Who won California State Fair Wine Competition’s top honors? Modesto columnist details

Russ Winton

July 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.·2 min read

Among California’s finest wineries, 246 entered 1,846 wines in America’s oldest and most esteemed wine event dating back to 1854.

The California State Fair Wine Competition has celebrated the best of the Golden State for over 169 years. I reported in my last column that Jeff Runquist Wines won 2023 Golden State Winery of the Year, following previous victories in 2011 and 2019.

Thirty-nine world-class judges also awarded a total of 19 Best of Region Awards, 20 Best of California Awards, a Best Value Award and three Best Micro Winery Awards. In total, 129 Double Gold, 309 Gold, 801 Silver and 478 Bronze medals were awarded.

Here are the top California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition winners:

Best of Show Red: Lewis Grace 2020 Souzao, El Dorado County

Best of Show White: New Clairvaux 2022 Assyrtiko, Tehama County

Best of Show Sparkling: Vienza at Europa Village NV Brut Metodo Classico, North Coast

Best of Show Pink: Carol Sheldon 2022 Wild Thing Rendezvous, Mendocino County

Best of Show Dessert: Husch Vineyards 2022 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley

Best Value: Baron Herzon 2021 Chenin Blanc, California

Golden State of the Year: Jeff Runquist Wines

Best Micro Winery Red: Hoyt Family Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Willowcreek, San Luis Obispo County

Best Micro Winery White: Tannura 2022 Fiano, Santa Clara Valley

Best Micro Winery Other: Ranch de Philo Winery NV Triple Cream Sherry Mission Grape, Cucamonga Valley

Complete results and competition information can be found at CalExpoStateFair.com/California-Commercial-Wine.

Barbera Festival

Terra D’Oro Winery will host 40 California wineries in a beautiful outdoor setting nestled in the Sierra foothills just a few miles east of Plymouth. The Amador County Barbera Festival on Sept. 9 will offer a grand tasting, gourmet food from top chefs, live music and local artists. New this year will be a premier access area that allows an 11 a.m. entry, as well as a place to relax and stay cool in the barrel room lounge. Tickets are still available at www.BarbaraFestival.com.

What’s on our Table

I discovered a Spanish blend made with 70% Monastrell and 30% Garnacha at Trader Joe’s for just $5.95. The 2020 La Cueva De La Culpa is a big wine with a small price for an organically grown Mourvedra/Grenache blend. I call it a steal. I also picked up a few Moon series whites for summer sipping, all in the $5-$6 range. Moon label wines are made by a family owned valley winery exclusively for Trader Joe’s.

By the way, why isn’t there a Trader Joe’s located somewhere/anywhere between Modesto and Fresno? I thought UC Merced would be a good motivator, but no. Well, my vote goes to Livingston or maybe Atwater or Turlock? Cheers!

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.

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Barbera Festival

What’s on our Table

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