Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
41
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Our farm is located in the middle of Padana Plain, in the Northern Italy. It's very close to the rivers Po and Oglio and to the cities of Mantova and Sabbioneta. It is also about 45 minutes away from Verona and Garda lake.
Our family has been conducting the farm for more than one hundred years.
In the last 25 years we have been focusing on educational activities for children during Spring and Autumn.
It's a small family now but there are still a lot of nice things to do, such as maintaining the farm and the vineyard, feeding the animals, and helping the family with the vegetable garden.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Elderly Companionship
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Unfortunately we speak a little English but we speak Italian official, a bit of French and some rusty German.
We require you to speak at least some basic Italian in order to be able to communicate with all the family members.
Help
At our farm you can help with our vegetable garden, feeding our animals , chickens and rabbits and with the general maintenance of the farm.
We can host up to one people and we provide free food and accommodation. We can't guarantee cooking every meal for you but we are happy to give you food to prepare in your own kitchen.s
At the moment we are looking for one who is able to stay at least one month and help with chores in the house.
We require that you speak or are willing to learn Italian.
It would be ideal if you have your own vehicle so that you are free to explore the area during time off, but it's not a requirement.
Languages
Languages spoken
Italian: Fluent
French: Intermediate
German: Beginner
English: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
Desideriamo imparare inglese
Accommodation
You'll have your own room with bathroom in an independent flat with hot showers, kitchen, living room. WiFi is available.
What else ...
Within 15km there are the UNESCO world Heritage cities of Mantova and Sabbioneta, while other places such as Verona, Lago di Garda, Cremona and Parma or Ferrara are not far. The landscape is very flat and there are lots of low-traffic roads so it's ideal for visiting the area by bike. Some of our guests even did day trips to the Garda lake by bike!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have plenty of space, with electricity outlets and water faucets easily accessible.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
4/5 hours/day, 5 days/week maximum
Host ref number: 581889962211
Feedback (27)
07/10/2022
I spent a wonderful time at this family and farm and I got to see and learn many things about this reality immersed in the countryside. Becoming part of this family has been a personal pleasure and I hope I have contributed with my "little" help. A warm greeting to Maura and a hug to Virginia and Vanni.
05/09/2022
Texto em português:
O período em que estive na fazenda de Vanni e Virginia foi bellíssimo!
Aprendi a trabalhar no jardim, na horta, a fazer várias receitas doces e salgadas, e também ajudei na recepção e café da manhã do casa de hóspedes, melhorando meu italiano... fiz muitos amigos!
A familha estará sempre no meu coração, principalmente… read more
O período em que estive na fazenda de Vanni e Virginia foi bellíssimo!
Aprendi a trabalhar no jardim, na horta, a fazer várias receitas doces e salgadas, e também ajudei na recepção e café da manhã do casa de hóspedes, melhorando meu italiano... fiz muitos amigos!
A familha estará sempre no meu coração, principalmente… read more
25/05/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Edison Miguel)
Miguel è un ragazzo preciso, volenteroso e affidale. Disponibile a collaborare a nuove esperienze. Si è integrato bene nelle nostra famiglia . Sempre pronti ad accoglierlo per nuove esperienze.Virginia, Vanni , Maurizia e…Billy
(Excellent
)
26/04/2022
[ENGLISH]
I really thank Vanni and Virginia for welcoming me in their home. I learned a lot from them. They're generous people and they made sure I was very comfortable there.
Tasks:
I mostly helped Vanni with their didactic activities with the kids. The kids come to their farm to learn about farm life, making bread, about animals, about the… read more
I really thank Vanni and Virginia for welcoming me in their home. I learned a lot from them. They're generous people and they made sure I was very comfortable there.
Tasks:
I mostly helped Vanni with their didactic activities with the kids. The kids come to their farm to learn about farm life, making bread, about animals, about the… 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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
07/10/2022
Left by Workawayer (Roberta) for host
I spent a wonderful time at this family and farm and I got to see and learn many things about this reality immersed in the countryside. Becoming part of this family has been a personal pleasure and I hope I have contributed with my "little" help. A warm greeting to Maura and a hug to Virginia and Vanni.
