Grape U-Pick

Corey Lake Orchards U-Pick Grapes

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

Vineyard opening dates:

–NIAGARA (white) grapes – Thursday, Sept. 28
–CONCORD (blue) grapes – Thursday, Sept. 28

The grape season typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks for each variety.  If you are wishing to pick both white Niagara and blue Concord, wait until the Concords ripen and pick them both on your visit.

U-Pick Hours

• Weekdays (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) are 8 am to 4 pm; everyone must be out by 5:30 pm.
• Weekends (Saturday) reservations are from 9 am to 4 pm; everyone must be out by 5:30 pm.
• Weekends (Sunday) reservations are 9 am to 2:40 pm; everyone must be out by 3:30 pm.
• Evenings (Selected Thursdays, October 5 & 12) – last booking is at 5:20 pm; everyone must be out by 7:15 pm.
• Closed Mondays and Wednesdays
• All times are Eastern time

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.

U-Pick Reservations.  We use a reservation system for those who want to pick.  We are doing this to avoid crowds and waits to get into the vineyard, and to be sure there are rows available to pick on when you come.

To Make a Reservation.  Click the reservations link below (when it goes live) to make a reservation online.  There is no fee to pick; the minimum to pick is 20 pounds (one 5-gallon bucket).

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.

Where to Check-In.  Please arrive as close to your scheduled time as possible.

• Come to the market on Corey Lake Road to get directions to the vineyard that we are picking in 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 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.
• Clippers / scissors to cut the grapes.  If you do not have one, we can loan you a pair.
• Small wagon (helpful) if picking a lot as many of our grape rows are long

How to Pay.  We accept cash, check, WIC Project Fresh/ 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 show us, just tell what kind(s) of grape and the quantity you picked.

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 or a ½ bushel basket, filled level to the top, is considered 20 pounds. If you do not have a 5-gallon bucket or basket, you can borrow one of ours.  You can also purchase plastic grape bucket liners for 50 cents if you need additional containers.
2. Please keep track of the number of buckets you pick by each color. 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. When you start a row, please take the cone off the stake so that everyone knows that row is being picked. When you leave, please put it back on so that we know the row is open again.
4. Please help us by moving the flag down the side of the row as you pick.  You will start at a flag where someone left off, and then move it with you. (it can easily go in your bucket.)  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.
5. We are asking that you pick your row clean (unless of course there is a bunch that is bad or just not ready). Some of the grapes have split due to rain we had recently.  Its ok to pull the vines back to get to the grapes.  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!
6. 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.
7. Restrooms are available at the main farm complex and during peak picking weeks a portajon and handwashing station will be out by the vineyard.
8. Return to the market when through picking and tell them how many buckets of grapes you have picked of each color. (No price difference, we just need to track this).  You do not need to bring the grapes out of your vehicle to show us.  Also turn in any buckets, snips, maps, or other supplies that were loaned to you.
9. 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.
10. Your safety is very important to us, so please be careful.

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.  Our picnic areas will be open for your use.
• 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.

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

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!