Stepping into the winner's circle for Six Sigma Ranch's Pruning competition on Saturday, March 5, 2011, are, from left to right: Adan Gonzales, Snows Lake; Arturo Martinez, Shannon Ridge; Luis Fajardo, Shannon Ridge; Angie Arcaya, Walnut Creek; Dennis Fay, Kelseyville; and Jeffrey Wilmore, Novato. Photo courtesy of Six Sigma.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Professional and amateur pruners came together on Saturday, March 5, for Six Sigma Ranch’s fourth annual Pruning and Pastries event.

This year the winter pruning event was kicked-off by a spirited competition among Lake County’s top professional pruners.

Volunteering their time and expertise to judge the event were Glenn McGourty, UC Cooperative Extension Winegrowing and Plant Science Farm Advisor for Lake and Mendocino Counties, and Steve Tylicki, general manager and viticulturist, Steele Wines.

Joy Merrilees, assistant winemaker for Steele Wines, was the judging recorder.

In the professional category, first place went to Luis Fajardo, Shannon Ridge; second place, Arturo Martinez, Shannon Ridge; and third place, Adan Gonzales, Snows Lake.

Each winning pro received a cash prize provided by Six Sigma Ranch and a pair of professional pruning clippers donated by Kelseyville Lumber.

The event took place just inside the Six Sigma Ranch gate in Michael’s Vineyard where Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown.

Moore Family Winery, Bella Vista Farming Company, Snows Lake Vineyard and Shannon Ridge were represented at the competition.

Winning amateur competitors included Dennis Fay, Kelseyville, first place; Jeffrey Wilmore, Novato, second place and Angie Arcaya, Walnut Creek, third place.

Prior to the competition, judges McGourty and Tylicki outlined the judging criteria, namely speed and pruning accuracy, and announced that each pro would be assigned six vines to prune.

Competition coordinator Christian Ahlmann of Six Sigma Ranch sounded the start, triggering a flurry of snipping and canes being tossed aside.

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While the results of the professional competition were being judged, the “beginner” pruners gathered for a pruning demonstration lead by Six Sigma Ranch Winemaker Matt Hughes.

Following a hands-on practice session, those up to a challenge stepped forward and joined the amateur contest.

Based on the positive feedback from the pros and amateurs, Six Sigma Ranch has announced the competition will become a permanent part of its annual “Pruning and Pastries” event.

The 2012 event will be held on Saturday, March 3.