British People Picking British Grapes in East Sussex

I found myself with a few free days and decided to get a job grape-picking. I don't think I was so surprised when I turned up at the Vineyard to find a bunch of British people ready to work. There was not a "foreigner" in sight. The furthest anyone had travelled to work was Bournemouth! I had seen on the news that many people from Poland, Romania and Bulgaria are now choosing to stay in their own country to work. In fact on the news one lady in Romania said "let the British pick their own fruit". So, in true British fashion the British have risen to to the challenge and armed with secateurs, wellies and gloves are ready to pick.

I have spent some time in East Sussex and the weather has been glorious. There have been a few wet days but all in all it has been sunny and warm with temperatures often up in the 20's (degrees). I spent  a few weeks with a mix of people from Uni students, Gap students, Retired people, some who have been made redundant and some like myself in between jobs.

Usually, you are provided with secateurs but make sure you wear gloves as it is easy to snip the odd finger. This happens a lot and hopefully there are some plasters around.. Take some anyway. 

I must say there have been some edge-y moments with the pickers as arguements seem to flare up over what appears to be nothing. Many people are sacked or some simply do not return as they feel the job is not for them. This can lead to a sense of nervousness. The next moment there is complete harmony and the picking continues. I have now resorted to taking headphone and listen to music and completely zone out from the vibes around me.

Payment can be varied as some vineyards pay with wine only, some with cash and wine if you complete a full week and some simply with BACS payments.

In two weeks we picked 40 tonnes of grapes and the owners said it has been the best harvest for years.

I have a mixed opinion about British wine. I know with my friends some years back we used to make jokes about it. Often about drinking a good old fashioned English perry or wine!. In fact, now the vineyards in Sussex are producing very good Sparkling wines especially rose. Although, some are priced at £20 + a bottle so make sure you enjoy it! You can visit most of the Estates and try some for yourself as most vineyards offer Tours, wine tasting and lunch.

There is a great feeling on Friday as it is pay day and the day to pick up the wine samples which I must say are usually drunk over the weekend! The weekend doesn't seem long enough as the wellies and clothes have to be washed ready for Monday for the 8.a.m start..

Anyway, it is a great way to spend some time outside in the Autumn! Happy Harvesting..

Thanks to David for filming and the use of his hands for photography!