Why Recognition Matters
​Farmworkers are the center of Napa Valley's agricultural success, yet farmworker contributions often go unseen. With these awards, the Foundation aims to shine a light on the incredible work and celebrate the unique talents and efforts farmworkers bring to the industry at large. Through recognition, the Foundation uplifts the spirit of our community and ensures that the voices of these dedicated individuals are heard, appreciated, and valued.

The Farmworker Foundation’s signature awards are our way of:

  • Building Community - Create a supportive and inspiring learning environment among vineyard workers, fostering camaraderie, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging.

  • Elevating the Profession - Highlight the deep expertise and vital role of vineyard workers within the broader community, emphasizing their critical contributions to the success of the Napa Valley wine industry.

  • Encouraging Professional Growth - Acknowledge and celebrate vineyard workers who actively participate in educational workshops, seminars, and professional development programs provided by the Foundation, showcasing their commitment to learning and personal growth.

  • Preserving Legacies - Capture and safeguard the rich experiences and contributions of the current generation of farmworkers, ensuring that their stories and legacies endure for future generations.

Farmworker Recognition & Awards

Now Accepting Nominations for the Napa Valley Farmworker of the Year Award! Nominate someone today and help us celebrate Napa's farmworkers!!

Napa Valley Farmworker of the Year

We are proud to announce the inaugural Farmworker of the Year award. This annual recognition honors an individual whose dedication, leadership, and excellence have made a lasting impact on Napa Valley’s vineyard workforce. Across every vineyard, there are individuals who lead with skill, heart, and purpose. Now is the time to recognize them.

This prestigious award celebrates a Napa County farmworker who exemplifies:

  • Excellence in the Vineyard – A deep understanding of viticultural best practices and a consistent commitment to quality work.

  • Exceptional Leadership – Demonstrated leadership in the workplace, whether through a formal supervisory role or peer influence.

  • Investment in the Community – A meaningful and ongoing commitment to supporting and uplifting their community.

  • Dedication to Learning – A passion for personal growth through education and a desire to help others learn and thrive.

This award recognizes not only career achievement but also the spirit of service, mentorship, and excellence that strengthens Napa’s wine industry.

Napa Valley Farmworker of the Year Award Criteria & Details

Nomination Criteria

  • Nomination Period: June 16 – July 11

  • Eligibility:

    • Any farmworker currently working in Napa County is eligible for nomination.

  • Selection Process:

    • Nominations will be reviewed by a dedicated Award Committee comprised of FWF Board members, Education Committee members, and respected community representatives.

    • The Farmworker of the Year will be announced in October to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month.

    • Key Dates

      • Nomination Period: June 16 – July 11

      • Award Selection: July 23,

      • Public Announcement: October 15

      • Awards Dinner: November 14

Award Winner Recognition:

The Farmworker of the Year will be formally recognized at a special awards dinner on November 14th, held in conjunction with CULTIVAR.

The recipient will be invited to attend with their family and will be presented with a commemorative gift and a cash prize in recognition of their exceptional contributions.

In addition, the honoree’s story will be spotlighted and shared across the Napa Valley wine industry, offering opportunities for professional networking, increased visibility, and personal development.

All Nominees Will Receive:

  • A personalized letter & certificate honoring their outstanding nomination.

  • Recognition at CULTIVAR

  • Recognition on the FWF Website.

Vineyard Champion

Throughout the year, we celebrate Napa Valley farmworkers who embrace personal and professional development through education and recognize them as Vineyard Champions. Each year, the Vineyard Champion Award recipients receive prestigious recognition and valuable opportunities for networking and professional development within the wine industry..

Criteria & Selection Process

Vineyard Champions are thoughtfully chosen through a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the Foundation’s Education Committee and staff.

  • A deep commitment to continuous learning

  • Active participation in Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation workshops and programs

  • Engagement in professional development opportunities

  • Dedication to excellence in viticulture practices

  • Actively participates in Farmworker Foundation workshops

  • Pursues professional development opportunities

  • Leads by example in the vineyard

Know someone who fits the bill? We’d love to meet them!

Reach out to Rocío Escobedo at rescobedo@farmworkerfoundation.org.


