Imagine working under the vast, sunny skies of Canada’s beautiful wine regions, surrounded by lush vineyards. This isn’t just a seasonal job; it’s your supported pathway to starting a new life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. Canada’s expanding grape industry is actively seeking dedicated individuals for the 2025 harvest, offering full visa sponsorship to international workers.
For those with a strong work ethic and a spirit of adventure, this role is more than picking fruit it’s a secure, government-backed opportunity to earn a competitive wage and lay the foundation for a permanent future.
The requirements are simple and accessible: you need to be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and be prepared for physically rewarding work. No formal education or prior experience is necessary.
In return, you will receive a competitive hourly wage of CAD $15 to $20, along with life-changing benefits like visa sponsorship, free or subsidized accommodation, and comprehensive medical insurance. If you are ready to work hard and embrace a new culture, Canada’s vineyards are ready to welcome you.
Read Also: Blueberry Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Why Consider Grapes Picking Jobs in Canada?
Canada’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy and a major employer. With the government projecting a need for over 451,000 foreign workers by 2026 to address labour shortages, opportunities are abundant. The grape industry is a standout within this sector, experiencing significant growth driven by Canada’s world-renowned wine regions and expanding table grape market. This growth translates into a consistent, seasonal demand for workers, making grape picking one of the most accessible and reliable entry points for foreign job seekers in 2025.
Key Drivers of Demand:
- Expanding Vineyard Footprint: The cultivated land for grapes in Canada has seen substantial growth, increasing from 30,930 acres to over 34,160 acres, creating more jobs each harvest season.
- Thriving Wine and Juice Industry: Canada is not just about icewine. The reputation of its wineries in regions like Niagara and the Okanagan Valley fuels both domestic sales and international exports, requiring a precise and timely harvest to maintain quality.
- Dominance of Key Regions: Ontario leads production, accounting for approximately 70% of Canada’s grapes, followed by British Columbia, which is famous for its high-quality wine grapes. Quebec also has a growing industry.
- Labour-Intensive Harvest: While some machinery is used, premium wine grapes and delicate table grapes are often hand-picked to prevent bruising and ensure only the best clusters are selected, making human pickers essential.
- Predictable Seasonal Peaks: The harvest season (typically September to October, varying by region and grape type) allows for efficient planning of large-scale temporary workforces, including international recruitment.
Details Grapes Picking Jobs in Canada
Here’s a clear overview of what the role entails:
- Job Title: Vineyard Worker / Harvest Hand / Fruit Picker (Grapes)
- Location: Primarily Ontario (Niagara Peninsula), British Columbia (Okanagan Valley), and Quebec.
- Industry: Agriculture / Viticulture
- Job Type: Seasonal, Full-time (during peak harvest)
- Duty Hours: 35-50 hours per week, often including early mornings and weekends to capitalize on optimal sugar/acid levels in the grapes.
- Experience Required: Not mandatory; a strong work ethic is prioritized.
- Knowledge Required: None; comprehensive on-the-job training is provided.
- Age Requirement: 18+ (19 in British Columbia)
- Salary: CAD $16.75 (general minimum for Ontario/BC) to $22+ per hour, with potential for piece-rate pay (pay per bin collected).
Requirements for Grapes Picking Jobs in Canada
The eligibility criteria are designed to be accessible for international applicants:
- Must be at least 18 years old (19 in BC).
- No formal education or previous farming experience is required.
- Must be in excellent physical condition to perform repetitive bending, lifting, and carrying in all weather conditions.
- Must possess reliability, patience, and a strong attention to detail to ensure fruit quality.
- Must have a clean criminal record.
- Must pass a mandatory medical examination.
- Must meet all requirements for a Canadian temporary work permit.
Benefits of Grapes Picking Jobs in Canada
This role offers a compelling package that combines immediate income with long-term potential:
- Visa Sponsorship: Employers typically facilitate the process for a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or other streams.
- Relocation Support: Many employers assist with travel arrangements and initial settlement.
- Free or Subsidized Accommodation: On-farm or arranged housing is standard, drastically reducing living costs.
- Meal Provisions: Some vineyards offer free or low-cost meal plans for workers.
- Transportation: Shuttle services to and from the worksite are commonly provided.
