California Mid-State Fair Announces 2026 Home Brew and Winemaking Competitions

By Paso Robles Press · Tue Mar 03 2026

PASO ROBLES — Home brewers and winemakers in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Monterey counties are invited to participate in the 2026 Central Coast Home Brew and Home Winemaking Competitions, returning this May as part of the California Mid-State Fair.

The Home Brew Competition accepts beer, cider, and perry entries from local home brewers, judged on aroma, appearance, and flavor. Registration opens February 24, with entries accepted May 4–8, judging on May 17, and results announced May 19.

The Home Winemaking Competition features wines across six categories, including white, red, dessert, sparkling, and fruit wines. Registration opens February 24, with entries accepted April 20–24, judging on May 1, and results announced May 5.

Both competitions are evaluated by experienced local judges, with feedback provided to participants. Sponsors include Baker Wine & Grape Analysis, ETS Laboratories, The Vintner’s Vault, and Humdinger Brewing.

For more information and to enter, visit California Mid-State Fair at midstatefair.com/fair/contests. The 2026 fair runs July 15–26 in Paso Robles and celebrates its “Back to the ’80s!” theme.