The WineGB Pruning Competition, affectionately known as the Battle of the Secateurs, is taking place in March 2023. Good grape-vine pruning is integral to the production of top-quality wine and maintaining vineyard health. WineGB is keen to recognise the skill and know-how of the best pruners in the UK.

Developed to encourage high standards in the vineyard and celebrate the art of pruning, this competition allows both teams and individuals to show off their pruning skills and battle it out to win the coveted title of Vine Pruner of the Year.

Last year, the ‘Golden Secateurs Trophy’ was awarded to Brenley, with Ridgeview in second place, and Gusbourne and Simpsons in joint third.

Events, Fees & Rules

Championship team event: Teams of three pruners (limited to 12 entries)
Individual event: Single pruners (limited to 12 entries)

Fees:
WineGB member team entry (£30), WineGB member individual entry (£10)
WineGB non-member team entry (£60), WineGB non-member individual entry (£20)
* Select ‘WineGB member’ if the vineyard/winery you work for is a member of WineGB. You may also select WineGB member if you are a trade, individual or student member of WineGB. Select ‘non-member’ if you work for a vineyard/winery that is not a member of WineGB.

Further information:
Each team or individual will prune a minimum of five vines in 10 minutes (pruner, cane puller, trimmer & tie).

Cash prizes and pruning equipment will be awarded for first, second and third place finishes in both competitions.

For the 2023 competition rules and judging criteria, please click here.

Refreshments, including pork burgers, sausages and a vegetarian option, along with craft beer and soft drinks, will be provided during the awards ceremony at the end.

Spectators are welcome. Please bring £5 in cash to contribute towards the cost of food & drink.

Sponsors

We are very grateful to our sponsors who support the running of this competition and contribute to prizes and refreshments. This year, our sponsors are: Agrii, Bedlam Brewery, Felco, Gripple, Hadley Group, NFU Mutual, N.P. Seymour, Pépinières Tourette, Tuckwells, and Vineyard Magazine.

Enter the competition

You can enter as a team or as an individual. Please use the relevant form below.

Entries close on 10 March.

For further details, please email Phoebe.

Team Entry

Individual Entry