Mid-State Fair announces winners of wine, spirits competitions
More than 450 wine entries were evaluated by judges
– The California Mid-State Fair has announced the winners of the 24th annual Central Coast Wine Competition, the 11th annual California Craft Spirits Competition, and the Packaging and Design Competition.
Diablo Paso of Paso Robles was named Winery of the Year in the Central Coast Wine Competition. The winery earned the award after receiving Best Red Wine honors, two Best of Class awards, three Double Gold medals, seven Gold medals, and four Silver medals across 14 entries.
Rock 12 of Lompoc was named the inaugural Distillery of the Year in the California Craft Spirits Competition. The distillery received Best of Show and Best Flavored Spirit honors, along with three Double Gold medals, one Gold medal, and one Silver medal.
Top winners in the wine competition included:
- Best of Show/Best White: Lazarre, Paso Robles — 2025 Albarino
- Best Red: Diablo Paso, Paso Robles — 2023 Garnacha Graciano Mataro Tempranillo
- Best Rosé: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Paso Robles — 2025 Grenache Noir
- Best Sparkling: PasoSecco, Paso Robles — 2024 Cinsault
- Best Dessert: Mitchella Vineyards and Winery, Paso Robles — Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cao
Top winners in the spirits competition included:
- Best of Show: Rock 12, Lompoc — Apple Brandy
- Best Vodka: Grain + Vine, Paso Robles — Vodka
- Best Whiskey: Grain + Vine, Paso Robles — Rye Whiskey
- Best Gin: Griffo Distillery, Petaluma — Scott Street Gin
- Best Ready-to-Drink Beverage: Griffo Distillery, Petaluma — Espresso Martini
- Best Flavored Spirit: Rock 12, Lompoc — Nocino
Best of Show winners in the Packaging and Design Competition were:
- Wine: Ancient Peaks Winery — 2023 Merlot
- Spirits: Grain + Vine — Straight Bourbon Whiskey
“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 said.
“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,” California Mid-State Fair Chief Executive Officer Colleen Bojorquez said.
According to fair officials, the Central Coast Wine Competition received more than 450 entries from wineries between Contra Costa and Ventura counties. Entries were evaluated through a blind tasting process by wine professionals, including sommeliers, wine writers, wine educators, and enologists.
The California Craft Spirits Competition also used blind judging by beverage industry professionals and featured entries across multiple categories.
Full results are available at www.centralcoastwinecomp.com.
Information about the judging panel is available at www.centralcoastwinecomp.com/2026-ccwc-judges.
A Gold Medal Winners Tasting will be held July 17 at 5 p.m. in Mission Square at the California Mid-State Fair. Tickets will be available at www.midstatefair.com.
The California Mid-State Fair runs July 15 through July 26 at the Paso Robles Event Center.