05/09/2022
Left by Workawayer (Claudia) for host
Texto em português:
O período em que estive na fazenda de Vanni e Virginia foi bellíssimo!
Aprendi a trabalhar no jardim, na horta, a fazer várias receitas doces e salgadas, e também ajudei na recepção e café da manhã do casa de hóspedes, melhorando meu italiano... fiz muitos amigos!
A familha estará sempre no meu coração, principalmente… read more
O período em que estive na fazenda de Vanni e Virginia foi bellíssimo!
Aprendi a trabalhar no jardim, na horta, a fazer várias receitas doces e salgadas, e também ajudei na recepção e café da manhã do casa de hóspedes, melhorando meu italiano... fiz muitos amigos!
A familha estará sempre no meu coração, principalmente… read more
25/05/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Edison Miguel)
Miguel è un ragazzo preciso, volenteroso e affidale. Disponibile a collaborare a nuove esperienze. Si è integrato bene nelle nostra famiglia . Sempre pronti ad accoglierlo per nuove esperienze.Virginia, Vanni , Maurizia e…Billy
(Excellent
)
26/04/2022
Left by Workawayer (Edison Miguel) for host
[ENGLISH]
I really thank Vanni and Virginia for welcoming me in their home. I learned a lot from them. They're generous people and they made sure I was very comfortable there.
Tasks:
I mostly helped Vanni with their didactic activities with the kids. The kids come to their farm to learn about farm life, making bread, about animals, about the… read more
I really thank Vanni and Virginia for welcoming me in their home. I learned a lot from them. They're generous people and they made sure I was very comfortable there.
Tasks:
I mostly helped Vanni with their didactic activities with the kids. The kids come to their farm to learn about farm life, making bread, about animals, about the… read more
19/04/2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel & Tamara)
Daniel è un giovane molto interessato ad apprendere le tecniche agricole e della manutenzione di una fattoria; sempre disponibile per ogni tipo di attività ; ha dimostrato una grande capacità di adattamento e di rapporti amichevoli con la famiglia ; quando è partito ci è dispiaciuto , ma era per raggiungere la moglie Tamara; speriamo che tornino a… read more
(Excellent
)
16/04/2021
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Tamara) for host
Vanni, Virginia and Maurizia I can only say Thank you so much.
I'll like to mention that this was my first workaway experience, so I went with an open mind willing to learn but with a not so clear idea of what to expect, saying this, I do believe that I got lucky in been allow to share and learn from such a lovely and caring family.
From the… read more
I'll like to mention that this was my first workaway experience, so I went with an open mind willing to learn but with a not so clear idea of what to expect, saying this, I do believe that I got lucky in been allow to share and learn from such a lovely and caring family.
From the… read more
05/12/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Judith)
Judith è stata accolta in questa fattoria durante il lockdown di novembre 2020 . Ha un bel carattere e ha tante qualità : molto intelligente, educata, paziente , precisa, determinata. I Genitori hanno fatto un ottimo lavoro. Noi Pensiamo di averla accolta come una figlia e crediamo che lei abbia fatto una positiva esperienza, compatibilmente con… read more
(Excellent
)
02/07/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Christina)
Christina è una ragazza veramente brava. Molto determinata nella costruzione del suo percorso di vita. Studia molto, ascolta molto, osserva molto, lavora molto. Sarà perfetta per un ragazzo altrettanto maturo. Scusate se siamo andati un poco sul personale ma è una ragazza splendida splendente. Siamo contenti di averla conosciuta e Le Auguriamo… read more
(Excellent
)
01/07/2020
Left by Workawayer (Christina) for host
I spent nearly a month at the wonderful place. From the very beginning, Vanni and Virginia were excellent hosts - organized, clear, and reliable. Life at the farm is the perfect balance of structured and free-flowing. They created a schedule that was fair and helped me organize my own time, but there was also plenty of flexibility and variety so… read more
23/04/2019
Left by Workawayer (Helen) for host
Sì, il tempo in fattoria con Vanni è stato meraviglioso per me come un vecchietto. Le cinque settimane con Vanni e i bambini. Che si tratti di bambini in età scolare o all'asilo, è stato bellissimo. Cuocere il pane è molto facile e gli occhi dei bambini come faccio io. La gioia quando le capre venivano a correre e ai bambini era permesso di dar… read more
23/04/2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Helen)
Helen è rimasta con noi un mese; ha collaborato in tutte le attività della fattoria didattica con grande partecipazione; entrava facilmente in rapporto con le maestre e i bambini delle scuole.
