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