2025 Napa County Pruning Contest
Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation celebrated its 23rd Annual Napa County Pruning Contest on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
The Napa County pruning contest is the ultimate showcase of talent, skill, and precision. Champions are scored using a formula weighted for technique and quality, allowing contestants to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality Napa Valley grape growing.
Appreciation also goes to the event committee members led by co-chairs Kendall Smith of Matthiasson and Macy Stubstad of Lawrence Wine Estates and the many community and industry volunteers who contributed to its success.
Thank you to Treasury Estates for hosting for 23 years and to their terrific team for all of the event set-up and support.
Congratulations to the 2025 Champions!
Women’s Division:
1st Place: María Esther Pérez, Renteria Vineyard Management
2nd Place: Celia Martínez Lorenzo, Bayview Vineyard
3rd Place: Yurítzi Hernández, Walsh Vineyards Management
4th Place: Angelina García, Bayview Vineyard
Men’s Division:
1st Place: Salvador Eduardo Sánchez Raya, Gonzalez Vineyard
2nd Place: Jesús Sánchez Pérez, Renteria Vineyard Management
3rd Place: José Ivan Flores, FARM Napa Valley
4th Place: Benjamín Correa Pérez, Atlas Vineyard Management
Thank you to the 2025 Napa County Pruning Contest Partners
Thank you to our annual contest partner!
Thank you to our 2025 site host!
Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation will celebrate its 24th Annual Napa County Pruning Contest in February 2026.
The Napa County pruning contest is the ultimate showcase of talent, skill, and precision. Scoring is weighted for technique and quality, allowing contestants to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality Napa Valley grape growing.
This special community-building event includes live broadcasting from KVON/MegaMix radio, lunch from El Muchacho Alegre, and resources from community organizations.
Sponsor the Napa County Pruning Contest
Pruning Contest Sponsorship: To support this cherished tradition honoring the vineyard workforce, please complete the 2026 Napa Valley Pruning Contest sponsor coming soon form or contact Jill Durfee, the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation Program Manager.
Napa County Pruning Contest Committee
Macy Stubstad, Co-Chair, Lawrence Wine Estates
Kendall Smith, Co-Chair, Matthiasson
Gustavo Aviña, Pine Ridge Vineyards
Brianna Beighle, Bryant Wines
Pam Bond, Allied Grape Growers
Garrett Buckland, Premiere Viticulture
Chad Clark, Allied Grape Growers
Roberto Juárez, Moulds Family Vineyard
Joe Nasharr, Constellation Brands
Hayden Schmidter, Moulds Family Vineyard
Arnulfo Solorio, Silverado Farming Company
Lindsey Wallingford, St. Helena Winery
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."
Past Champion Spotlights
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.”
