The Decision to Leave
When I announced that I was leaving my magazine writing job after four years, nobody was surprised. “Sad for us, but happy for you,” my coworkers said. “Where to next?” When I explained that I didn’t have another position lined up — that I was packing my Brooklyn apartment into a storage unit and heading to work on a vineyard in Italy — that raised some eyebrows.
Leaving a cushy full-time job during uncertain economic times seemed daunting. I was making enough to pay for a Clinton Hill apartment that I shared with a friend, but like seemingly every other person in New York (and across the country), our rent shot up to “pre-COVID” rates after our 18-month lease ended in April. Rather than cough up an extra $400 per month, I opted for a storage unit in Connecticut and a one-way ticket to Italy.
Learning Italian and Wine
Language has always sustained my curiosity, yet my writing felt stagnant. Outside of work, I focused on learning Italian. My love for the language blossomed when I visited Tuscany and Cinque Terre. Once the world shuttered, I began taking virtual lessons three times a week.
In addition to Italian, I became passionate about wine. I wanted to articulate the flavors I enjoyed and understand the distinction between organic, natural, and biodynamic wines. Therefore, I enrolled in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification course, where I delved into grape varietals and flavor profiles. This knowledge solidified my desire to write about wine and get my hands dirty in the process.
Working in a Vineyard
After researching opportunities, I found Workaway, which led me to Terramante, a vineyard in Umbria. In exchange for five hours of work each day, I would live rent-free in an independent apartment on their property. My enthusiasm was palpable. I reached out, sharing my interest and experience, and they happily agreed to host me.
Upon my arrival in early May, Claudia, one of the vineyard owners, greeted me warmly. I felt like I had stepped into a fairy tale as I explored the beauty of the vineyard. My first week involved hoeing weeds between budding vines alongside two other American women.
Personal Growth
Working with my hands was rewarding; I appreciated seeing the immediate impact of my labor. Daily tasks included hoeing and pruning vines, preparing me for the summer harvest. Lunch was a delightful experience, featuring homemade pasta and local wine, enhancing my connection to Italian culture.
As the days passed, I found joy in writing under the blooming pergola and sharing meals with Claudia and Ev. Our conversations ranged from wine to second chances at love, reflecting a sense of community and shared passion.
As June approached, I reluctantly departed for a trip to Rome with my best friend, grateful for the experiences and lessons learned. While I lost a steady paycheck, I gained invaluable freelance opportunities, improved my Italian skills, and discovered a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking – all beginning from the soil.
