Competition heats up for 27th annual Winemakers' Cookoff

By Camille DeVaul · Mon Aug 03 2026

Competition heats up for 27th annual Winemakers' Cookoff

Paso Robles wineries will battle for culinary bragging rights while raising scholarship funds for local students

PASO ROBLES — The bottles may come from the vineyard, but the competition takes place at the grill.

As the Paso Robles Rotary Club prepares to host the 27th Annual Winemakers' Cookoff, local wineries are getting ready to trade their tasting rooms for cook stations as they compete for coveted awards and the chance to claim culinary bragging rights.

For Gary Eberle, one of the event's founders, the competition has always been part of the fun — but it's never been the main reason for bringing everyone together.

"At this point, it's just having a good time," Gary said. "When I first started the whole event, my goal was to get to $50,000 [in scholarships], and we blew right past that."

Today, the Paso Robles Rotary Foundation has grown to approximately $2.7 million, and this year alone awarded $116,500 in scholarships to 31 local students pursuing college and trade school education.

"I'm thinking it won't be too long before we're doing $150,000, maybe even in my lifetime, $200,000 in scholarships," Gary said. "Of all the things I've done in my life, this is probably one of the things I'm most proud of."

While the fundraiser's impact continues to grow, the Cookoff remains one of Paso Robles' friendliest — and tastiest — competitions.

The annual event features multiple opportunities for wineries to earn top honors, including the People's Choice Award, Judges' Choice Award, Professional Chef Award, and Spirit Award.

Last year's winners will return with titles to defend and plenty of motivation from new challengers hoping to claim the top spots. In 2025, Daou earned first place in the People's Choice competition, while Derby and Eberle rounded out the top three. Sextant claimed the Judges' Choice Award, followed by Bovino and J. Lohr. Vina Robles received the Professional Chef Award, while Hoyt took home the Spirit Award.

This year's competition features more than 20 participating wineries, each bringing signature wines, creative dishes, and plenty of personality. Guests can sample offerings from wineries including Eberle, Derby Wine Estates, Tablas Creek Vineyard, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Vina Robles, Hope Family Wines, Ancient Peaks Winery, and many others before casting their votes.

Unlike the People's Choice competition, the Judges' Choice Award is decided by a panel of five professionals from the food and wine industry who evaluate each dish anonymously.

"There are five judges in the food industry, and they're presented the food blind," Gary explained. "They judge first, second, third, sometimes a tie, sometimes an honorable mention. These are professional judges."

Guests, however, have a different role.

"When you come in, you get three tickets," Gary said. "You vote if you like a particular food, you leave a ticket at that booth. Sometimes, if you really like it, you leave all three tickets."

And then comes the friendly campaigning.

"You're allowed to bribe," Gary said with a laugh. "It wasn't unusual for us to pull out an imperial of wine that's 20 years old and say, 'Hey, for your ticket, you get a glass of this 1985 Cabernet.' People do all sorts of crazy stuff to get the People's Choice Award, and it's fun."

That spirited rivalry has become one of the event's biggest attractions. Wineries generously donate their time, wine, food, staff, and culinary expertise, creating an evening that celebrates the Paso Robles wine community while investing in its future.

The 27th Annual Winemakers' Cookoff takes place Saturday, August 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Paso Robles Event Center. Guests can enjoy local wines, food, live music, and the opportunity to vote for their favorite culinary creations while supporting local students.

Gary has one piece of advice for first-time attendees.

"Come hungry," he said. "I think it's physically impossible to go around and taste all of the food."

For more information and tickets, visit winemakerscookoff.com

Who's Competing?

More than 20 Paso Robles wineries will compete for this year's coveted People's Choice, Judges' Choice, Professional Chef, and Spirit awards.

Participating Wineries

Participating Brewery

27th Annual Winemakers’ Cookoff

When: Saturday, August 8 | 6–9 p.m.

Where: Paso Robles Event Center

2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles

View on Paso Robles Press