The Napa County Pruning Contest

The Pruning Contest was created to recognize Napa’s farmworkers and let the world know how important they are to the quality reputation of Napa Valley vineyards. 

Winners take home cash; top-of-the-line vineyard tools; and many other prizes. The top pruners of each division also receive the coveted Pruning Contest champion belt buckle, designed especially for the occasion by Max Lang Custom Buckles.

2022 Recap
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2022 Pruning Contest Champions

Women's Division​
Men's Division
1st Place
Erika López
​Renteria Vineyard Management 

2nd Place
Verónica Medina Reyes
Bayview Vineyards

3rd Place 
Ana Mejía
Trefethen

4th Place
Rosa Martínez
Bettinelli Vineyards
1st Place 
Casimiro Zaragoza
Joseph Phelps

2nd Place 
Agustín Arías
Atlas Vineyard Management

3rd Place
Héctor Rodríguez
St. Supery Estate Vineyards

4th Place
Lorenzo Hernández Aquino
Walsh Vineyard Management 
Napa Valley Register Article

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.”​