A distinguished panel made up of wine professionals awarded 129 Double Gold medals, 326 Gold medals, 645 Silver medals, and 303 Bronze medals for the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Photo courtesy of California State Fair

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California State Fair proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Commercial Wine Competition, recognizing exceptional wines crafted from California-grown grapes that showcase the state’s rich agricultural heritage, distinct climates and soils, and world-class winemaking excellence.

Since 1854, the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition has celebrated the quality, innovation, and craftsmanship that continue to define California as one of the premier wine-producing regions in the world. Open exclusively to wines made from fruit grown and produced in California’s 11 wine-growing regions, the competition highlights the remarkable extent and diversity of the state’s wine industry.

A distinguished panel of wine professionals, led by Chief Judge Michael Franz and Competition Director Rich Cook, evaluated 1,516 wines from 278 of California’s leading wine brands during a three-day blind tasting held May 5 - 7 at Cal Expo in Sacramento.

Chief Judge Michael Franz (pictured) and Competition Director Rich Cook were the panel leaders for the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Photo courtesy of California State Fair

In total, judges awarded 129 Double Gold medals, 326 Gold medals, 645 Silver medals, and 303 Bronze medals. Additional honors included 5 Best of Show Awards, 20 Best of Region Awards, 24 Best of California Awards, 3 Best of Micro Winery Awards, and 1 Best Value Award.

“This competition continues to showcase the incredible talent, dedication, and innovation within California’s wine industry,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “From legacy wineries to emerging producers, these award-winning wines reflect the passion and craftsmanship that have made California a global leader in winemaking. We are proud to celebrate the individuals and families who continue to elevate the industry year after year.”)

The 2026 Top California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition winners: Silt Wine Company of Clarksburg (Golden State Winery of the Year), Inkblot of Lodi’s 2023 Carnet Franc (Best of Show Red), Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards of Mokelumne River’s 2025 Grenache Blanc (Best of Show White), Aimee of California’s 2023 Bollicine Brut (Best of Show Sparkling), Pedroncelli of Dry Creek Valley’s 2025 Rosé Wine (Best of Show Pink), Quady Winery of Madera’s 2023 Elysium (Best of Show Dessert), Alma Sol Winery of Adelaida District’s 2023 Graciano (Best Micro Winery Red), Omega Road Winery of Alta Mesa’s 2024 Torrontes (Best Micro Winery White), Great Bear Vineyards of Yolo Country’s 2025 Fleur Rouge (Best Micro Winery Other), Barefoot Cellars of California’s NV Merlot (Best Value).

Judges evaluated 1,516 wines from 278 of California’s leading wine brands during a three-day blind tasting for the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Photo courtesy of California State Fair

The California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition remains one of the most respected and historic wine competitions in the nation, honoring excellence while celebrating the innovation and stewardship driving the future of California wine.

For more information and a complete list of winners, visit the California State Fair website www.castatefair.com.

The California State Fair runs July 17 - Aug. 2 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday - Sunday.