2026 Napa County Pruning Contest
The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation celebrated its 24ᵗʰ Annual Napa County Pruning Contest on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The Napa County Pruning Contest is the ultimate showcase of talent, skill, and precision. Scoring is weighted for technique and quality, allowing contestants to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality Napa Valley grape growing.
This special community-building event included music from KVON/MegaMix radio, lunch from El Muchacho Alegre, and resources from community organizations.
Heartfelt thanks to the event committee members, led by co-chairs Kendall Smith of Matthiasson and Macy Stubstad of Lawrence Wine Estates, as well as the many community and industry volunteers who contributed to its success.
And a huge thank you to Treasury Estates for hosting for over two decades, and to their terrific team for all the event setup and support.
Each company may register up to 6 contestants: 3 women and 3 men.
2026 Napa County Pruning Contest Highlight Video
24th Annual Pruning Contest Prizes
Click on each image to view the full list of prizes
Thank you to our annual contest partner!
Napa County Pruning Contest Rules & Scoring
Sponsor the Napa County Pruning Contest
Pruning Contest Sponsorship: To support this cherished tradition honoring the vineyard workforce, please contact Jill Durfee.
2026 Napa County Pruning Contest Sponsors
Premier Sponsors
Congratulations to the 2026 Champions!
Women’s Division:
1st Place: Maricruz Carreón García, Renteria Vineyard Management
2nd Place: Celia Martínez Lorenzo, Bayview Vineyard
3rd Place: Yurítzi Hernández, Walsh Vineyards Management
4th Place: Angelina García, Bayview Vineyard
Men’s Division:
1st Place: Jesús Sánchez Pérez, Renteria Vineyard Management
2nd Place: Selvin Díaz, Hyde Vineyards
3rd Place: Juan Pérez García, The Napa Valley Reserve/Harlan Estate
4th Place: Eduardo Victoria, FARM Napa Valley
2026 Napa County Pruning Contest Committee
Macy Stubstad, Co-Chair, Lawrence Wine Estates
Kendall Smith, Co-Chair, Matthiasson
Gustavo Aviña, Pine Ridge Vineyards
Brianna Beighle, Bryant Wines
Garrett Buckland, Premiere Viticulture
Chad Clark, Allied Grape Growers
Roberto Juárez, Moulds Family Vineyard
Joe Nasharr, Constellation Brands
Hayden Schmidter, Moulds Family Vineyard
Arnulfo Solorio, Silverado Farming Company
Lindsey Wallingford, St. Helena Winery
Manuel Téllez
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
"It is nice to participate among peers from different companies. It's good to see how each person works, and you don't lose anything by attending the Pruning Contest and giving yourself a chance."
Past Champion Spotlights
Veronica Medina Reyes
Bayview Vineyards
“I would tell [future contestants] not to go with the mentality that they are going to win but to show up to represent how hardworking they are and how they perform their work in the vineyard.”
Araceli Marin
Walsh Vineyard Management
“When you start pruning, first you must look at your line - don’t go in right away. Look, stop, and try to do the best you can.”