Mid-State Fair opens 2026 commercial competitions
Early bird registration open for all competitions
– The California Mid-State Fair announced the return of its 2026 Commercial Competitions, including the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition, Central Coast Wine Competition, and Central Coast Craft Spirits Competition. The three independently judged events recognize excellence in agriculture and craft across the Central Coast.
Each competition features blind judging by a panel of industry experts and highlights growers, producers, and makers whose work defines the region. The events recognize the process of producing olive oil, wine, and craft spirits from local agricultural products.
“The Central Coast competitions have become benchmarks for quality within their industries,” said Colleen Borjorquez, CEO of the California Mid-State Fair. “Producing them is an extension of the fair’s legacy of supporting agriculture, elevating producers, and providing professional platforms where excellence is evaluated and celebrated.”
Top honorees, including Winery of the Year, Olive Oil Producer of the Year, and Craft Distillery of the Year, will be showcased at the fair and featured on individual billboards along the Cuesta Grade for one month following the fair.
Registration for all three competitions opened Feb. 3.
For the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition, the early bird registration deadline is March 22, with a final deadline of March 29. Entries will be accepted April 6–10. Judging will take place April 16, with results announced the week of April 20.
For the Central Coast Wine Competition, the early bird registration deadline is May 17, with a final deadline of May 26. Entries will be accepted May 27–June 3. Judging will take place June 9–11, with results announced the week of June 15.
The Central Coast Craft Spirits Competition follows the same timeline as the wine competition. The early bird registration deadline is May 17, with a final deadline of May 26. Entries will be accepted May 27–June 3. Judging will take place June 9–11, with results announced the week of June 15.
Entering a California Mid-State Fair competition provides Central Coast producers an opportunity to earn industry recognition while participating in one of the fair’s long-standing traditions.
Additional competition and contest information is available at www.midstatefair.com/fair/contests.
