Tsamouris, the Hand Tools Specialists©
In a thrilling display of skill and precision, 17 professional pruners from across Washington, DC, gathered at
the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center in Richland on March 9, 2024, for the first-ever
Washington State Pruning Competition. The event, a collaboration between Bahco, the leading
manufacturer of cutting tools and professional horticulture equipment, and Washington State University’s
Viticulture and Enology Program, aimed to honor the unnoticed heroes of the agricultural industry.
Pruning, a crucial task in winemaking that involves removing excess wood from vines to promote fruit
development and overall vine health, requires a keen eye and steady hand. The competition put the pruners’
abilities to the test, with judges evaluating the precision of their grapevine cuts, including the angle,
proximity to buds, and other key criteria.
Shaw Vineyards, the largest grower in Washington’s Red Mountain AVA, dominated the event, with their
employees sweeping the top three spots in both the men’s and women’s categories. The winners received
an impressive array of prizes, including cash, silver belt buckles, and specially crafted golden secateurs,
while all contestants took home Bahco pruning tools.
At Tsamouris, we are proud to offer Bahco’s world-class hand tools in Greece, designed for long-term use
and optimum performance.
The success of the inaugural Washington State Pruning Competition has set the stage for an even bigger
and better event in 2025.