Where to find ‘Best in Show’ wines, beer, and food at the California State Fair
The California State Fair has a dizzying amount of things to eat, drink, and do. But for some people, the fair is about more than fun: it’s the place where farmers and craftspeople of all kinds can show off their skills and earn awards for them.
You probably won’t be able to take home a best-of-show sheep or quilt. However, you can try the winning wines, beers, and foods. Here are the blue-ribbon treats available at the California State Fair and where to find them.
Wine winners
Wines from around California are available for purchase at the Save Mart Wine Garden and Slushie Bar.
In 2026, the fair’s panel of wine professionals handed out hundreds of medals in categories such as Best Value, Best of Region, and Best of California. Only wines made from grapes grown in California could compete.
Numerous medal winners are available in the Wine Garden, including the 2026 Best of Show winner in the red wine division, “Double Gold” winners, and Gold medal winners.
Michael David “Inkblot” 2023 Cabernet Franc
Double Gold, Winner of Best of Show - Red, Best of Lodi - Red, and Best Cabernet Franc of California
$75 bottle, $25 glass
Barefoot Merlot
Double Gold, Winner of Best of California State - Red
$25 bottle, $8 glass
Bogle Sauvignon Blanc
2024, Double Gold, Winner of Best of California State - White
$35 bottle, $11 glass
J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon
2023, Double Gold, Best of Napa - Red
$45 bottle, $15 glass
Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon
2023, Double Gold
$45 bottle, $15 glass
Peltier Rosé of Pinot Noir
2025, Double Gold
$55 bottle, $17 glass
Earthquake Zinfandel
2024, Double Gold
$65 bottle, $22 glass
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel
2024, Double Gold
$35 bottle, $12 glass
1924 Double Black Cabernet Sauvignon
2024, Gold
$35 bottle, $11 glass
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
2023, Gold
$40 bottle, $15 glass
Oak Farm Tievoli Red Blend
2024, Gold
$45 bottle, $15 glass
Oak Farm Albariño
2025, Gold
$45 bottle, $15 glass
Barefoot Fruitscato Mango
Gold
$25 bottle, $8 glass
Barefoot Riesling
Gold
$25 bottle, $8 glass
The full list of winners from the Commercial Wine competition can be found here.
Best beers
Craft brewers also got their laurels at the California State Fair in 2026, with 134 different drinks—including ciders, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beers—awarded medals. The Best of Show winner is available for purchase in the Beer Den, along with 17 other California brews.
Hatch Green Chili Lager
Best of Show
Malibu Brewing Company
$16 for 20 ounces, or $16 for four four-ounce tastings
Sacramento-based Urban Roots Brewing won Brewery of the Year at the California State Fair, taking home four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Two Urban Roots beers are available at the Bear Den in 2026, a Smart Decisions brown ale and Right Right hazy IPA.
The full list of the Craft Brew competition winners can be found here.
Fair Food Competition
The California State Fair also holds a contest to decide the winner of the best foods sold by vendors on the grounds. Vendors compete in a number of categories, from “Best Hand Held and On-A-Stick” to “Chilly Sweets.”
This year, the winner of Best in Show was the Biscoff Roll from Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls, located in Bear Necessities Trading Post: Building A. The rolls, which cost $16, also won first in the Sweet Division and the “Toasty, Warm, and Gooey” class.
The full list of winners can be found here.
The California State Fair is currently underway at Cal Expo in Sacramento until August 2. Fair hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information on ticket prices, parking and events can be found at castatefair.com.
This story was originally published July 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Where to find ‘Best in Show’ wines, beer, and food at the California State Fair."
