Coming off a wildly successful first International White Wine Festival last weekend, this Friday, February 21st, will see fierce and animated pruning as well as recognition, fun and prizes for all.
Philo, CA – February 19, 2025 — Pruning is integral in vineyard management and now those that make pruning happen are getting recognized in a big way by Bahco, a division of Snapon, and a major player in the international market for orchard and vineyard tools like secateurs, or pruners.
Pruners are judged on both speed and technique, with points deducted for mistakes such as split cuts, leftover mummies on the vine, or uncut watersprouts. At last year’s Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) competition, Gabriel Navarro of Roederer Estate took first place with an impressive time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds. He was closely followed by Rayundo Madueno in second place and Luis Barosa in third, both also from Roederer Estate, along with strong performances from Genaro Gomez of Toulouse Vineyards and Tomas Camarillo of Strictly Vineyards.
With their first sponsored pruning contest in Anderson Valley in 2023, Bahco has decided to jump into this lively competition in a big way with prizes including cash prizes, tools, trophies, electric pruners, and more. Bahco plans to happily provide all contestants with something to take home.
Mike Morrissey, national sales manager of Bahco, says his company sees great value in pruning contests. “They are good for the community and recognize those integral workers in rural areas with significant prizes,” Morrissey points out. “Not only are competitors judged on speed but precision cuts and consistency. And we have a good time with competition, food and fun for all.”
Bahco, and other lead sponsors California Vineyard Supply, Casa Cristal and Roederer Estate return to support Anderson Valley’s pruning contest on Friday, February 21st, 2025, at the esteemed Roederer Estate Vineyards. “We could not make this happen without the ongoing support of our vineyard management companies, including Atlas Vineyard Management, Philo Vineyard Solutions and Strictly Vineyard. These management companies do so much for the community throughout the year, and are offering the day off for their employees to enjoy time with their colleagues and take pride in their craft,” says AVWA Executive Director, Courtney DeGraff.
This event concludes Bahco’s commitment to pruning excellence this year following their participation in contests in Alexander Valley and Sonoma County, as well as the Central Coast. This, in addition to competitions for women in many markets, will continue to demonstrate Bahco’s vision of vineyard and orchard pruning as a crucial step in sustainable international best practices in farm management.
This year, the AVWA is proud to highlight its new scholarship program, supporting high school and college students from families working in the Anderson Valley wine industry. Made possible through generous partnerships with American Ag Credit and Atlas Vineyard Management, the program received additional funding from last weekend’s White Wine Festival. “We are grateful to collaborate with the Mendocino County Farm Bureau to administer this scholarship and look forward to announcing the recipients at the Vineyard Seminar during Pinot Fest in May,” says Courtney DeGraff.
Press participation is encouraged, and accommodations are available. Photos, a video & a summary from last year’s competition are available on AVWWINES.com
And it’s not too early to get tickets for the always sold-out Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival May 16-18, 2024 – early bird tickets are now available and end this month.
Anderson Valley is a major appellation of quality within Mendocino County, named the Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 24 vineyard, 68 winery and 58 associate members, the nonprofit organization operates with the goal of supporting the region’s premier grape growers and wineries, as well as promoting the region’s distinguished wines. In addition to acting as a resource for its members, the association aims to better its community by donating funds yearly to local nonprofit organizations.
~ Barbara Barrielle, Public Relations
press@avwines.com
~ Courtney DeGraff, Executive Director
courtney@avwines.com
