The California Mid-State Fair is proud to share the results of the 2026 Home Winemaking Competition, highlighting the creativity and local flavor of amateur winemakers from across the Central Coast.
Held each year ahead of the Fair, the competition brings together entries from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County residents, reflecting the region’s strong connection to agriculture and winemaking. Wines are entered across a range of classes, including sparkling, white, rosé, and popular red varietals, offering a broad look at locally produced wines.
Entries are evaluated by a panel of local wine industry professionals, who score each wine based on appearance, aromatics, and taste, leading to overall award placements.
2026 Competition Highlights:
• Best of Show & Best Red Wine: Ronald Besser (Paso Robles) – 2023 Malbec, Sherry Place Vineyard
• Best White Wine: Ben Hoover (Templeton) – 2025 Sauvignon Blanc
• Best Rosé: Frederick Carbone (Santa Maria) – 2025 Syrah Rosé
Fairgoers can view award-winning wines from the Home Winemaking Competition, along with other beverage competition winners, on display in the Ponderosa Pavilion during the Fair.
“The Home Winemaking Competition is a great example of the community being part of the Fair,” said Colleen Bojorquez, CEO of the California Mid-State Fair. “We truly appreciate the home winemakers from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties who take the time to participate and bring their wines to the competition—it’s a fun way to celebrate this region’s winemaking and agriculture.”
The California Mid-State Fair thanks this year’s award sponsors—Baker Wine & Grape Analysis, ETS Laboratories, and Vintner’s Vault—for their continued support.
Special thanks also go to the volunteers who help organize and run the competition, along with the many others who support the Fair’s events and programs throughout the year.
The 2026 California Mid-State Fair, themed “Back to the ’80s” in celebration of the Fair’s 80th anniversary, runs July 15 through July 26, 2026, at the Paso Robles Event Center. For more information, visit MidStateFair.com.
