Finding pickers this year hasn’t been easy. It’s been a challenge to find enough paid workers, and even harder to recruit volunteers. But Kim and Chan knew from the start that they wanted to create a space where people could learn, enjoy the vineyard, and feel part of something bigger. That’s why Mumana turned to volunteers to help bring in the grapes this season.

Volunteers have been especially important this year, as the harvest came earlier than expected. Kim and Chan took over the vineyard just weeks ago on August 1, and several grape varieties ripened all at once. There are certainly financial challenges of running an all-paid harvest, too. The need for more hands was urgent, and we turned to friends and acquaintances who wanted to experience life on the vineyard firsthand. Some came for a few hours while others stayed on for days, like Charlene from our work-stay program Vine & Shine.

At Mumana, we believe in creating a sense of community, which is why we’ve been providing lunches and snacks for everyone—paid or volunteer. Sharing meals together is a way of caring for each other during this important time, and it’s a tradition we’re proud to continue.

This challenge was recently featured on CTV News, highlighting the early harvest and the shift to volunteer power. You can watch the full story here.

Mumana’s harvest is about more than just getting the grapes off the vine. It’s about creating a sense of community, where every picker feels valued and connected to the process. Volunteers haven’t just been a part of the solution—they’ve been at the heart of this year’s harvest.

If you or someone you know would like to be part of this experience, we’d love to welcome more hands to help us with the next phase. There’s still much to do, and we couldn’t do it without the help of our amazing team.