May 21, 2025 — Now concluding its third and final year, Lake County Pruning School (LCPS) has been a valuable hands-on training opportunity for vineyard professionals seeking expert-led methods in vine pruning for vineyard quality, sustainability, and longevity.
Presented by the Lake County Winegrape Commission and delivered by internationally renowned vine master pruners Simonit & Sirch, the program welcomed nearly 300 participants from Lake County and beyond.
Grounded in Simonit & Sirch’s four core principles—controlled branching, vascular flow, small cuts & crown buds, and protective spare wood—the program offered immersive, classes (English and Spanish) limited to 15 participants per session to foster one-on-one mentorship and collaborative learning.
In response to participant feedback, LCPS expanded to include three tailored levels of training:
- Introductory – spur pruning
- Intermediate – cane pruning and young vines
- Advanced – head-trained vines
An analysis of the demo block at Beckstoffer Vineyards – Red Hills highlighted the impact of the Simonit & Sirch’s method. Side-by-side comparison of vines pruned using their approach delivered slightly higher yields and significantly improved phenolic development than those of the adjacent traditionally pruned vines.
The program garnered international media attention and was featured in publications such as Decanter, The Vintner Project, Wine Align, Napa Valley Life, and Triangle Around Town.
This innovative, first-of-its-kind regional partnership with Simonit & Sirch attracted inquiries from other winegrowing regions across North America seeking to bring similar educational programs to their areas.
A heartfelt thank you to all who made LCPS a success—especially Beckstoffer Vineyards – Red Hills, Shannon Ranches, Zoller Vineyard, and Dancing Crow Vineyard for generously hosting classes in dedicated vineyard blocks on their sites.
