The California Mid-State Fair announced the return of its 2026 Commercial Competitions, bringing back the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition, Central Coast Wine Competition, and Central Coast Craft Spirits Competition - three independently judged events celebrating excellence in agriculture and craft.
Each competition features blind judging by its own panel of industry experts and highlights the growers, producers, and makers who help define the Central Coast, recognizing the skill and care it takes to turn local agricultural products into exceptional olive oil, wine, and craft spirits.
“The Central Coast competitions have become benchmarks for quality within their industries,” said Colleen Borjorquez, CEO of the California Mid-State Fair. “Producing them is an extension of the Fair’s legacy of supporting agriculture, elevating producers, and providing professional platforms where excellence is evaluated and celebrated.”
Select top honorees - including Winery of the Year, Olive Oil Producer of the Year, and Craft Distillery of the Year - will be showcased at the Fair and featured on individual billboards along the Cuesta Grade for one month following the Fair.
Central Coast Olive Oil Competition
• Registration opens February 3
• Early bird deadline March 22; final deadline March 29
• Entries accepted April 6-10
• Judging April 16; results announced the week of April 20
More information
Central Coast Wine Competition
• Registration opens February 3
• Early bird deadline May 17; final deadline May 26
• Entries accepted May 27-June 3
• Judging June 9-11; results announced week of June 15
More information
Central Coast Craft Spirits Competition
• Registration opens February 3
• Early bird deadline May 17; final deadline May 26
• Entries accepted May 27-June 3
• Judging June 9-11; results announced week of June 15
More information
Entering a California Mid-State Fair competition offers Central Coast producers the chance to earn respected recognition while taking part in one of the Fair’s most celebrated traditions. It is a meaningful and memorable way to showcase excellence, support agriculture, and be part of the “Biggest Little Fair Anywhere.”
For all competition/contest information, go to: www.midstatefair.com/fair/contests
The California Mid-State Fair runs July 15–26, 2026 in Paso Robles, California. The 2026 Fair theme is “Back to the ’80s!”
