Wine grape work is one of the most sought-after farm jobs among Working Holiday Visa holders. Australia is one of the world's largest wine producers, with vineyards spanning from the cool climate of Tasmania to the sun-drenched Barossa Valley. There are two main seasons of work: harvest in late summer (February to April) and pruning in winter (June to August). Both count toward the 88-day visa extension requirement. The harvest is intense, fast-paced and well paid, while pruning offers steadier, quieter work with smaller crews.
Typical Positions
- •Grape Picker -- Hand-harvesting grapes during vintage season. Early morning starts, fast-paced work in the heat.
- •Vine Pruner -- Cutting and shaping vines during winter dormancy. Requires secateurs and training provided on site.
- •Sorter / Grader -- Inspecting grapes on the sorting line, removing leaves and damaged bunches before processing.
- •Tractor Operator -- Driving tractors and harvest machinery. Requires some experience and often a valid licence.
- •Cellar Hand -- Working inside the winery with crushing, fermentation, bottling and cleaning. Higher pay, more technical.
Expected Salary
| Role | Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grape Picking | $28-32/hr | Harvest season, physically demanding |
| Vine Pruning | $25-30/hr | Winter work, hand pruning or mechanical |
| Cellar Hand | $30-35/hr | Processing, bottling and cellar work |
| Tractor Operator | $32-38/hr | Requires licence/experience |
| Sorter / Grader | $26-30/hr | Sorting grapes on the line |
Seasonality
Wine grape work has two distinct seasons. Many backpackers do both, staying in the same region or moving between wine areas.
| Activity | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest (picking) | Feb - Apr | Peak demand, long hours, best pay |
| Pruning | Jun - Aug | Winter work, steady income, smaller teams |
Top Regions
Barossa Valley, SA
Australia's most famous wine region. Huge demand for harvest workers from February to April. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate.
Margaret River, WA
Premium wine region in Western Australia. Beautiful coastal setting. Harvest season brings hundreds of backpackers each year.
Yarra Valley, VIC
Close to Melbourne, known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Easy access to the city on days off.
Hunter Valley, NSW
Australia's oldest wine region, just north of Sydney. Semillon and Shiraz country with a long harvest tradition.
McLaren Vale, SA
South of Adelaide, producing world-class Grenache and Shiraz. Often combined with Barossa Valley work for a full season.
Visa Eligibility
💡 Counts Toward 88 Days
Both grape harvesting and vine pruning in designated regional areas count toward the 88 days of specified work required for a second or third year Working Holiday Visa. Wine regions are almost always in eligible postcodes. Read our complete 88-day guide →