A vineyard near Bordeaux is looking for a cook to join the grape harvest, offering paid work and free accommodation. The job is open to anyone with a passion for cooking, and the estate also welcomes grape pickers and wine enthusiasts.
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 comes with pay, a place to stay on the estate, and a chance to experience the pace of French winemaking up close.
The vineyard, run by Julien, is focused on finding someone who enjoys cooking and can keep the harvest crew well fed. The position is listed on Workaway and pays the French minimum wage, which is €12.31 gross per hour as of June 2026. The exact hours and total pay depend on the needs of the harvest 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.
This isn’t a job that requires a culinary diploma or 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, plus some Spanish and Dutch, and doesn’t require applicants to speak French. The minimum stay is two weeks. Accommodation includes a private room, shared bathrooms, common areas, Wi-Fi, and laundry. The chef covers their own food costs, even while cooking for the group.
Besides the chef role, the vineyard is also open to people interested in grape picking and learning about wine production. Other tasks might include helping with the vines, trees, or general farm work. The estate has been organic since 1993, and the harvest is a busy time for both the business and anyone wanting hands-on experience in sustainable farming. The Workaway listing also mentions help needed in the garden and with maintenance, all paid 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, according to France Travail and the Ministry of Labour. The vineyard doesn’t guarantee full-time hours, so pay is based on actual hours 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 officially announced the hand-harvest event at MAUPERIER for September 12, 2026, highlighting the limited number of available spots 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.
This job stands out for its mix of practical work, cultural exchange, and the rare chance to live and cook on a French vineyard during the busiest weeks of the year. With no strict requirements, it’s open to anyone who loves to cook and wants a change of scene. In a field where seasonal jobs can be tough and thankless, this vineyard offers fair pay, decent accommodation, and a focus 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 handle the rest.