Ci ha lasciato un ottimo ricordo e speriamo di rivederla ancora quando tornerà in Italia.
Grazie.
Ci ha lasciato un ottimo ricordo e speriamo di rivederla ancora quando tornerà in Italia.
Grazie.
(Excellent
)
26/05/2018
Left by Workawayer (Carolina) for host
Una bellissima esperienza da imparare in fattoria con i bambini. Il posto è bellissimo, molta pace. La famiglia ti fa sentire a casa e Vanni ti spiega e ti insegna con molta pazienza.
Ho imparato molto italiano!
Ho imparato molto italiano!
24/04/2018
Left by Workawayer (Robson & Natacha) for host
La fattoria era nostra casa per un mese. Vanni, Virginia, nonna Rosa, Maurizia e Billie (cagnolino) sono una famiglia incredibile. Ci sentiamo parte di questa bella famiglia.
Io e Natacha abbiamo piaciuto tantissimo di aiuture con la fattoria.
Di solito dal Lunedì al Venerdì arrivano i bambini con il pullman, dove se imparano tante cose su… read more
Io e Natacha abbiamo piaciuto tantissimo di aiuture con la fattoria.
Di solito dal Lunedì al Venerdì arrivano i bambini con il pullman, dove se imparano tante cose su… read more
11/08/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Klara)
Klara è stata una bravissima ospite della ns fattoria; ha partecipato ad ogni momento delle attività. E' riuscita ad addomesticare due piccole caprette molto timide ! E' una ragazza buona, tranquilla e molto intelligente. Le auguriamo tanti buoni viaggi e un bel futuro per la sua vita !
(Excellent
)
29/06/2017
Left by Workawayer (Klara) for host
Vanni and his wonderful family made me feel so welcome! He made sure I was always involved in the days activities and I got to experience working with children, handling small animals, riding on farm vehicles, and bread-making! Vanni was essential in helping me improve my very basic Italian and was always there to make sure I was happy and… read more
11/08/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Camilla)
Camilla è stata una ospite molto motivata e interessata alla nostra attività con i bambini delle scuole. Ha preso parte a tutte le attività della fattoria : gli animali, il bosco , il vigneto, i bambini e le maestre, ecc.......... . Ha collaborato volentieri insieme a Klara, un'altra workawayer inglese presente in quel periodo.
E' una ragazza… read more
E' una ragazza… read more
(Excellent
)
10/08/2017
Left by Workawayer (Camilla) for host
I was very lucky at my first Workaway. Vanni, Virginia, Maurizia and Grandma Rosa are people with great heart. I've been to this beautiful farm for 40 days (May and June). From Monday to Friday had children in primary and maternal schools. The work was not hard, it was very empty for me. I drived the tractor (thanks for Vanni's confidence). I… read more
29/06/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (ALEXANDER)
Alex è una bella persona: intelligente, preciso, disponibile, serio ma con grande senso dell'umorismo.
Ha partecipato con interesse e passione ad ogni attività. Entra in rapporto facilmente con tutte le persone.
(Ci ha lasciato le sue scarpe, forse per tornare a riprenderle !?! )
Con lui abbiamo avuto un'ottima esperienza. Se vorrà tornare lo… read more
Ha partecipato con interesse e passione ad ogni attività. Entra in rapporto facilmente con tutte le persone.
(Ci ha lasciato le sue scarpe, forse per tornare a riprenderle !?! )
Con lui abbiamo avuto un'ottima esperienza. Se vorrà tornare lo… read more
(Excellent
)
26/06/2017
Left by Workawayer (ALEXANDER) for host
I had a wonderful typically Italian, educational and rewarding few weeks with Vanni and his lovely family. It was exactly the type of thing I was hoping to find through workaway.