- Competitive Pay: Hourly wages meet or exceed provincial minimums, with overtime pay during the intense harvest period.
- Medical Coverage: Workers are covered under provincial healthcare plans and typically have additional employer-provided workplace insurance.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canadian agricultural work experience is a valuable asset for programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), potentially leading to Permanent Residency (PR).
- Cultural Experience: Working in Canada’s famous wine regions offers a unique cultural and social experience.
- Gateway to Canada: Establishes a Canadian work history, opening doors to other future employment opportunities.
Job Responsibilities of a Grape Picker
The work is physically demanding and requires care to protect the quality of the fruit:
- Hand-harvesting grape clusters from vines according to specific quality standards.
- Carefully sorting grapes in the field to remove damaged, diseased, or underripe fruit.
- Gently placing grapes into collection bins or lugs to prevent crushing.
- Performing essential vineyard maintenance tasks such as pruning (often in the off-season), trellising, and suckering.
- Weeding, hoeing, and managing soil health around the vines.
- Lifting and carrying harvested bins, which can weigh up to 60 lbs.
- Assisting with loading grapes onto trucks for transport to the winery.
- Potentially operating tractors or other farm equipment (for roles with more experience).
- Participating in grape variety-specific harvests, which may occur at different times.
Average Salary of a Grape Picker in Canada
Earnings can vary based on the pay structure and the worker’s efficiency:
- Hourly Wage: Typically ranges from the provincial minimum wage (e.g., $16.75 in Ontario/BC) to $22+ per hour for experienced workers.
- Piece-Rate Pay: Many vineyards offer payment per bin collected, allowing fast and careful workers to maximize their earnings, potentially exceeding standard hourly rates.
- Annual Equivalent: As a seasonal role, a full harvest season can yield significant savings, especially when combined with provided accommodation and meals. The cited range of CAD $27,700 – $30,200 would generally represent a longer season or year-round work in related vineyard tasks.
Famous Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada
Grape picking is part of a larger “harvest trail” in Canada, allowing workers to extend their employment:
- Summer: Strawberries, Cherries, Raspberries
- Early Fall: Peaches, Plums, Early Apples
- Late Fall: Apples, Cranberries, Pumpkins
- Year-Round: Greenhouse vegetables and fruits.
This diversity allows motivated workers to string together several months of employment across different provinces and crops.
How to Apply for Grapes Picking Jobs in Canada
A proactive and organized approach is key to securing a position:
- Research and Apply Early: Begin your search 6-8 months before the harvest season (i.e., by January for a September start). Use official portals like Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca), Indeed, and websites of specific wineries and vineyard operators.
- Use Targeted Keywords: Search for “vineyard worker,” “harvest hand,” “wine grape picking,” and “SAWP” in addition to the main job title.
- Prepare a Simple, Honest CV: Highlight your physical fitness, reliability, and willingness to perform hard outdoor work. No need for unrelated office experience.
- Apply Through Licensed Recruiters: Many vineyards hire through government-licensed recruitment agencies that manage the international hiring process. Ensure you are using a legitimate service.
- Secure a Job Offer and LMIA: The employer must obtain a Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire you.
- Apply for Your Work Permit: With the job offer and LMIA, you can apply for a work permit at a Canadian visa office, which includes the medical exam.
- Prepare for Arrival: Once approved, finalize your travel and accommodation details with your employer and prepare for your Canadian working adventure.
Conclusion
A grape-picking job in Canada represents one of the most straightforward and rewarding entry points for international job seekers in 2025. With its minimal entry barriers, attractive compensation package, and the profound benefit of a potential pathway to permanent residency, this opportunity is ideal for those looking to build a new life. By taking the simple step to apply online, you can secure not just a job but an unforgettable experience and a solid foundation in a country known for its high quality of life. Your journey to Canada starts with a single application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a grape picker in Canada?
The pay is typically CAD $15 to $20 per hour. For full-time seasonal work, this can translate to an annual income of approximately CAD $27,700 to $30,200.
Do I need any experience or a degree to apply?
No. These are entry-level positions designed for beginners. A high school diploma may be preferred but is not mandatory. The most important qualities are reliability, physical fitness, and a willingness to learn.
