For the third time, a vineyard team member of Joseph Phelps Vineyards took first place in the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation sponsored annual pruning contest. In its 19th year, the men's division top honor was awarded to Manuel Tellez on February 8, 2020.

Over 160 contestants were entered in the competition between the men's and women's divisions. Each contestant was given five vines to trim and are ultimately judged both on their precision and decision-making skills as well as the speed at which they work. Joseph Phelps Vineyards was represented by five individuals: Manuel Tellez, Juan Carlos Monez, Casimiro Zaragoza Santa Cruz, Angel Lopez Garcia and Diana Reyes Carlos. In addition to Manuel Tellez winning the men's division, Casimiro Zaragoza Santa Cruz finished in the top eight.

Manuel joins two of his fellow Joseph Phelps team members, Omar Perez (2014) and Herman Hernandez (2003), in winning this prestigious competition. Congratulations Manuel!

Image (L to R): Joseph Phelps’ Vineyards Manuel Tellez, Beckstoffer Vineyard’s Isaac Gutierrez and Narcizo Maciel placed second and fourth, respectively, and FARM Napa Valley’s Rene Alejo placed third. Photo used by permission: Suzanne Becker Bronk.