Vanni is an intelligent man with a passion for history and his region. He is a very calm chap with a great sense of humour and a generous nature.
The work was a nice mix… read more
Vanni is an intelligent man with a passion for history and his region. He is a very calm chap with a great sense of humour and a generous nature.
The work was a nice mix… read more
25/04/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Eléa)
Heléa e Axel, una coppia unita e affiatata, disponibile e molto interessata a tutto ciò che succede nella fattoria.
Auguriamo un grande futuro, in bocca al lupo.
Buona vita.
Vanni e Famiglia
Auguriamo un grande futuro, in bocca al lupo.
Buona vita.
Vanni e Famiglia
(Excellent
)
03/04/2017
Left by Workawayer (Eléa) for host
Tre settimane eccezionali con una famiglia straordinaria in un posto bellissimo !
Grazie per tutto !!
Grazie per tutto !!
31/10/2016
Left by Workawayer (Malgorzata) for host
Similar to some people here - it was my first experience with Workaway and it couldn't be better! I've spent two great weaks with Vanni and Famiglia (La Nonna Rosa, Maurizia, Virginia and Billy the dog that I really fell in love with:).
This is a great place, surrounded by nature, full of history (the trattoria was built in XVII century) but also… read more
This is a great place, surrounded by nature, full of history (the trattoria was built in XVII century) but also… read more
05/07/2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Marja)
Maria è una persona solare e' stato un vero piacere averla nostra ospite. Ha partecipato con entusiasmo a tutte le attività'. UN GRAZIE DI CUORE
(Excellent
)
02/07/2016
Left by Workawayer (Marja) for host
L’ospitalità della famiglia è stata benissima! è una fattoria autentica e molto bella. Vanni mi ha insegnato tante cose. La fattoria e la storia d’Italia sono le sue passioni. Vanni e il suo moglie abitano in una città vicina. Tutte le mattine i bambini sono venuti alla fattoria.
Ho anche aiuto la Nonna Rosa nella cucina. Lei è molto carina! Ho… read more
Ho anche aiuto la Nonna Rosa nella cucina. Lei è molto carina! Ho… read more
01/06/2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Gabriela è stata una ottima workawayer . Ha partecipato a tutte le attività della fattoria con interesse e disponibilità. Ha avuto un approccio positivo con i bambini e con le insegnanti. E' una persona molto sensibile che si è inserita bene nella famiglia, in particolare con zia Maurizia e nonna Rosa. Le siamo riconoscenti e la ringraziamo… read more
(Excellent
)
28/05/2016
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Era la mia prima esperienza con workaway e mi piacuto molto a stare per tre settimane da Vanni e famiglia.
Ho dato un mano a Vanni con i bambini che vengono sul pulman ogni giorno. Poi ho potuto aiutare una volta a fare legno, ed al vigneto, ed anche in orto. Il lavoro non era mai faticoso.
Mi piacuto anche molto a vedere il entusiasmo dei… read more
Ho dato un mano a Vanni con i bambini che vengono sul pulman ogni giorno. Poi ho potuto aiutare una volta a fare legno, ed al vigneto, ed anche in orto. Il lavoro non era mai faticoso.
Mi piacuto anche molto a vedere il entusiasmo dei… read more
15/07/2015
Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host
Grazie mille Vanni, Maurizia, e Nonna Rosa! Sono stato nella fattoria per un mese, e stato una vero esperienza Italiana. Ho aiutato Vanni con la studenti che vengono ogni giorno durante la estate. Guidavo la trattore, avevo dato una mano quando la bambini preparato la pasta per fare pane, ho cucinato il pane nella forno di legno, e giocato e… read more
05/06/2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)
Matthew è un ottimo ragazzo; disponibile, molto sveglio e intelligente, impara subito le cose da fare; è simpatico e ha un feeling particolare con le nonne (nonna Rosa); ha anche grande capacità a entrare in rapporto con le maestre ed anche con i bambini;
(Excellent
)
06/07/2015
Left by Workawayer (Ryuhei) for host
Ciao a tutti!!! Per cominciare anzitutto la ringrazio della Sua gentilezza!!! Grazie a voi, ho potuto fare tante esperienze prezioso. Per esempio, ho toccato con i animali, ho fatto grissini con la farina e ho potuto vedere la città bella come Mantova. Poi Avete accolto me sempre come la tua famiglia. posso ritornare a portare benissimo… read more
05/06/2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Erik)
Erik è molto attento a capire la situazione in cui si trova; è stato molto interessato alle scuole che sono arrivate alla fattoria; credo che abbia apprezzato la semplicità della vita contadina; ottimo elemento, molto preciso e ordinato; bravo pilota di trattore.