2025 Vineyard Champions

2024 Vineyard Champions

  • Rafael Barboza, Silver Oak 

  • Patty De la Cruz, Silver Oak 

  • Ana Mejía, Trefethen Family Vineyards 

  • Irene Escoto, Trefethen Family Vineyards 

  • Alejandra Martínez, Trefethen Family Vineyards 

  • Celia Pérez, V. Sattui 

  • Guadalupe Morales, Cliff Lede  

  • Juan Rodríguez, Chappellet Vineyard 

2023 Vineyard Champions

2022 Vineyard Champions

  • Arlee González, Bazán Vineyard Management

  • Gloria Camacho, Bazán Vineyard Management

  • Graciela Tinajero, Bazán Vineyard Management

  • María Cazares, Bazán Vineyard Management

  • Maura Arce Aguilar, Bazán Vineyard Management

  • Porfirio Martínez, Carpenter Vineyards

  • Fernando Delgado, Michael Wolf Vineyards Management

  • Fernando Díaz, Paradigm

  • Leopoldo Ceja, Jackson Family Wines

  • Sergio Yancor, John Derr Farming

  • Willson Yancor, John Derr Farming

  • Rosbin Yancor, John Derr Farming

  • Sandra Marin, Walsh VIneyards Management

  • Araceli Marin, Walsh VIneyards Management

  • Yesenia Marin, Walsh VIneyards Management

Napa County Pruning Contest Champions

The Napa County Pruning Contest is a community celebration of talent, skill, and precision in vineyard care.

​Scoring emphasizes both technique and quality, allowing contestants to showcase their deep commitment to one of the most essential practices in Napa Valley grape growing.

The winners of this contest are true artisans, aware that each careful cut plays a pivotal role in shaping the health and yield of future harvests. Pruning is an art that blends knowledge with intuition, and the champions exemplify the highest standards of vineyard craftsmanship.

Farmworkers cultivate a brighter, bountiful future for the county's vines with every expertly placed snip.​

Napa County Pruning Contest Champions

2025 ​Napa County Pruning Contest Champions - Women

  • 1st - Maria Esther Pérez - Renteria Vineyard Management

  • 2nd - Celia Martinez Lorenzo - Bayview Vineyard

  • 3rd - Yuritzi Hernandez - Walsh Vineyards Management

  • 4th - Angelina García - Bayview Vineyard

2025 ​Napa County Pruning Contest Champions - Men 

  • 1st - Salvador Eduardo Sánchez Raya - Gonzalez Vineyard

  • 2nd - Jesus Sánchez Perez - Renteria Vineyard Management

  • 3rd - Jose Ivan Flores, - FARM Napa Valley

  • 4th - Benjamin Correa Perez - Atlas Vineyard Management

2024 ​Napa County Pruning Contest Champions - Women

  • 1st - Ana Mejia - Trefethen Family Vineyards

  • 2nd - Rubi Reyes Hernandez - Gonzalez Vineyard Management

  • 3rd - Guadalupe Gutierrez - Renteria Vineyard Management

  • 4th - Cristina Arroyo - Renteria Vineyard Management

2024 ​Napa County Pruning Contest Champions - Men 

  • 1st - Guadalupe Soriano - Atlas Vineyard Management

  • 2nd - Benjamin Marron - Bettinelli Vineyards

  • 3rd - Julio Alonso - Hardin Vineyard Management

  • 4th - Jesús Sánchez - Renteria Vineyard Management​

2023 Napa County Pruning Contest Champions - Women 

  • 1st - Alejandra Mendoza- Trefethen Family Vineyards

  • 2nd - Reyna Hernández - Walsh Vineyard Management 

  • 3rd - Ana Mejía - Trefethen Family Vineyards

  • 4th - Irene Escoto - Trefethen Family Vineyards

2023 Napa County Pruning Contest Champions - Men

  • 1st - Casimiro Zaragoza - Joseph Phelps 

  • 2nd - Agustín Arias - Atlas Vineyard Management

  • 3rd - Hector Rodríguez - St. Supéry Estate Vineyards

  • 4th - Lorenzo Hernández Aquino - Walsh Vineyard Management

​Scholar of the Year Award

This prestigious award recognizes farmworkers who have completed the most educational hours and attended the most classes through the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s programs over the past year. These individuals excel in daily work and are committed to advancing education — understanding that learning is key to personal and professional growth. This person demonstrates the transformative power of education on lives, families, and the agricultural community. Each year, the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s Scholar of the Year award is presented at the three-day Cultivar leadership and management conference. 

Scholar of the Year Awards Recipients:

2024

  • Ana Montecillo Kerrigan, Piña Vineyard Management

  • Eliezer Castellanos, Domain Services

  • Cornelio Bocanegra, Domain Services


2023 

  • ​Gonzalo Camacho, Silver Oak 

  • Willson Yancor, John Deer Farming 

  • Guadalupe Morales, Cliff Lede 


2022 

  • Porfirio Martínez, Carpenter Vineyards