Melissa sent us this story of her time working at an Agriturismo outside Montechiello through Wwoof, during the olive harvest,

Tuscan Olive Harvest.

I'm always fascinated by the Wwoofer stories. Melissa, thanks for sharing this with us.

I've often wondered how I would fare in the harvesting of the olive crop--this after observing the workers, both old and younger working in the olive groves. There's something about me being on an unsteady ladder on uneven ground.

I very much enjoyed the story and description of the experience--thanks for sharing Melissa.

Great story! We too love the olive harvest, but always stay on the ground - our climbing days are over. Melissa, you made the raccolta come alive, and I know this is a memory you'll cherish forver.

Oh nice, I'm envious!

When we stayed in Monticchiello in November 2008 we loved seeing the olive harvest going on all around us. Our wonderful landlord Luigi ended up with a patch on his eye after an encounter with a less than peaceful olive branch! (he was ok, it was a minor scratch)
Best of all during the second week was being offered the brand new extra virgin oil at several restaurants and by our wounded landlord.
This year we're planning on bringing back 2 tins, not just one.

Hey everyone,
Thanks for your feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed my article on olive picking. The work wasn't too hard a little tedious but the views of tuscany made it exciting everyday. Going up on the latter was not my favorite task so I normally stuck to the lower branches. Thanks and I encourage you to try WWOOFing esp at this farm its amazing experience that will change your life

Hi Melissa,

If you're still following this thread, I've sent you a message to the e-mail you posted on your profile. I'd like to ask you a few things about wwoofing in Italy - it's a bit off-topic.. thanks, Joe

Hi Joe,
I just checked this today out of curiosity. I dont think I ever received your email could you send me it again but to Melissa_Gittelman@emerson.edu I check that more often. Thanks I'd love to answer any questions you have. Melissa