The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce the winners of the 23rd Annual Central Coast Wine Competition presented by KRUSH 92.5 FM, the 10th Annual California Craft Spirits Competition presented by Visit Atascadero and the Packaging & Design Competition presented by Customizable.

The Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC) named Le Vigne Winery as the 2025 Winery of the Year. Based in Paso Robles, Le Vigne earned the top title after an impressive showing that included two Best of Class honors, four Double Golds, five Golds, ten Silvers, and one Bronze across 20 entries. This marks their first time receiving the prestigious award.

In a historic first, a Chenin Blanc was awarded Best of Show—a notable win given the Central Coast’s reputation for Rhône and Bordeaux varietals. The honored wine was produced by Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards of Buellton.

Wine Competition Highlights:

• Best of Show / Best White: Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Buellton – 2023 Chenin Blanc
• Best Red: Opolo, Paso Robles – 2023 Grand Rouge
• Best Rosé: Cass, Paso Robles – 2024 Oasis Rosé
• Best Sparkling: Rava Wines, Paso Robles – Cinsault Rosé
• Best Dessert: Eberle, Paso Robles – Muscat Liqueur

Spirits Competition Highlights:

• Best of Show / Best White Spirit: Grain + Vine, Paso Robles – Vodka
• Best Brown Spirit: Griffo, Petaluma – Stout Barreled Whiskey
• Best Liqueur: Griffo, Petaluma – Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

All wines and spirits were also judged in the Packaging and Design Competition sponsored by Customizable.com, with Best of Show honors going to:

• Wine: Ancient Peaks Winery – 2021 Syrah Renegade
• Spirits: Black Market – Blind Burro Spiced Rum

“California’s wine and spirit industries produce exceptional products, particularly along the Central Coast, and we’re proud to highlight some of the finest,” said Colleen Bojorquez, CEO of the California Mid-State Fair. “Showcasing the award-winning entries at the 2025 California Mid-State Fair is always something we look forward to.”

Learn more about the judging panel at centralcoastwinecomp.com/2025-ccwc-judges.

A Gold Medal Winners Tasting is being held on Friday July 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM in Mission Square at the California Mid-State Fair. Tickets will be available soon at www.midstatefair.com

About the Central Coast Wine & Craft Spirits Competitions

The Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC) is the largest wine competition focused exclusively on wines produced throughout California’s Central Coast—a region renowned for its diverse microclimates that are hospitable to dozens of varietals. Now in its 23rd year, the competition drew over 400 plus wine entries in 2025, submitted by wineries from Contra Costa to Ventura counties.

Each wine was evaluated through a blind tasting process, ensuring that the judging was impartial and based solely on the wine’s merit. Panels were comprised of highly respected wine professionals, including certified sommeliers, wine writers, wine educators, and enologists from across the state and beyond. Wines were awarded medals based on consensus scoring, and the highest-ranked wine in each category was honored with a Best of Class distinction. The most exceptional wine of all was awarded Best of Show. The winery receiving the most cumulative points across its entries was named Winery of the Year.

The California Craft Spirits Competition (CCSC), now in its 10th year, followed a similar rigorous process. Spirits were judged by a panel of expert beverage professionals and mixology veterans, who tasted each entry blind. This year’s competition featured more than 30 craft spirit entries across diverse categories, highlighting the rapidly growing and evolving spirits industry in California and beyond.

All entries from both the wine and spirits competitions were also included in a separate Packaging & Design Competition, judged for innovation, creativity, and visual impact.

The competitions are organized and managed by the California Mid-State Fair and are aimed at promoting the quality, craftsmanship, and regional distinction of Central Coast producers. Award-winning entries are featured throughout the California Mid-State Fair, and a Gold Medal Winners Tasting takes place the first Friday of the Fair each year, giving fairgoers an opportunity to taste some of the best wines California has to offer in one walk-around tasting.