(Excellent
)
03/06/2015
Left by Workawayer (Erik) for host
Ciao a tutti. I stayed almost 2 weeks and I had a superb experience! Every day there were schools and classes visiting the farm. So the main job was to support Vanni during the day teaching the classes the Fattoria life.. Kids were shown where grain is coming from and were getting the idea and feeling how to make bread.
I was lucky enough to… read more
I was lucky enough to… read more
01/04/2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Eleanor)
(Neutral
)
04/09/2014
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
I spent 2 weeks in Cesole in August and I was made to feel very welcome by the family. Unfortunately because it was summer there were no school trips, but the work was not too difficult. Vanni has a real passion for his work and loves to explain all aspects of life on the farm. Lunch was always delicious and there was never a problem with food… read more
06/08/2014
Left by Workawayer (Alev) for host
I was so lucky to spend 3 amazing weeks with this family at their farm house in July 2014. It was my first workaway experience, and it couldn’t have been better! The family is extremely kind and very friendly, very helpful all the time. You have your own room and kitchen, which are clean and comfortable. The kitchen is always full of delicious… read more
06/07/2014
Left by Workawayer (Johannes & Anna) for host
We had a nice time being at Corte Calvagnina. Especially the work with the children we enjoyed a lot. Every group is different and so is every day. During days where there were no kids, we usually helped out Vanni with getting tasks for the farm done (e.g. cutting wood or feeding the cows). In general Vanni is really flexible concerning the… read more
29/06/2014
Left by Workawayer (Terhi) for host
I had a great time with all the people working and visiting the farm! During my stay there was every day a school class visiting the farm and learning new things - making bread and seeing animals and gremlins. And being with the kids offered great circumstances for learning italian!
29/03/2014
Left by Workawayer (Cameron) for host
I cannot recommend this workaway highly enough to anybody who is looking to work hard but reap the benefits that the family are always willing to share with you. Lunchtime conversation is always lively with Nonna Rosa, and whilst we did work a lot Vanni's approach is never hurried and he explains all aspects of farm life as he goes. The work is… read more
18/11/2013
Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host
We had a wonderful two weeks at the farm! Even though we didn't speak italian, when we got there, Vanni patiently explained a lot of things to us about the life on the farm. It was very interesting to make things such as cheese, bread and wood (for the stove) ourselves. We recommend this place to anyone who loves nature and wants to learn more… read more
01/11/2013
Left by Workawayer (Paula) for host
I've learned and experienced so many new things that I just don't know where to start...
I stayed at the farm this october where mainly arrive schoolclasses to learn something about wine, corn or milk.
Like the children also I experienced how to make ricotta, helped to produce juce out of grapes and tasted the first time in my life "Polenta",… read more
I stayed at the farm this october where mainly arrive schoolclasses to learn something about wine, corn or milk.
Like the children also I experienced how to make ricotta, helped to produce juce out of grapes and tasted the first time in my life "Polenta",… read more
13/10/2013
Left by Workawayer (Felicia) for host
In this italian family you feel as part of the family from the first moment. Vanni invest a lot of time to show us how beautiful the nature is and how you can live in it - and with it. We had wonderful (mostly own harvested!) food, freetime and nice trips to some festivals.
The most impressing were the words of Vanni: " i do not want you to work… read more
The most impressing were the words of Vanni: " i do not want you to work… read more
22/09/2013
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
Vanni and his Family is really welcoming.
I learned many interesting things (e.g. making your own paper).
The nature arround the farm is beautiful.
I had a really great time with Vanni and his Family.
I learned many interesting things (e.g. making your own paper).
The nature arround the farm is beautiful.
I had a really great time with Vanni and his Family.
