6 Tips to Harvesting Grapes

“You can be drinking the wine today, but picking the grapes tomorrow”. -Jonathan Tucker Enjoy this “6 Tips to Harvesting Grapes” article.

In our quest to cross another fruit to harvest off our list this year, I stumbled upon Sceiford Quality Fruit farm. According to their Facebook page it is a 5th generation family owned and operated u-pick fruit orchards and vineyards. Tree-ripened, in season. Cherries, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, apples, quince, and grapes.

They do sell Concord, Niagara, and Steuben grapes. We were on the hunt for Niagara grapes this trip. It happens to be my personal favorite variety which tends to be sweeter in flavoring.

Now we have been picking fruits and vegetables all Summer long so bringing your own carriers seemed obviously. This trip we completely forgot but luckily had some reusable bags in the car to use.

Here are other tips to harvesting grapes:

1. Remember to hold a cluster of grapes in one hand & snip the whole cluster off the vine!
2. A pair of gardening sheers ( the dollar store sells them) We were lucky this establishment had plenty to lend, just be careful they are sharp!
3. Bring something to keep them in. While the stand we visited had baskets to use. I suggest bringing your own basket, container, bin or bucket. It helps if it has a handle!
4. Wear appropriate shoes! Remember U-pick areas have been previously visited and some produce doesn’t make it in bins.
5. Wear comfortable clothes, you are after all going in between the vines.
6. Search your local area and find farms then keep notifications on because many of the “U PICK” items are seasonal and weather permitting. The dates are ever changing and seem to sell out quick!

We saw so many people make a day of it complete with picnic baskets, lawn chairs and coolers. you could easily just enjoy the sunshine within the vineyards if you plan ahead. Just check your local area farms for their rules on doing this!

We had so much fun making a day trip to Sceiford Quality Fruit picking grapes!

If you are in the North East, Pennsylvania area, Visit them:

11820 Middle Rd North East, PA 16428

Have you picked grapes before?  What is your favorite variety of grape??

Want some other great activities to do this Fall? Check out some of my other articles:  6 Tips to Harvesting Grapes or 12 Fall activities to do in Autumn !