Anyone ever done grape picking/pruning/packing?

[Contrarian]

I suspect I've acquired a reputation for quirky posts, quirky as they are - I've also discovered that the varied life experience on this board is vast.

So, I've got some 2 weeks free soon and saw an ad for grape picking and have never done it before - and am tempted to give it a shot. I don't kid myself - it's winter and going to be fxxxing cold! Work is piece rate and paid by the bin you fill - not sure how much they're going to pay.

Anyone here ever done it before? Any feedback - good and bad about it?

 

[billybones]

Never done it before but a lot of my back packer friends from overseas have and made some life long friends in the process.
There`s also a couple R&T ladies I know of that have done it as well.
So my guess is that it might be fun and at the same time you`ll get to meet people from all walks of life. I think it would be a fun adventure.
The only draw back I hear about is the living quarters can be quite cramped. So make sure you don`t snore or you could find yourself sleeping alone outside.

 

[Contrarian]

This particular place is drivable for me so I might just do a daily commute. But thanks - anyone else with any feedback, advice or things they've heard about?

 

[Fudd]

...did it and its not an easy job. The cold will be the least of your problems!...I would suggest doing some sit ups to strengthen your back...good luck!!!

 

[Contrarian]

Why back Fudd? Is there a lot of heavy lifting? Do you have to squat a lot to bend down and pick the grapes?

 

[Fudd]

Why back Fudd? Is there a lot of heavy lifting? Do you have to squat a lot to bend down and pick the grapes?

...for me, it was both...I spent a week on a small vineyard in the Barossa about 10 years ago or so. The vines weren't very tall so I was bending over quite a bit, and I also had to carry the containers...no trolly or anything of that ilk. As I said, this was what I went through...it maybe different for you.

 

[svengali]

I have picked apples down South in my youth and that is not bad money but pretty hard work. Some places pay piece rates, others offer a fixed wage which is fairer because the agile, skinny guys like me who can climb the tall timber and use long ladders cannot pick as much fruit as those who work lower down.

Grapes would involve a lot of bending and stooping and the fruit would have to be carted to the collection bin fairly frequently to avoid crushing. My guess is it would be pretty hard work

 

[Happy2]

Where would you be picking Contrarian I mean it is closer to pruning season rather than harvest now surely Though there is a hand hull of Strawberry picking jobs that cant be filled in Wanneroo if your tastebuds prefer And that though lighter would entail even more crouching than the grapes

 

[colzilla]

Isn't it easier just to receive the dole every second Thursday.

 

[Happy2]

I dont live on the coast Col So no incentive to go on the dole when the surf and beaches are so far away Anyway One 1/2 Hr visit to LT's and a rather large slice of said dole would be Kaput But with a paypacket and a punnet of fresh picked strawberries and some real cream and or chocolate dipping sauce and the possibilities abound

 

[colzilla]

The dole is for day to day living. The secret stash behind the windmill is for the hookers.

In my world hookers/strippers take priority.