The annual WineGB Pruning Competition is a great opportunity for viticulturists from the UK to get together to celebrate the art of pruning. This year the competition was hosted at Denbies Vineyard for the first time. It was great to see so many vineyard professionals come together on 6 March 2026 for the ‘Battle of the Secateurs’.
In weather which stayed mostly dry for the competition although not for the judging panel, competitors went head to head displaying their skills to the judges and the spectators.
The team competition was hotly contested with many visitors watching on to provide moral support and friendly banter. The competitors were given clear instructions from Lead Judge Luke Wolfe. “We want a crown bud and 10-14 buds on single canes but nothing outside this range,” he said. “Old dieback must be cut back flush, there will be zero tolerance and competitors will be marked down if this is not done accurately,” he warned. Luke finished with a word of encouragement for all the competitors: “Do the best job you can.”
James Dodson of VineWorks, a co-founder of the event said: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of all the viticulturists who get quality grapes to the winery door.”
Taking third place in the team event Brenley A achieved 80/100 points. The team from VineWorks took second place improving on their third place in the 2025 competition, but the winners with 88/100 points were the Plumpton College team of Ben Joseph Bell, Charlie Wilcox and Chris Rudwick. As members of the Plumpton College Apprenticeship course the team had plenty of support on the day especially from Vineyard Manager and Lecturer David Blake who was on hand to see the worthy winners collect the trophy.
The excellent spirit in which the competition is conducted was illustrated by the friendly in-house rivalry, with some vineyards entering multiple teams with ‘bragging rights’ just as important as the trophy. Gusbourne Entered three teams and there were two teams from Brenley. The other entrants in the team competition were MDCV, Vinescapes, Albury, Davenport, Denbies, Plumpton, Vineworks and new entrants Abingworth Vineyard.
The competition is not limited to teams and a solo pruning event was also held. The entrants for the solo competition included Zoe Evans of Rowton Vineyard who entered the solo competition for the first time. Having travelled from Shropshire “I am representing the Midlands and North,” she said with a laugh. Zoe admitted that the weather at Rowton has been so poor they had not completed their pruning yet but that she had still been practising for the competition with the help of her sister Mel who “has been holding
the stop watch.”
Dragus Nitu repeated his 2025 performance taking first place with 85/100 points, Ben Ralph came second with 84/100 and Daniel Bojun took third place with 82/100. The top three competitors being separated by only three points led to Like Wolfe declaring that the standard of the competition has increased.
It was mentioned by several in attendance that the competition was a great chance for those working in viticulture, which can be quite a solitary profession, to get together, celebrate, have fun and exchange ideas as the season begins.
The opportunity to celebrate vineyard skills was appreciated by everyone including the judges. Lead judge Luke Wolfe, assisted by Matt Strugnell, Ian Speirs, John Manicini, Jim Pritchard, Joel Jorgensen and Cameron Roucher worked tirelessly despite the torrential downpours that occurred just after pruning finished and the judging began.
Joel Jorgensen said: “The competition sets the bar and allows competitors and spectators to benchmark their own vineyard skills.”
William Robb, Denbies Assistant Vineyard Manager with responsibility for the block being pruned said he was delighted to see the vines being used for the competition.
“Pruning along with other vineyard skills are vital but they are hidden in individual vineyards across England and Wales so it is encouraging to see the level of skill displayed and being celebrated at this industry competition,” said Luke.
The day was fantastic for all those who took part and it was great to see so many spectators enjoying the atmosphere and celebrating the hard work that goes on in vineyards not just at pruning but throughout the year. The event is really important for the development of the industry and James Dodson said: “I would like to say a special thank you to all the sponsors.
Also thanks must go to Denbies who have allowed us to brutalise their vines,” he said raising a laugh among the gathered crowd.
The winners were provided with some fantastic Felco prizes donated by NP Seymour who were there on the day to support the event. “We are pleased to be a sponsor of this fantastic event that showcases the skill and dedication of viticulturists across England and Wales,” said Claire Seymour, Sales Director at NP Seymour.
It is important that support for this event continues to grow just as the area under vine increases. It takes a huge amount of effort to organise the event and Luke Wolfe was quick to point out that “the amount of work that James Dodson puts in is underestimated.” Wine competitions are plentiful but it is very difficult to make good wine from bad grapes and the pruning competition is a chance to shine a spotlight on the highly skilled viticulturists quietly working in vineyards across England and Wales. It is essential that this event thrives and that sponsors continue their support, that spectator and competitor numbers continue to increase and that vineyards around England and Wales volunteer to host what is a celebration of those who work so hard to improve the quality of grapes produced year on year.
