Santa Ynez man takes Best of Show

PASO ROBLES — The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Home Wine Competition. Central Coast home winemakers alike were represented by a solid number of total entries and gold medals awarded.

“This year’s home winemaking competition was an amazing success, of the 162 entries, there were 42 gold medals, that’s over 25 percent, which is the most in the history of the competition,” stated chief judge Mike Jones. 

He went on to say, “Our list of qualified and experienced judges (sommeliers, professional winemakers, tasting room managers, industry experts) were all very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the wines that were entered this year. The new programs that we have implemented over the past several years, to provide quality feedback and professional level judging has resulted in the continued improvement in the capabilities and quality of wines from our home winemaking community”.

Quotes from some of the judges:

“I would not hesitate to take any of the gold medal wines and sell them under my label.”

“These are the up-and-coming professional winemakers; look out central coast.”

“Can’t wait to see what next year’s competition is going to bring.”

The Fair would like to thank all the volunteers and judges for their time in making the competition so successful. Many thanks to Baker Wine & Grape Analysis, ETS Laboratories, Michael Rose Cellars, and The Vintner’s Vault for their continued support.

BEST OF AWARDS:

Best of Show and Best White:

John Gilbert (Santa Ynez) Sauvignon Blanc

Best of Dessert:

Steve Bachman (Santa Barbara) Merlot Port

Best of Red:

Jim McPherson (Cambria) Red Blend

Best of Rosé:

Brad Bunkelman (Santa Maria) Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon

For the complete list of results, please visit, MidStateFair.com

The 2022 California Mid-State Fair runs July 20 – July 31, and this year’s theme is “Full Steam Ahead!”