
John and Nic were a blast. The work was hard at times but always worth it! We built a fence, did lawn work, and watering. The cooking was amazing and always plenty of wine and coffee.
The animals (cats, dogs, and chickens) made it very lively. The land was absolutely beautiful. We had a few fun day trips and attended the local festival.
Thank… read more
The animals (cats, dogs, and chickens) made it very lively. The land was absolutely beautiful. We had a few fun day trips and attended the local festival.
Thank… read more
15 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jaqueline & Andre)
We were very grateful that Jackie and Dre agreed to look after our farm and animals for us so that we could take a well earned rest. It was not the original plan but one that we discussed together before their arrival. We returned to a cleaner than ever house, dog and cats that had been truly loved and cared for and watered crops! For this we are… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jaqueline & Andre) for host
We stayed at Nic and John’s for almost 3 weeks from end of June until beginning of July for our very first Workaway experience and it was amazing!
We would usually wake up early in the morning and help John taking care of the land - basically weeding, trimming, watering, gardening and sometimes painting. Nothing hard and very relaxing!
We also… read more
We would usually wake up early in the morning and help John taking care of the land - basically weeding, trimming, watering, gardening and sometimes painting. Nothing hard and very relaxing!
We also… read more
30 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lola & Ian)
It was a privilege hosting Ian and Lola. Early to rise and keen to help out, we benefited from Ian's experience in farming. A competent chain saw operator, plus he now gets his Auger Diploma after drilling 80 holes to enable us to sink some fence posts. Lola is ace on the weed whacker/ strimmer / wizzer depending upon where you are from. Lola's… read more
(Excellent
)
21 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lola & Ian) for host
We stayed 2 weeks with John, Nicole, their lovely dog Leica and their cats and chickens. To us this felt like a proper down-to-earth workaway experience with cups of tea between and glasses of wine after work and many stories and laughter. John and Nicole did workaway as volunteers before and know how to appreciate the help they get with their… read more
21 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Elise & Adam)
It was a joy hosting Elise and Adam in a hat was for us, slightly different circumstances, given Nicole was away. They immediately fitted in, showed excellent teamwork ethics and flawlessly bought into what and how we do things.
All the tasks we had planned were completed swiftly and competently, allowing us a fantastic day together in the Serra… read more
All the tasks we had planned were completed swiftly and competently, allowing us a fantastic day together in the Serra… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Elise & Adam) for host
We stayed with John (Nicole unfortunately was out of town at the time) for almost a week in December and had a blast! From Porto we took an easy 1 1/2 train ride to the nearest station, with guidance from John, who picked us up at the train station. We kept busy working on the vineyard, moving wood, weeding and even knocking down a couple trees.… read more
8 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ben & Jasha) for host
Working for John and Nicole was a very positive first workaway experience for us. We worked with John on a variety of projects, which included the following: hacking gorse in the forest, cutting down trees (Ben loved using the chainsaw and I had great fun driving the tractor), putting slate pillar posts in the ground to support the young olive… read more
7 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben & Jasha)
Ben and Jasha were a real joy to host. Although they had limited experience in the kind of tasks we completed, they relished the experience. Courteous, amenable and fun, the two weeks flew by. Very tidy around the house and always keen to assist. They collaborated with the grape harvest, the felling of trees, clearing the forest floor, installing… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Bo & Tom)
Bo and Tom broke the mould where it comes to the workaday experience. Bags of initiative, tons of energy and a professionalism that made them irresistible. Their work hard play hard ethic fitted perfectly to life on the Quinta. Life is simply fun around these characters and without a doubt we look forward to meeting them again somewhere! It was… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Bo & Tom) for host
Staying with John and Nicole was a lot of fun. The welcome was already spot on and it only got better. They took good care of us while we were on and off work. To start, the meals were fantastic and we had nice coffeebreaks during work. The work itself was varied and very satisfying. For example we painted and fixed the chicken house, cleared the… read more
9 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Stella Sigrid & Zacharias Dyna) for host
We had a fantastic week helping John and Nicole. The work was varied and included trimming vines, reinforcing their fence, bottling wine, and tree sculpting, during which our hosts (and their pets) kept us company. Between work were a generous amount of coffeebreaks (not yet patented) and delicious meals on the BBQ. The evenings with John and… read more
4 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Stella Sigrid & Zacharias Dyna)
Zacharias and Stella were an absolute privilege to host. They are both conscientious and excellent fun! Their social side is very charming and their spontaneity was a real bonus. Work tasks were always completed with enthusiasm. It takes a while to stop missing them when they leave!
