’Tis the season! No, not the festive season - the wine harvest season, of course.

Across the UK, vineyards are calling on volunteers to get stuck in and help bring in the grapes.

Harvest usually gets under way in late September and runs through October, making it the perfect time to swap the wine glass for a pair of gardening gloves.

While many Britons will be content to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine as the seasons change, others may fancy getting their hands dirty and seeing how their favourite tipple is made.

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out, keen to join a regular volunteering network or simply curious to learn more about where your favourite wine comes from, this could be the experience for you.

From Nottinghamshire to Devon, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots for green-fingered wine lovers - with plenty of vineyards in between.

Oastbrook Estate welcomes in harvest volunteers, offering a full-day experience including lunch provided in the winery.

The Sussex spot has previously been voted one of the best wineries in Europe, and has on-site accommodation, the Round Door Vineyard Cottage.

Harvest days are not always predictable, but there is currently a list of dates available in September.

The website explains: 'This experience does not require you to have done this before but it is a relatively physically demanding activity.

'You don't need to bring anything except enthusiasm, a good pair of gardening gloves, some sturdy shoes and a water bottle and we will show you what to do.'

Pebblebed Vineyard hosts an annual Community Harvest - and 2026 is particularly special as it marks its 15th year.

This year will also be the vineyard's earliest harvest ever. 

Pickers will be rewarded with Roastworks Co coffee and cake, a Darts Farm barbecue lunch, and a glass of Pebblebed wine.

Currently, there are no spaces available, but if you keep an eye on the website bookings will reopen if there is a slot. 

Each year, Albury Vineyard welcomes small groups of volunteers to the Surrey Hills to help pick grapes and learn more about English wine. 

The vineyard has been around since 2009, with a focus on sparkling wine grapes—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Situated on the southern slopes of the North Downs, just outside Guildford, it's great for those keen to enjoy a glass of English wine with majestic views. 

This year, harvest dates could include - subject to change - September 11, 13, 16, 20 and 27. 

Ham Street Wines welcomes volunteers to join on their harvest days to 'bring in the new vintage'.

Situated just outside the village of Hamstreet in Kent, the estate specialises in small-batch natural wines.

The vineyard, run by a husband and wife team, is also environmentally friendly, using regenerative agricultural principles and no synthetic chemicals, herbicides or pesticides.

The winery will also provide a light lunch for volunteers, as well as refreshments.

There are lots of dates available to book in September, all starting at 9am. 

Join the 'Hanwell Hands' for an active day helping to create this winery's next vintage.

Volunteers can get involved in many parts of the process. 

Pulling out, vine planting and bud rubbing took place earlier in the year, but you could return for the big grape harvest in October. 

Beyond the vines, you can also help sell the wine at market stalls, work at the wine shop and help label bottles by hand. 

Between late September and mid-October, this Wales vineyard is calling in volunteers to help with the harvest.

The website explains: 'It’s nearly the most important time of the year and we will need your help…

'Grape picking is a lovely, social event starting with a quick briefing, we have a coffee break mid-morning and then provide a light lunch with wine or fruit juice.

'Wear sensible shoes, bring your gloves and we provide the snips and buckets.'

At Forty Hall, you can get your hands dirty with everything from planting to harvesting and maintaining the vineyard.

Volunteer sessions currently take place every Monday and Wednesday morning from 9.30am until 12.30pm and on the first and third Sundays of the month from 10am.

Specific volunteers are also recruited for the harvest, so if you want to help out get in touch.