Corey Lake Orchards U-Pick Grapes 2024

Thank you for choosing to pick grapes at Corey Lake Orchards.  We want to make this a great experience so please review the information below.

Important Updates.  See the homepage of our website for any last-minute updates on grape picking.   www.coreylakeorchards.com

We will be picking grapes by appointment this Saturday and Sunday.  If we find there are still grapes left, we will allow pickers in next week.

Vineyard opening dates:

–NIAGARA (white) grapes – Saturday, Sept. 14
–CONCORD (blue) grapes – Wednesday, Sept. 18

The grape season typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks for each variety.  If you want to pick both Niagara and Concord, you can wait until the Concords ripen and pick them both on your visit.

Reservations Days and Hours

  • Saturday, Oct. 5: 9 am to last at 4 pm, must be done by 6 pm.
  • Sunday, Oct. 6: 9 am to last at 2 pm, must be done by 4 pm.
  • Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesday
  • All times are Eastern time
  • Please give yourself ample time to pick all that you wanted.

U-Pick Pricing:

  • 5 or more buckets (100 pounds or more): 37.5 cents a pound or $7.50 a bucket
  • 2 to 4 buckets (21 to 99 pounds): 70 cents a pound or $14 a bucket
  • 1 bucket (20 pounds): 90 cents a pound or $18 a bucket
  • We sell them by the pound and consider a five-gallon bucket (filled level) or a half bushel basket to be 20 pounds.
  • Minimum to pick is 20 pounds (one 5-gallon bucket).

U-Pick Reservations are Required.  To make a reservation, click the reservations link below to reserve your day and time.  There is no fee to pick, you pay for the number of buckets you pick.

We will try our best to accommodate all who want to pick.  If you have questions, need assistance using the system, or do not have internet capabilities, please call us at 269-244-5690 during business hours for assistance.

Link to the reservation system
Note:  we will be adding days as the season progresses

In addition to your contact information, we need your best guess on approximately how many individuals in your group are picking and approximately how many 5-gallon buckets of grapes, by variety, you plan to pick.

The reservation system will open several days in advance.  Additional slots may be added to dates and times depending on the quantity of grapes remaining to be picked.

Check in at the Market on Corey Lake Road.

  • Please arrive as close to your scheduled time as possible.
  • We will check you in and give you directions to the vineyard where we are picking that day. Only one person needs to come into the market to get the directions (and supplies if needed).  You will be driving to the vineyard.
  • When you are finished picking, return to the market to check out. Please note that the vineyard closing times above; all pickers must be out.

What to Bring

  • We prefer picking in 5-gallon plastic buckets.  If possible, bring at least one for picking and measuring your grapes.  If you do not have a bucket, we can loan you one or you may also pick in a half bushel basket.  Bring your own containers to get the grapes home.  You may transfer grapes from our buckets to your containers in the field as you pick them.  If you do, please cut a leaf for every bucket you pick so you can keep track.
  • Clippers / scissors to cut the grapes.  If you do not have one, we can loan you a pair (unless all are checked out).
  • Small wagon (helpful) if picking a lot as many of our grape rows are long

How to Pay.  We accept cash, check, Senior Project Fresh Coupons, and credit cards at the market.

  • Pay at the market after picking and return any supplies we loaned you.
  • You do not need to bring the grapes out of your vehicle to the market to show us, just tell us how many buckets you picked of each grape variety.

What to Wear.  You will be walking in a vineyard that has naturally occurring hazards such as uneven terrain, holes, sticks, insects, etc.  Please wear appropriate shoes.  The grass and grape foliage may be wet with dew in the morning.

Restrooms.  All restroom facilities are located at the main market.  During peak picking weeks, a portajon and handwashing station will be out by the vineyard.

Inclement Weather.  We will do our best to notify you promptly if we need to close the vineyard or reschedule you due to rain, inclement weather, or poor picking conditions.

Cancellations.  Should you need to cancel, please cancel online or call us at (269) 244-5690 as soon as you know so we can open your slot to another guest.

Picking Instructions

  1.  A 5-gallon pail, filled level to the top, is considered 20 pounds, as is a half bu. basket just rounded over. If you do not have a 5-gallon bucket or basket, you can borrow one of ours.  You can also purchase a plastic grape bucket liner for 75 cents if you need additional containers.
  2. Please keep track of the number of buckets you pick.  You may fill the bucket and pour into your own containers as you pick.  We suggest picking a grape leaf for every bucket you pick and count the grape leaves when you are done.
  3. We keep track of where the grapes are picked in each row.  Please help us by moving a flag down the side of the row as you pick.  You will start at a flag where someone else stopped picking, and then move it with you.  When you are done, the flag will mark the spot for the next person to start.  PLEASE help us with this so everyone has good picking.
  4. We are asking that you pick your row clean (unless of course there is a bunch that is bad or just not ready).  No one is coming behind you to pick.  When grapes are clustered at a wire, we know this is not easy, but please do your best.  You can pull the leaves and foliage back out of your way.  We want you to be happy with your grapes!
  5. Please use clippers/ scissors/ knife or a similar tool to cut the grapes.  If you do not have these, we have a limited amount of them you can borrow.
  6. Restrooms are available at the main farm complex and during peak picking weeks a portajon and handwashing station will be out by the vineyard.
  7. Return to the market when done picking and tell them how many buckets of grapes you have picked of each color. (No price difference, we just need to track this).  Also turn in any buckets, snips, or other supplies that were loaned to you.
  8. Due to food safety regulations, we ask that no dogs be in the picking area. They can be in the parking areas on a leash; please pick up after them.
  9. The market phone number is 269-244-5690 if you have any problems or need to reach someone. Your safety is very important to us, so please be careful.
  1. CONE OFF THE STAKE/ROW NUMBER WHEN YOU START SO EVERYONE KNOWS YOU ARE THERE
  2. TAKE FLAG IN BUCKET AND LEAVE WHERE YOU STOP ON BOTH SIDES
  3. AS YOU LEAVE, PUT THE CONE BACK ON THE STAKE SO WE KNOW THAT ROW IS OPEN

U-Pick Etiquette

  • Pick only if you are feeling well and healthy.
  • Please follow the instructions given to you by our staff.
  • Pick only in the row assigned to you.
  • Do not eat or drink in the vineyard, which includes sampling grapes.  Our picnic areas will be open, and food and drink can be consumed while sitting there.
  • You are not allowed to drive into the vineyard but will be parking on the perimeter.
  • Please drive carefully and watch for pedestrians and grape containers.
  • Please be respectful of other guests and our property.

Questions

Please call Corey Lake Orchards at (269) 244-5690 during business hours to speak with one of our staff.  We are closed Mondays and Wednesdays.

Have fun, be careful in the vineyard, and enjoy your grapes!  

Concord (blue) grapes
Niagara (white) grapes