Bahco sponsors pruning contests in California and the Pacific Northwest

Tool manufacturer Bahco is expanding its sponsorship of vineyards and wineries across California and the Pacific Northwest with several pruning competitions beginning in February

The Napa County Pruning Contest on Feb. 8 kicked off the first of several events in 2025 for Bahco in California, Oregon and Washington.

“Our goal is to continue working together with professional pruners and vineyards to develop pruning tools that help them work as safely, comfortably and efficiently as possible,” said Mike Morrissey, pruning national sales manager for Bahco. “Our involvement in these pruning contests is a great way to recognize these workers and organizations for all that they do, and we look forward to continue earning their trust as the brand of choice for vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. These pruning competitions are world-class events that attract the finest wine-making organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest, and we’re proud to play our part to help advance the profession forward.”

Bahco is sponsoring the following pruning contests:

• Feb. 8: Napa County Pruning Contest
• Feb. 21: Anderson Valley Pruning Contest
• Feb. 26: Sonoma County Pruning Championship
• March 8: Willamette Valley Pruning Contest
• March 11: Washington State University Pruning Contest
  

Most of these events attract 40 to 50 professional pruners representing vineyards of all sizes, while the Sonoma County Pruning Championship is expected to draw up to 140 participants.   

The aim of these competitions is to shine a spotlight on the role of professional pruners in the wine-making process, as well as further solidifying relationships among vineyards, academic institutions and Bahco. Pruning is an important task in winemaking that involves removing excess wood from a vine to enhance the development of fruit and improve overall vine health. 

Participants are typically judged on the precision of their grapevine cuts, including the angle of cuts, proximity of cuts in relation to buds and other criteria. Cash prizes and tools from Bahco and  Snap-on will be awarded to high-performing competitors, and the contestants with the most perfect prune will walk away with a trophy in the form of a custom-made metal belt buckle.

Participants will also have the opportunity to prune with the new Bahco P8R-20 secateurs. Launched in late 2024, the P8R-20 was designed based on input from vineyard workers in Northern California, Sonoma and Napa Valley. Developing the new tool was a multi-year process, including several rounds of field testing for prototypes. The Bahco development team observed how vineyard workers interacted with the tool, then spoke with them to get feedback. A handful of workers from several vineyards were asked to work with prototypes for an entire pruning season for more insight into long-term use.

A major design feature is the blade shape that enhances functionality and access. The P8R-20 features a small, straight-cutting head for precise cutting of branches up to 3/4-inch thick. Its pointed tip also provides flexibility for pruning in tight spaces. Other features include excellent handle size and ergonomics, a rotating handle that requires less force and finished with an anti-slip textured material.

Based in Paris, France, Bahco is a manufacturer of tools, cutting tools, saws and other equipment that provides tailored solutions and meets the needs of professionals working in various green and horticulture industries. Bahco is one of 28 brands that are part of Snap-on.

Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users.

Organizations interested in signing up its workers to participate in any of these upcoming pruning contests can email Mike Morrissey at Mike.morrissey@snapon.com.