Farm labor crews for table grape growers
Crews for table grape vineyards from the Coachella Valley to the San Joaquin Valley: winter pruning, canopy and cluster work, and harvest crews that pick and pack in the field.
Table grape work we handle
- Pruning and tying December to FebruaryCane or spur pruning and tying to the trellis, done to your block-by-block instructions.
- Shoot thinning and leafing April to JuneRemoving extra shoots and leaves to open the canopy to light and air.
- Cluster work and girdling May to JulyCluster and berry thinning, tipping, and girdling to size and shape the fruit.
- Harvest and field packing May to NovemberPicking, trimming, and packing clusters in the field. The season starts in the Coachella Valley and moves north through the San Joaquin Valley.
The table grape season at a glance
| Work | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pruning and tying | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Shoot thinning and leafing | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cluster work and girdling | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest and field packing | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Typical California timing. Exact dates vary by region, variety, and weather.
What table grape growers should know
- Food safety in the fieldTable grapes are usually packed right in the vineyard, so crews follow food-safety rules: handwashing, clean harvest tools, and no jewelry or food near the fruit.
- Quality is the jobBuyers grade on cluster size, color, and appearance. Foremen check trimming and packing against your pack specifications all day.
- Summer heatCluster work and harvest run through the hottest months, so water, shade, and high-heat procedures are part of every crew day.
Questions from table grape growers
Do your crews field pack table grapes?
Yes. Our harvest crews pick, trim, and pack clusters in the field to your pack specifications, and follow food-safety practices for field packing.
When does table grape harvest start?
It starts in the Coachella Valley in late spring and moves north. San Joaquin Valley harvest runs from summer into November, depending on variety.
Where do you supply table grape crews?
Anywhere in California. Most table grape work is in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California, in counties such as Kern County, Tulare County, Fresno County, and Riverside County. We're based in Bakersfield; call (661) 677-5733 to check crew availability for your dates.
Counties where we work with table grape growers
Other crops we work
Need a table grape crew?
Tell us the block, the work, and your dates. We'll call you back to plan it.