Just outside Bordeaux, in Les Salles-de-Castillon, a nine-hectare organic vineyard is looking for a cook to join the team for the upcoming grape harvest. The job pays and includes a place to stay on the estate, bringing the pace of French winemaking close at hand.
The vineyard, run by Julien, seeks someone who enjoys cooking and can keep the harvest crew well fed. Listed on Workaway, the position pays the French minimum wage, €12.31 gross per hour as of June 2026. The exact hours and total pay depend on the harvest’s needs and the chef’s availability. The local tourism board confirms that the hand-harvest at MAUPERIER in Les Salles-de-Castillon is set for September 12, 2026, with only a few spots open.
The vineyard at Les Salles-de-Castillon has been certified organic since 1993, and its wine is produced without added organic sulfites.
The role requires neither a culinary diploma nor years in a professional kitchen. What matters is a real interest in cooking and a willingness to work with a mixed group. The host speaks French and English, along with some Spanish and Dutch, but applicants don’t need to speak French. The minimum stay is two weeks. Accommodation includes a private room and shared bathrooms. Residents also have access to common areas, Wi-Fi and laundry. The chef covers their own food costs, even while cooking for the group.
Alongside the chef role, the vineyard welcomes people interested in grape picking or learning about wine production. Other tasks might include work among the vines and trees, as well as general farm duties. The estate has been organic since 1993, and harvest is a busy time for the business and for anyone seeking hands-on experience in sustainable farming. The Workaway listing also mentions paid work in the garden or on maintenance, at the legal minimum wage.
For those weighing the pay, the French minimum wage is €1,867.02 gross per month for a standard 35-hour week, information from France Travail and the Ministry of Labour. The vineyard doesn’t guarantee full-time hours, so pay is based on the hours actually worked. Workaway rules require hosts running a business to provide free accommodation and at least the legal minimum wage for every hour worked.
The local tourism board for Castillon-Pujols has announced the hand-harvest event at MAUPERIER for September 12, 2026. Only a limited number of spots are available for participants.
Castillon-Pujols Tourism
EU citizens, including Spaniards, do not need a work permit for this job, but all terms are arranged directly with the host. Applications go through the Workaway platform, where the requirements and conditions are listed in detail.
The job combines practical work with cultural exchange and offers a rare chance to live and cook on a French vineyard during its busiest weeks of the year. There are no strict requirements, so anyone who loves to cook and wants a change of scene can apply. Seasonal jobs can be tough and thankless; this vineyard offers fair pay and decent accommodation, with an emphasis on shared experience. For anyone ready to swap city life for the grape harvest, the offer is straightforward: bring your skills, and the vineyard will arrange the rest.
