Viticulture & Safety

Farming Napa Valley’s specialty winegrape crop requires remarkable skill, expertise, and proficiency. Achieving professionalism at this level requires investment in continued education and advanced training opportunities for the vineyard workforce who uphold the region’s reputation for excellence. 

Our Viticulture & Safety programs connect practical knowledge with responsible vineyard management through hands-on, expert-led trainings. These programs increase winegrape quality and sustainability, build safer teams, support stronger operations, and foster a more resilient agricultural industry and community. 

Viticulture & Safety Programs

  • Safety in the vineyard is the highest priority for Napa Valley growers. Our Safety Training Program provides safety education designed specifically for vineyard crews and small agricultural companies. Trainings focuses on the real conditions farmworkers encounter in the vineyard, helping teams recognize risks, prevent accidents, and strengthen workplace safety culture. 

    These hands-on sessions ensure that workers and supervisors understand both the regulations and the day-to-day practices that keep crews safe. 

    Classes cover critical topics such as:

    • CPR

    • Equipment Safety

    • First Aid

    • Lockout/Tagout Procedures

    • Night-Harvest Safety Protocols

    • Pesticide Safety

    • Sexual Harassment Prevention

    • And so much more…

  • The Viticulture Program provides technical education that deepens understanding of the science, tools, and practices behind vineyard operations. 

    Courses strengthen practical skills while exploring the “why” behind critical vineyard decisions, connecting everyday practices, innovation, and industry trends to the broader context of vineyard management. By understanding why these practices matter, participants gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions that support quality, sustainability, and long-term vineyard success.

    For over two decades, the Napa County Pruning Contest has been an annual celebration of the skill, precision, and craftsmanship that define Napa Valley’s vineyards. Vineyard professionals gather to demonstrate their pruning expertise while building camaraderie across the agricultural community. Rooted in a long-standing tradition of excellence, the contest honors the disciplined craft, pride in workmanship, and deep knowledge required to steward Napa Valley’s vines season after season.

    More than a competition, the event creates a meaningful moment of recognition—bringing together vineyard teams, families, and industry partners to celebrate the individuals whose skill and dedication sustain the quality and legacy of Napa Valley’s wine industry. Top competitors are recognized with prizes that honor their craft and support their continued success, from cash awards and custom belt buckles to professional-grade tools and other thoughtful acknowledgments of their expertise.

    Viticulture education and recognition span a wide range of topics, with annual signature programs including: 

    • Field Days 

    • Napa County Pruning Contest

    • Private Application Certification Prep Classes 

    • Small Tool Maintenance and Repair Workshop 

    • The Why Behind Series – Climate Science, Wildfire Risk Reduction Practices, Pruning, and more 

    • Welding Boot Camp 

    • And more 

  • The Workplace Training Program supports healthy, productive vineyard workplaces by focusing on communication, leadership, and employee engagement. These sessions provide vineyard professionals with tools to strengthen teamwork, address challenges constructively, and create work environments where employees feel valued and motivated.

    Through practical workshops and discussions, participants explore strategies to improve job satisfaction, strengthen collaboration, and build a positive workplace culture across vineyard teams.

Viticulture & Safety Classes & Events

All offerings are free of charge to registered Napa County farmworkers, supporting both farmworkers and their families.

Recen Offerings