First, the silence. Then the wind through the beech trees and the rays of sunlight filtering through the branches, lighting up the grass and the chestnuts that fell during the night. We are on the hills of Valdobbiadene, among Prosecco vineyards and ancient woods, where Cargador de Ron is today a sustainable agriturismo surrounded by nature, born from the restoration of an ancient family casera.
For generations, this place was the heart of everyday life for Gianni‘s family: hay, chestnuts, and land to cultivate. Then, during a summer evening, the dream was born to transform the old casera into a sustainable agriturismo in Valdobbiadene, where guests can slow down, breathe pure air, and discover the authentic beauty of the Prosecco hills.
In this interview, Gianni and Alessandra tell us how that dream became reality.
How was Agriturismo Cargador born?
The story of the “casera delle Roncade su al Cargador de Ron” is lost in the mists of time. Originally created as an occasional shelter for shepherds and their animals, it became, at the beginning of the last century, a building for the summer production of cheese made with the milk of cows brought here for summer grazing by my great-grandparents Leandro (born in 1882) and Giovanna, and by their children, all united by their love for our land and the hard work of the fields. Over the years and through the many events in our family’s history, the casera remained sleepy and silent, waiting.
In the 1970s my parents, Marino and Maria Vittoria, Leandro’s granddaughter, returned from Switzerland. Since they had a small stable in S. Pietro di Barbozza where they lived, they used to come up here to make hay for their cows.
I grew up here, got married, and had twins, Lodovica and Giacomo, who—like me—immediately fell in love with this magical place.
Together with my grandfather Marino, we still collect chestnuts today. Here we had our first picnics on the grass with grandmother Maria Vittoria’s delicious dishes; here the children learned to walk, to make their first “burela” and then the “meda”, and here they listened to the stories of their origins, which strengthened their sense of belonging to this wonderful land.
During a summer evening in 2022, at the end of a long day mowing the meadow, I imagined an unexpected future for the family “casera”: opening its doors again to friends and guests so they could enjoy the beauty of this nature, this landscape, and this place.
So together with Lodovica, Giacomo, and Alessandra, we added small pieces to this magical mosaic immersed in nature.
What eco-sustainable practices have you adopted in managing the property?
For us, “sustainability” is not just a word, but our way of life for a very long time. I have always studied and worked to design and promote the importance of energy saving and new technologies that support us, but with a broader vision firmly rooted in environmental sustainability.
This is our way of living, with great respect. The environment surrounding us was the guiding thread during the renovation of these spaces. The main goal was to minimize the impact on the environment, with maximum attention to energy efficiency, responsible use of resources, and the comfort of our guests.
That is why much of the electric energy used is produced by a photovoltaic system installed on the roof, and heating for the rooms and water is provided by a heat pump and a high-efficiency fireplace powered by wood that we cut ourselves on the property.
Lighting is provided by low-consumption LED sources, while the electrical system and climate control are managed by a home automation system that ensures comfort, energy efficiency, and safety in our rooms. The same energy also powers a 22 kW charging station for electric cars and bikes, available to our guests.
For the renovation we used only natural, non-toxic materials to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment, together with solutions designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. Integrating waste separation systems during the reconstruction and planning their recycling required significant effort, but brought great satisfaction.
We have reduced the use of plastic to a minimum, for example in the bathroom sets provided, which are completely eco-friendly. All products are compostable and derived from the agritourism activity, and they are used to fertilize fruit trees, the vegetable garden, and all the other crops from which we obtain natural produce. Even rainwater is reused: it is collected in an underground tank and then used for the vegetable garden.
What do guests appreciate the most?
Our guests are particularly impressed by the natural environment surrounding them. Although it is less than 2 km from the center of Valdobbiadene, the agriturismo is completely immersed in an ancient forest of beech and chestnut trees, which offer enchanting colors and sounds in every season.
