California Mid-State Fair announces 2026 Home Brew Competition Winners

By Staff Report · Tue May 26 2026

PASO ROBLES — The California Mid-State Fair has announced the results of its annual Home Brewing Competition, showcasing amateur brewers from across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

The contest highlights the region’s strong brewing and agricultural traditions, with entries evaluated by BJCP-certified judges based on appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel.

This year’s Best of Show award went to Conner Medeiros of Creston for an experimental Imperial Pastry Stout. The Reserve Best of Show honor was awarded to Nate Alexander of Paso Robles for a Czech Premium Pale Lager.

"Emblematic of the high quality of entries submitted to this year's competition, our top beers are both notoriously challenging to brew styles,” said Chief Judge Jason Affourtit. “To me, this speaks to the high caliber of homebrewers in our area and makes this event both very competitive and a lot of fun to judge. Thanks to all the brewers who entered."

The fair thanked sponsors Humdinger Brewing and Baker Wine & Grape Analysis for their continued support, along with judges and stewards who help run the annual competition.

The 2026 Mid-State Fair, themed “Back to the ’80s” in celebration of its 80th anniversary, runs July 15–26 at the Paso Robles Event Center.