Mental Wellbeing for Grape Growers & Farmers 🍇

Stefano Franchini
Jan 23
3 min read

Practical Tips for keeping well during the busy Grape season in Victoria

Harvest and pre-harvest in Victoria can be brutal. Big heat, long days, labour headaches, tight deadlines, and constant pressure to produce quality fruit — it all adds up. And only growers truly get what that feels like.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, remember: your mental health matters just as much as your vineyard. A stressed mind leads to rushed decisions, tired mistakes, and less productivity. Looking after yourself isn’t soft — it’s smart business.

Look after your mental wellbeing this grape season. Grapecare

Mental Wellbeing for Grape Growers

Two Ways to look after your Mental Wellbeing

1️⃣ Control What You Can — Let Go of What You Can’t

Weather, markets, labour, and rain storms don’t ask for permission.

Focus energy on what’s in your hands: irrigation, canopy work, fruit management, labour planning, and communicating with buyers.

The rest isn’t worth burning yourself out over.

2️⃣ Short Breaks Lead to Better Decisions

You don’t need a long rest — even 3 minutes can reset your brain.

Sit in the ute with the A/C on, breathe, stretch, drink water.

Less cortisol = clearer thinking = fewer stuff-ups.

3️⃣ Hydration & Nutrition

When temps push above 38–40°C, dehydration smashes concentration, patience, and energy.

Drink water every hour. Don’t skip meals. Keep snacks (nuts, fruit, sandwiches) in the shed or car. Your body is your first working tool.

4️⃣ Delegate & Communicate Clearly

Too many growers carry the whole season on their back.

Delegating reduces stress and keeps the wheels turning.

Use simple instructions, repeat expectations, use tapes/photos for clarity, and do a quick debrief at day’s end.

5️⃣ Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Fatigue during the season is real.

Watch for irritability, poor sleep, headaches, loss of appetite, or feeling overwhelmed. They’re signs — not weaknesses.

6️⃣ Build a Support Network

Growing grapes can feel isolating.

Talk to neighbours, other growers, or advisors.

Sharing pressure helps lighten it — especially in tricky years & challenging seasons.

7️⃣ Sleep Is a Farm Tool

Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s recovery.

Aim for consistent bedtimes, cut caffeine after mid-arvo, and avoid screens late.

A rested grower is safer, calmer, and more productive.

8️⃣ Take One “Disconnect Hour” a Week

Choose an hour to switch off — no calls unless urgent.

Spend it with family, grab a coffee, or just breathe.

Perspective resets performance.

9️⃣ Remember Why You Started

When the season gets heavy, it’s easy to lose purpose.

But you feed families, run a complex business, and belong to a strong community of growers.

🔟 A Regenerative Break at Our Place

And if the season gets overwhelming, you’ve got a spot to reset.

Larry’s Espresso Bar — in Mildura Central.

Proper Italian food, cold drinks and espresso strong enough to wake the most tired vineyard manager.

Come in stressed, walk out calmer — no bookings, no pressure. Just a place to sit, laugh, talk and feel human again.

BONUS: Seek Professional Help If Needed

Same as calling an agronomist for vine symptoms — asking for help when mentally overloaded is smart, not weak.

Mental Wellbeing for Grape Growers support options in Victoria include Beyond Blue, Head to Health, Rural Outreach Workers, and services around Mildura & Swan Hill. Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 Life Line - 13 11 14

Mens Line Australia - 1300 78 99 78

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