Arriving is already part of the experience. The road, partly unpaved, reminds us that the most authentic places must be reached slowly. Once there, guests discover not only a place to spend a holiday, but an opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of nature.
Attention to detail and care for every element are also highly appreciated. Each room is named after natural elements that characterize Valdobbiadene and connect them to local traditions: “La vì” (the vine), “Al prà ” (the meadow), “Al Bosc” (the forest), and “Le Piere” (the stones). The furnishings also evoke these places.
The sauna in the “Le Piere” room is a romantic treat for couples, while the outdoor sauna offers an unforgettable moment of relaxation.
The breakfast, served in every room, is very appreciated because we always try to offer genuine products, organic and/or from local producers, as we strongly believe in the value of a community growing together.
During the warmer season it is not uncommon to see our guests coming out with their coffee cup to sit at the outdoor tables. In the evening they sit under the porch with a good glass of our Prosecco to admire the starry sky or breathe in the scent of freshly cut grass.
Which itineraries and experiences should not be missed?
In addition to an exciting forest bathing experience on our property—where you can find hornbeams, chestnut trees and centuries-old beeches, and gather chestnuts and mushrooms.
Valdobbiadene offers many alternatives. Some of them include:
- The Monte Cesen alpine huts tour (1570 m above sea level), a beautiful trekking route that takes visitors through meadows and pastures which, in spring and summer, are covered with spectacular mountain flowers. During these seasons it is very likely to encounter cows grazing along the trail, belonging to nearby alpine huts where visitors can stop to taste local products such as cheeses, salami and soppressa, together with a good glass of Prosecco.
- The Via delle Colline is a cycling itinerary through the municipalities of Valdobbiadene, Vidor and Farra di Soligo, crossing a series of places of historical, architectural, religious, environmental and food-and-wine importance.
- The Prosecco Superiore Ring is a nature itinerary that crosses the hills of San Pietro di Barbozza, Saccol and Santo Stefano. This area can be considered a true cultural landscape, the result of a centuries-long relationship between humans and the surrounding environment and an integral part of the local community’s identity. The route winds through orderly vineyards, ancient farmhouses, wineries and small villages—testimonies to a long tradition linked to viticulture and local gastronomy. Along the way you will encounter small shrines and rural churches that tell the story, faith and customs of the area. Nature remains the dominant element of the landscape, offering stunning views stretching from the Treviso Prealps to the plains to the south.
- The Montagnola walk is a route of almost 7 km combining natural elements and historical testimonies, leading to the monument dedicated to the First World War located in the Montagnola area. It is a hill 185 meters above sea level, located on the left bank of the Piave River and facing Mount Grappa, an important defensive point for the Italian army. Due to its strategic position, during World War I the Montagnola was transformed by Austro-Hungarian and German troops into a solid fortified position. Today the area has been restored and made accessible to visitors: it is possible to walk through the trenches and observe panels and installations illustrating the wartime events that took place here.
What does it mean for you to be part of Ecobnb?
For us, Ecobnb has always been a reference point, even when we were simple travelers, thanks to its interesting proposals for sustainable tourism. Therefore, when Agriturismo “Cargador de Ron” was born, it felt natural to share our dream with Ecobnb, because we believe that—like us—it considers tourism a positive force that respects the environment, the preservation of local communities, and the natural and cultural heritage of every place.
At Cargador de Ron you can experience a unique immersion in the forest, discovering all its incredible benefits: reconnecting with nature, breathing pure air, and discovering an authentic territory. This sustainable agriturismo among the hills of Valdobbiadene has become a place where you can rediscover simplicity and well-being.
Among ancient woods, breakfasts with local products and evenings under a sky full of stars, Gianni has turned a dream into a place where you immediately feel at home. A magical corner of nature where time seems to slow down and every stay becomes part of a story that continues.
Agriturismo immerso nella natura – Green Farm house in Valdobbiadene, Province of Treviso, Veneto, IT 
