Every year the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance sponsors the Sonoma-Marin Young Farmers & Ranchers Youth Pruning Contest and Viticulture Challenge.   It is open to all Sonoma County youth, 4-H, Future Farmers of America and High School Viticulture Students in various age brackets.  PGWA pays for the plaque and medal for the 16-19 year old age group, in the spirit of encouraging these young students to consider a career in viticulture.  This year there were two winners:  Mari Suazo and Jesus Martinez-Diaz. Mari accepted our offer to tell her story.

Where do you live and what school do you attend?  What grade are you in?  Tell us about what you like to do in your spare time.

I currently live in Sonoma Valley and am a senior at Sonoma Valley High School. In my free time, I like to spend time with my animals. I currently am raising two market lambs and a dairy heifer. I also like to spend time doing activities and going on adventures with my family and friends.

How did you get interested in tending and pruning grapevines? Why did you enter the Youth Pruning Contest?

I got into pruning grape vines through my local 4-H club. When I first joined the club at ten, I joined the viticulture project, and it quickly became something I really enjoyed. I have done it every year, and unfortunately, just competed in my last competition.

What is it like to prune grapevines? Do you enjoy it?

I really enjoy pruning grape vines, it’s interesting to learn about the different types of vines and how you prune the different types. It’s kind of a logistical thing, and it makes you think on your feet while also trying to be fast.

Do you have any specific plans or goals following graduation from high school?

After graduation, I plan on attending the SRJC to study animal science and later transfer to a four-year college. With this degree, I hope to pursue a career in livestock veterinary or animal nutrition for large animals.