(Excellent
)
30 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ilona) for host
Staying with John and Nicole was an incredible experience. I truly enjoyed the work we did with the vines, the horta, the forest and the strimming, but it was the dinners we had by the fire in the evenings that truly left me missing here. John and Nicole made me feel welcome from the start and I really loved hearing their stories and experiences.… read more
30 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ilona)
What a wonderful experience it was having Ilona around for two weeks. A lovely human being and a very good worker too! Queen of the Strimmer!
Missing you around the place and would seriously love to have you back!
Love from Nicole and John x
Missing you around the place and would seriously love to have you back!
Love from Nicole and John x
(Excellent
)
15 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Austin)
We had a wonderful time hosting Austin, who soon morphed into friend, then family! We rode out a big storm and powercuts together, chased off suitors for our dog Laica who was on heat together , who then escaped, so we dropped breakfast to search together. "Normal" days were a pleasure working alongside Austin who worked diligently and was a… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Austin) for host
I stayed with John and Nicole at their quinta for 10 days at the beginning of December. I had a fantastic time staying with them in their bungalow. Most of the work we were doing was clipping unwanted roots off of the vines near where they had been grafted. We were also in the process of burning a massive pile of debris which had been cleared from… read more
16 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Holly & Craig)
Thank you Holly and Graig for your hard work, you had to clear the land of olives branches to granite and old wood, clean a room in the cheesfactory and keep me company.....Graig makes the best fires and kept us warm in our bungalow, we did olive picking and pressing and ended up with 46.5 ltrs of beautiful olive oil. I really enjoyed your company… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Holly & Craig) for host
We loved our 10 days at John & Nicole's. Our stay coincided with the annual olive harvest so most of the work was related to that - picking and sorting olives, chopping wood etc. John and Nicole made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived and we would have happily stayed longer if we hadn't had other commitments. If we have the… read more
27 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Marek & Monika)
It was a pleasure hosting Marek and Monika. They possess enthusiasm and a great work ethic when completing tasks around the farm. Sometimes it was difficult to get Monika to stop!!!
They are very proactive and show great common sense especially in overcoming obstacles, making work fun!
Together we completed many little projects and they leave us… read more
They are very proactive and show great common sense especially in overcoming obstacles, making work fun!
Together we completed many little projects and they leave us… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Marek & Monika) for host
John and Nicole are very friendly, open-minded and kind people.
We spent two lovely weeks helping them on their farm. They have created a gorgeous place and keep on improving it. We appreciate that every day we could do something else, helping in the vegetable garden, making a fence, clearing a field or forest and finally we made a rustic-style… read more
We spent two lovely weeks helping them on their farm. They have created a gorgeous place and keep on improving it. We appreciate that every day we could do something else, helping in the vegetable garden, making a fence, clearing a field or forest and finally we made a rustic-style… read more
4 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah & Clay)
Thank you Hannah and Clay for a very enjoyable ten days hosting you. You are a very lovely couple and bought into the Quinta and our lifestyles magnificently. It was a total pleasure having you around, we enjoyed working with you and had a super vegetarian blast with you. We are very glad you enjoyed yourselves and you are welcome back anytime!
(Excellent
)
4 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Hannah & Clay) for host
We had the most incredible time and we LOVED spending time with John and Nicole. We stayed for ten days and during that time we weeded vineyards and gardens, cleared a grotto, built a fence and cleared trees. While John and Nicole's vineyard wasn't producing wine during our stay, they arranged for us to go to a nearby vineyard and participate in… read more
5 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (David & Tiare) for host
We had an absolutely amazing time with John and Nic. They are such warm and inviting people and were really keen to get us involved in anything that interested us. We stayed for almost 2 weeks and loved every moment working around the property. There was always jobs to be done but we had more than enough time to enjoy ourselves. I would love to… read more
