First woman competes in the 18th Sonoma County Pruning Championship

Vineyard workers were judged on speed as well as the accuracy of the cuts on the blocks of pinot noir vines.|
BILL SWINDELL
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Fifty-six local vineyard workers Friday participated in the 18th annual Sonoma County Pruning Championship at the Sunnyview Vineyard in Santa Rosa.

Top, Monserrat Diaz of Vinepro Vineyard Management competes as the first female participant in the grapevine pruning contest. Above left, Barbara Petersen of Hoot Owl Creek Vineyards in Alexander Valley unsticks herself from the mud after coordinating timers. Above right, Jorge Rodriguez of Stonestreet Winery competes.

The workers were judged on their speed as well as the accuracy of the cuts on the blocks of pinot noir vines. Top participants received prizes.

The winner was Gerardo Pantoja of Atlas Vineyard Management; followed by Victor G. Bernardino Martinez of Bevill Vineyard Management; Luis Abrego of Cornerstone Certified Vineyard; and Jaime Castro Montiel of Seghesio Family Vineyards.

The event, sponsored by the Sonoma County Winegrowers trade group, previously had been held at Shone Farm in Forestville.

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