So, I suppose I'll start by telling you a bit about my expectations coming into my time at Cosimo Maria Masini Wines. The WWOOF listing biography didn't tell me all that much. Basically, all it said was that Cosimo Maria Masini Wnes was a traditional winery that followed biodynamic methods. (which is essentially true) However, after further research on their website (cosimomariamasini.it ), I think I let my expectations get the better of me.
I must have watched the charming little video of Cosimo (owner) and Cipriano (wine maker) at least a million times. They looked so close to one another; laughing as they stood amongst the vines -- chatting about their wines and the rich history of their villa. I was really impressed by how each of their wines was named after a member of their family. "Now THAT really shows you their commitment to family and tradition", I thought to myself. I imagined myself sitting with the whole family for dinner in the villa, sipping wine, and laughing about how the "Daphne" was just as sweet as the daughter after which it was named. Sounds pretty idyllic, eh?
Not quite.
The website claims "Cosimo Masini is a young chartered engineer, who combines a passion for wine-making that embraces tradition and respect for nature with innovation and sustainable production: thus was born the choice of biodynamic farming". As it turns out, "young chartered engineer" is code for owner of one of the largest industrial chemical plants in Italy (called Teseco - yes, its just as ironic as it sounds) Also turns out that wine making is more of a half-hearted hobby of the Masini family than a passion for sustainable production. Lets put it this way, Cosimo can afford (literally) to have an entire winery as hobby.
To give you a sense of what it's like, I haven't spoken with anyone from the villa thus far (much less gone inside the villa). And, I've only seen Cosimo twice. Once in passing, and once when he stopped by while we were bottling to snap a photo on his Blackberry.
Late one night, I got to talking with L (over a few bottles of wine) about just how different the winery was from my expectations. She remarked that it frustrated her how many WWOOFers came through, saw that the winery did not match their expectations, and simply "checked out". I think L really summed it up when she said, " Its not what you expected. OK, move on. Whats next? What CAN you learn here?"
This got me thinking about what it really means to be a WWOOF volunteer, a Willing Worker On an Organic Farm. Not a 'Well-I-guess-I'll-work-sometimes Worker' or an " I Wanted-something-different-than-this Worker', but a truly willing worker - no matter the situation or expectations.
There IS so much to love about living and working at Cosimo Maria Masini Wines. There's so many wonderful people who work here. There's L - a former WWOOFer from Ireland who now works for the winery, M - a student from Pisa who is doing work study for his degree in viticulture, C - the super friendly wine maker/ expert in biodynamics, who unfortunately is being let go (by Cosimo, but thats another story), A - the equally friendly, new wine maker, E - another one of the Italian workers, and F - the charming 84 year old gardener who was born at the villa and continues to work day in and day out, among others. I am also learning a vast amount about wine making, as well as gaining a deep appreciation for the amount of work that goes into the whole process.
So, no one's grandmother is cooking me an Italian dinner, and no one is inviting me for a wine tasting in the villa. So what? I am still willing to learn as much as I can at all times, and drink in every wine soaked moment.
ps. If you read this whole post, bravo to you! It felt really good to write.
I must have watched the charming little video of Cosimo (owner) and Cipriano (wine maker) at least a million times. They looked so close to one another; laughing as they stood amongst the vines -- chatting about their wines and the rich history of their villa. I was really impressed by how each of their wines was named after a member of their family. "Now THAT really shows you their commitment to family and tradition", I thought to myself. I imagined myself sitting with the whole family for dinner in the villa, sipping wine, and laughing about how the "Daphne" was just as sweet as the daughter after which it was named. Sounds pretty idyllic, eh?
Not quite.
The website claims "Cosimo Masini is a young chartered engineer, who combines a passion for wine-making that embraces tradition and respect for nature with innovation and sustainable production: thus was born the choice of biodynamic farming". As it turns out, "young chartered engineer" is code for owner of one of the largest industrial chemical plants in Italy (called Teseco - yes, its just as ironic as it sounds) Also turns out that wine making is more of a half-hearted hobby of the Masini family than a passion for sustainable production. Lets put it this way, Cosimo can afford (literally) to have an entire winery as hobby.
To give you a sense of what it's like, I haven't spoken with anyone from the villa thus far (much less gone inside the villa). And, I've only seen Cosimo twice. Once in passing, and once when he stopped by while we were bottling to snap a photo on his Blackberry.
Late one night, I got to talking with L (over a few bottles of wine) about just how different the winery was from my expectations. She remarked that it frustrated her how many WWOOFers came through, saw that the winery did not match their expectations, and simply "checked out". I think L really summed it up when she said, " Its not what you expected. OK, move on. Whats next? What CAN you learn here?"
This got me thinking about what it really means to be a WWOOF volunteer, a Willing Worker On an Organic Farm. Not a 'Well-I-guess-I'll-work-sometimes Worker' or an " I Wanted-something-different-than-this Worker', but a truly willing worker - no matter the situation or expectations.
There IS so much to love about living and working at Cosimo Maria Masini Wines. There's so many wonderful people who work here. There's L - a former WWOOFer from Ireland who now works for the winery, M - a student from Pisa who is doing work study for his degree in viticulture, C - the super friendly wine maker/ expert in biodynamics, who unfortunately is being let go (by Cosimo, but thats another story), A - the equally friendly, new wine maker, E - another one of the Italian workers, and F - the charming 84 year old gardener who was born at the villa and continues to work day in and day out, among others. I am also learning a vast amount about wine making, as well as gaining a deep appreciation for the amount of work that goes into the whole process.
So, no one's grandmother is cooking me an Italian dinner, and no one is inviting me for a wine tasting in the villa. So what? I am still willing to learn as much as I can at all times, and drink in every wine soaked moment.
ps. If you read this whole post, bravo to you! It felt really good to write.
First of all, I'm glad that your skype is now working, and even more satisfying that you fixed it yourself. It's great that you take every situation and decide to learn as much as possible from it; you are already learning a lot, and not just about wine-making!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You are very wise to get what you can out of each situation, and to let yourself get beyond your initial disappointment to see the true opportunity. As long as you aren't feeling exploited, there is probably lots to learn on all kinds of farms. Keep blogging!
ReplyDeleteGood post! L is probably right about that and you're smart to take her advice. I'm curious to hear about the contrast when you move to the next farm.
ReplyDeleteSkype soon!
I really enjoyed reading your thoughtful post. It sounds like you are learning about much more than wine-making. Your openness to adjust expectations and move on will serve you well on this adventure and beyond.
ReplyDelete