2023 Napa County Pruning Contest - Saturday, February 4

Register to compete in the 21st annual Napa County Pruning Contest, a benchmark event that recognizes the skill and quality of work that Napa County Farmworkers are known for. 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.

Register to Compete

Registration is limited to three competitors per company, per division (mens and womens). A company may register three men and three women. A completed registration form is required for each competitor. An email confirmation will be sent to you upon receipt. The deadline to register is February 1, 2023. 
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

Prize Packages 
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
  • Napa Valley wine

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
  • Napa Valley wine

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

4th Place Prize Package
  • $400 cash 
  • $100 gift card from Silicon Valley Bank
  • $50 gift card from Sunbelt Rental
  • Central Valley tools and supplies
Share the News
Please share this printable flyer in English and Spanish.

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:

2022 Recap
​

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.”​