HEALDSBURG, Calif. (February 13, 2024) – Alexander Valley Winegrowers is pleased to announce that the 24th Annual Pruning Contest will take place on February 13, 2024 at Hoot Owl Creek/Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg. New this year: we have added a Women’s Pruning Contest, which will follow the men’s contest. There are women who work in our vineyards too and we want to support and highlight their hard work as well. In holding two separate contests, we hope more women will be encouraged to come out and participate. Industry and community leaders are invited to attend to support the participants. The contest will be followed by an awards ceremony and casual lunch in the vineyards in Alexander Valley.
Originally conceived as a competition among Sonoma County appellations in 1999, Alexander Valley Winegrowers has proudly upheld this tradition for 24 years, standing as the sole appellation with a dedicated regional pruning contest. This year marks the inception of the 1st Annual Women’s Pruning Contest, an initiative supported by BAHCO/Snap On Tools, our Grand Sponsor, set to make this tradition more inclusive for years to come.
“We want to highlight the professional skills and hard work of the people working in our vineyards. They are the reason we can produce amazing fruit. They are an invaluable part of this industry.” explains Mark Houser, retired Vineyard Manager at Alexander Valley Vineyards, and past President of the Alexander Valley Winegrowers.
Participation in this event increases each year and this year we’re expecting 25+ pruners due to the fact we have the largest prize money to date! Registration is now open for pruning contestants. All members of the Alexander Valley Winegrowers are encouraged to enter their pruners into the contest.
The growing number of contestants contributes to the momentum of the event, but it is really the donors and sponsors who have allowed this tradition to thrive. Each year Alexander Valley wineries, winegrowers, and community partners donate logoed gear and cash prizes for the participants. All participants walk away with swag, but only the top 6 winners are awarded substantial prize money. For the past two years, however, we have made it a priority to reward even small cash prizes to all participants. This year, first place can bring anywhere from $650-$800!
The contest is followed by awards and a lunch at Hoot Owl Creek/Alexander Valley Vineyards. For more details, please visit: https:/1/alexandervalley.org/
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About Alexander Valley Winegrowers
Alexander Valley Winegrowers is a community of winegrowers and winemakers sharing generations of family, history, and traditions dedicated to world-class winegrowing in the Alexander Valley. Alexander Valley Winegrowers is committed to promoting, protecting, and creating awareness of the premium quality wine grapes grown and wines produced in the Alexander Valley Appellation. Founded in 1984, Alexander Valley Winegrowers represents 30 wineries, 77 winegrowers, and 24 community partners. To learn more about the Alexander Valley Winegrowers, visit: AlexanderValley.org
