The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce the winners of the 24th Annual Central Coast Wine Competition presented by All About Events and KRUSH 92.5 FM, the 11th Annual California Craft Spirits Competition presented by Visit Atascadero and the Packaging & Design Competition presented by Customizable.
The Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC) named Diablo Paso as the 2026 Winery of the Year. Based in Paso Robles, Diablo Paso earned the top title after an impressive showing that included Best Red Wine, two Best of Class honors, three Double Golds, seven Golds and four Silvers across 14 entries. This marks their first time receiving the prestigious award.
The California Craft Spirits Competition (CCSC) named Rock 12 as the first annual 2026 Distillery of the Year. Coming from Lompoc, Rock 12 entered for their first time with us, and ended up with great placings including Best of Show and Best Flavored Spirit. Along with 3 Double Golds, one gold and a silver.
Wine Competition Highlights:
Spirits Competition Highlights:
All wines and spirits were also judged in the Packaging and Design Competition sponsored by Customizable.com, with Best of Show honors going to:
“The 2026 Central Coast Wine Competition held every year at the California Mid-State Fair was epic. All the invited wine judges whether wine journalists or those representing buyers, retail, restaurant and even the Raiders stadium, spoke about how the level of quality exceeded expectations. As the chief judge I would add that this year was the most exciting results in over a decade! We look forward to learning more and tasting next month! Cheers to everyone who entered and received awards for their efforts.”
— Chief Judge Tim McDonald
“The California Mid-State Fair is proud to recognize the outstanding wineries and distilleries that contribute to the strength and reputation of California’s wine and craft spirits industries. These competitions highlight the dedication, innovation, and commitment to quality that drive success in both industries, while celebrating their lasting impact on agriculture, tourism, and local communities throughout the state.”
— Colleen Bojorquez, CEO, California Mid-State Fair
Full results for all competitions are available at CentralCoastWineComp.com. Learn more about the judging panel at centralcoastwinecomp.com/2026-ccwc-judges.
A Gold Medal Winners Tasting is being held on Friday July 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM in Mission Square at the California Mid-State Fair. Tickets will be available soon at www.midstatefair.com
About the Central Coast Wine & Craft Spirits Competitions
The Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC) is the largest wine competition focused exclusively on wines produced throughout California’s Central Coast—a region renowned for its diverse microclimates that are hospitable to dozens of varietals. Now in its 24th year, the competition drew over 450 plus wine entries in 2026, submitted by wineries from Contra Costa to Ventura counties.
Each wine was evaluated through a blind tasting process, ensuring that the judging was impartial and based solely on the wine’s merit. Panels were comprised of highly respected wine professionals, including certified sommeliers, wine writers, wine educators, and enologists from across the state and beyond. Wines were awarded medals based on consensus scoring, and the highest-ranked wine in each category was honored with a Best of Class distinction. The most exceptional wine of all was awarded Best of Show. The winery receiving the most cumulative points across its entries was named Winery of the Year.
The California Craft Spirits Competition (CCSC), now in its 11th year, followed a similar rigorous process. Spirits were judged by a panel of expert beverage professionals and mixology veterans, who tasted each entry blind. This year’s competition featured entries across diverse categories, highlighting the rapidly growing and evolving spirits industry in California and beyond.
All entries from both the wine and spirits competitions were also included in a separate Packaging & Design Competition, judged for innovation, creativity, and visual impact.
The competitions are organized and managed by the California Mid-State Fair and are aimed at promoting the quality, craftsmanship, and regional distinction of Central Coast producers. Award-winning entries are featured throughout the California Mid-State Fair, and a Gold Medal Winners Tasting takes place the first Friday of the Fair each year, giving fairgoers an opportunity to taste some of the best wines California has to offer in one walk-around tasting.
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.
