Sonoma County Pruning Championship Introduces New "Quality Award," Honoring the Legacy of Vineyard Leader Kirk Lokka with Custom Gold FELCO 6 Pruners

SONOMA, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 10, 2026 / The Sonoma County Pruning Championship will present its first‑ever "Quality Award" to the top male and top female pruning competitors at its annual event on February 25, 2026. The newly established award honors the life, work, and enduring influence of the late Kirk Lokka, one of Sonoma County's most respected vineyard managers and a longtime champion of precision pruning.

Kirk Lokka dedicated decades of his career to elevating vineyard farming standards across Sonoma County. Known for his deep viticultural knowledge, hands‑on mentorship, and unwavering commitment to quality, he served as a vineyard manager for some of the region's most esteemed properties. Kirk often said, "Quality first. I don't care if you finish first or last." His philosophy shaped the training of countless vineyard workers and helped strengthen the region's reputation for excellence.

For many years, Kirk also served as a lead judge at the Sonoma County Pruning Championship, where his sharp eye, fairness, and passion for the craft made him a beloved figure among competitors. Following his passing, the community established the Kirk Lokka Memorial Fund to support vineyard education, worker development, and the continuation of the pruning contest he cared for so deeply. His legacy lives on not only in the vineyards he helped shape, but in the people he inspired.

Kirk's son, Riggs Lokka, has stepped into his father's role with pride and purpose as the Sonoma County Pruning Championship event organizer. Riggs continues the family commitment to honoring skilled vineyard workers and celebrating the craftsmanship that defines Sonoma County viticulture.

"We believe that organizing and hosting pruning contests is incredibly important to the employees who mean so much to the wine industry," said Riggs Lokka. "This event showcases their hard work and dedication to the excellence found in every bottle of wine. Vineyard employees are some of the most skilled people in the workforce and should continually be recognized for their efforts in providing the highest‑quality product."

The new Quality Award will be determined solely by point deductions during the first and second rounds of competition. Participants must advance to the final round to be eligible, and the male and female competitors with the fewest deductions will be named the winners. Time will not be considered in determining the award recipients.

Each Quality Award winner will receive a Custom Gold FELCO 6. The Swiss‑made tool was selected for the inaugural award for its precision engineering, ergonomic design, and long‑standing reputation among professional pruners. FELCO tools have been trusted for generations, and the FELCO 6-lightweight, durable, and customizable-embodies the same dedication to quality that Kirk championed throughout his career.

"Awarding each winner of the Quality Award with a custom FELCO tool in Kirk's honor is deeply meaningful," said Jennifer Thomson, FELCO Western Regional Manager. "Kirk believed in giving vineyard workers the best tools and the best training. We are humbled that the Custom Gold FELCO 6 will be associated with his legacy of craftsmanship, mentorship, and excellence."

The Sonoma County Pruning Championship remains a cornerstone event for the region's agricultural community, celebrating the skill and pride of vineyard workers whose expertise forms the foundation of world‑class wines. FELCO is honored to support this tradition and to help carry forward the values Kirk Lokka instilled in the industry.

About FELCO FELCO is a world-renowned Swiss manufacturer of pruning shears and cutting tools, trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike for more than 80 years. Founded in 1945 by Félix Flisch, FELCO's mission is to make a difference by providing tools whose performance inspires confidence and whose design reflects a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ergonomic excellence.

Every FELCO tool is engineered for durability and field serviceability, with fully replaceable parts that extend tool life and reduce environmental impact. Driven by a perpetual quest for quality and respect for nature, FELCO continues to uphold its founder's values of craftsmanship, reliability, and responsible manufacturing while serving professionals across viticulture, arboriculture, landscaping, and beyond.

Media Contacts

Lydia Shedden
Marketing Manager, FELCO North America
Phone: 206-258-2901
Email: lshedden@felco.com

Riggs Lokka
Sonoma Pruning Championships
Phone: 707-292-8828
Email: socopruningchampionships@gmail.com

SOURCE: FELCO North America