NAPA, CA (February 13, 2025) – The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation hosted the 23rd Annual Napa County Pruning Contest at Treasury Wine Estate’s Beringer Vineyards Gamble Ranch on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Against a picturesque backdrop, 123 contestants, 35 women and 88 men, demonstrated extraordinary skill and precision in this prestigious Napa Valley competition. “It’s a great opportunity that the company gives us to represent the work we do in the vineyard. It’s really special to be with our colleagues at an event that celebrates the hardworking people who come to this country to grow and learn. It’s a wonderful experience,” said one competitor.
Congratulations to the 2025 Champions
The event brought the community together in a heartfelt celebration of the artistry and dedication of Napa’s vineyard workforce. During the preliminary round, competitors pruned five vines, with the highest scorers advancing to a thrilling final championship round. The competition concluded with four winners in both the women’s and men’s divisions.
Women’s Division: 1st Place: Maria Esther Pérez, Renteria Vineyard Management; 2nd Place: Celia Martinez Lorenzo, Bayview Vineyards; 3rd Place: Yuritzi Hernandez, Walsh Vineyards; and 4th Place: Angelina García, Bayview Vineyards.
Men’s Division: 1st Place: Salvador Eduardo Sánchez Raya, Gonzalez Vineyard Management; 2nd Place: Jesús Sánchez Perez, Renteria Vineyard Management; 3rd Place: José Iván Flores, FARM Napa Valley; and 4th Place: Benjamín Correa Pérez, Atlas Vineyard Management.
Prizes included cash up to $1,500 for first place, a custom-made silver belt buckle designed by Max Lang, premium vineyard tools from Bahco, Central Valley, and Vineyard Industry Products as well as gift cards from Silicon Valley, Sunbelt Rentals and Napa Valley wine from Arador and Larkmead Vineyards.
An inspiring highlight this year was Salvador Eduardo Sánchez Raya, who returned with renewed determination and skill, claiming the top spot in the men’s division. After winning, he commented, “I had competed before, but this year I approached the contest with more confidence. I have been working in the vineyard for 23 years and am very happy to achieve this recognition.”
“The competitors today represent the highest level of skilled farmworkers in the world. Pruning might seem easy, but it takes years to hone these skills and requires a lot of training and investment to achieve this level of specialized proficiency and professionalism. Every year, we are learning new techniques and like that of a surgeon, pruners must make cuts with precision and expertise to ensure the long-term quality and health of Napa Valley vineyards. Contestants show up to this competition ready to compete and showcase their skill, and the amount of pride shown by all this year was an inspiration.” shared Arnulfo Solorio, Vice President and founder of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation.
An Inspirational Day for the Community
One competitor shared, “I am proud to be here because I’ve been working in the vineyards for seven years, and honestly, it makes me really happy. I’ve been participating for five years, and it’s truly an incredible experience. It feels great to have the support of so many companies making this possible. Seeing everyone coming together, showcasing their skills and talents with so much enthusiasm, is amazing. I’m grateful to be part of it.”
Adding to the event’s energy, KVON/MegaMix Radio captured in the moment interviews from Farmworker Foundation leadership, community organizations, finalists, and sponsors that will be broadcast this week. “This event underscores the vital contributions of farmworkers to Napa Valley’s world-renowned vineyards. Pruning is the most important vineyard activity of the season and this year’s competitors were among the best we’ve ever had. Hosting this contest is an honor and the community spirit displayed on Saturday felt like a burst of positivity and enthusiasm,” shared Sonya DeLuca, the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation’s Executive Director and CEO.
Ten community organizations also participated in sharing valuable information and services including Communicare+OLE, Puertas Abiertas, Napa Valley Community Housing, Napa County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, and more.
Support and Gratitude
The Napa County Pruning Contest is made possible through a partnership with the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the generosity of many sponsors. This year the show of support for the farm working community was at an all-time high and included: A&J Vineyard Supply, Ag Health Benefits Alliance, Bahco, Brotemarkle, Davis & Co., California Human Development, Central Valley, Copper Cane LLC, Duarte Nursery, Gonzalez Vineyard Management, Green Valley Tractor, Nemerever Vineyards, Nordby Construction, Pearls Farm Labor Inc., MIV, Sunbelt Rentals, Taddei Vineyards, Trejo, Vineyard Industry Products, Vista Vineyard Management and Zepvine.
Appreciation also goes to the event committee members led by co-chairs Kendall Smith of Matthiasson and Macy Stubstad of Lawrence Wine Estates, site host Treasury Wine Estates, and the many community and industry volunteers who contributed to its success.
For more information about the Pruning Contest or the Foundation’s educational programs, please contact Sonya DeLuca, Executive Director and CEO.
About the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, founded by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in 2011, supports and promotes Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development. It is the first organization in the United States to provide life-changing educational opportunities, advanced training programs, leadership and management classes, and adult literacy programs. The Foundation reaches nearly 3,000 farmworkers annually and, since its inception, has provided education and professional development opportunities to over 28,000 vineyard workers and their families. For more information about the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, visit www.farmworkerfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
