2023 Napa County Pruning Contest 

The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation celebrated its 21st Annual Napa County Pruning Contest at Beringer’s Gamble Ranch Vineyard on Saturday, February 4, 2023.  It was a perfect day as 106 contestants displayed speed and technique in what is considered the most prestigious competition for Napa Valley’s vineyard professionals.

​Scoring

​The Napa County pruning contest is the ultimate showcase of the talent, skill, and precision of our local vineyard workforce. Scoring is weighted with 72% of the eligible points awarded for technique and quality, and 38% for speed. This gives contestants the opportunity to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality, Napa Valley grape growing.

Rules in Spanish 
Rules in English

Prizes

Prize Packages for both Men's and Women's Divisions
Top Prize Package
  • $1,200 cash 
  • $250 gift card from Silicon Valley Bank
  • $125 gift card from H&E Equipment Services
  • $100 gift card from Sunbelt Rentals
  • Pruning contest champion belt buckle by Max Lang Custom Buckles
  • Pruning contest champion jacket and loppers provided by FELCO
  • Central Valley tools and supplies
  • Magnum Larkmead Vineyards

2nd Place Prize Package 
  • $800 cash 
  • $200 gift card from Silicon Valley Bank
  • $75 gift card from Sunbelt Rentals
  • FELCO vineyard loppers
  • Central Valley tools and supplies
  • Magnum Larkmead Vineyards

3rd Place Prize Package
  • $600 cash 
  • $150 gift card from Silicon Valley Bank
  • $50 gift card from Sunbelt Rentals
  • FELCO vineyard loppers
  • Central Valley tools and supplies
  • Napa Valley wine

4th Place Prize Package
  • $400 cash 
  • $100 gift card from Silicon Valley Bank
  • $50 gift card from Sunbelt Rental
  • Central Valley tools and supplies
  • Napa Valley wine

Sponsor the Pruning Contest

​Pruning Contest Sponsorship:If you would like to support this long-standing tradition of celebrating our vineyard workforce, connect with Jill Durfee, Farmworker Foundation Program Manager, or fill out this form.

Sponsors:

2023 Pruning Contest Champions

Women's Division​
1st Place
Alejandra Mendoza, Trefethen Family Vineyards​

2nd Place
Reyna Hernandez, Walsh Vineyard Management

3rd Place 
Ana Mejia, Trefethen Family Vineyards

4th Place
Irene Escoto, Trefethen Family Vineyards
Men's Division
1st Place 
Rene Alejo, FARM Napa Valley

2nd Place 
Jesús Alejandro Contreras, Pearls Farm Labor

3rd Place
Lorenzo Hernandez, Walsh Vineyard Management

4th Place
Sergio Melgoza, Rocca Family Wines

Press

"Napa Valley farmworkers gather for annual pruning contest"
- Danielle Wilde, Napa Valley Register
PHOTOS: 21st annual Napa County Pruning Contest
- Nick Otto, Napa Valley Register

Past Champions Spotlight​

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."​

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.”​