July means it’s time for the California Mid-state Fair in Paso Robles, and with that comes some serious wine competition! Not only does the fair stock great local wines for folks to enjoy throughout the event (including a delicious Frozé that’s perfect for the heat), but there are also wine-themed nights at the fair, and a storied wine, spirits, and home winemaking competition.
Central Coast Wine & Sparkling Wine at the California Mid-State Fair:
- All during the fair, the Krush 92.5 radio station broadcasts live at Mission Square with various winemakers and other wine peeps to showcase their wineries.
- Gold Medal winners and wine industry winners are invited to pour at a special walk-around wine tasting at the Mission Square Stage on the first Friday of the fair. This Wine Industry Awards & Tasting night also features an awards presentation.
- Great Central Coast wines are also poured at the Silo, and the Cattlemen & Farmers Day during the fair.
- An Evening of Music & Wine is typically the last weekend of the fair. This is set up in the concert arena with tables that groups decorate, and dress-up to match, as part of a friendly competition. Many Central Coast wines can be bought by the bottle for your table, or by the glass for your seats.
2024 Sparkling Wine Gold Medal Winners
Indigené Cellars in Downtown Paso Robles
Indigené Cellars winemaker Raymond Smith made the 2019 Yeux De Chat Cuvee Sparkling with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It was picked at premium ripeness for Bubbles made in the traditional method (as is done in Champagne, France), and rested on the lees for several years. that was aged on the lees for several years. Just before bottling, the 5g dosage (making this an Extra Brut Cuvée) produced focus, acidity and restrained mousse with the wine’s long and elegant finish.
Details: $75.00 – produced off-site at Caraccioli Cellars (also known for their high-quality Champagne-style Sparkling Wine)
See the Paso Downtown Bubbles Trail.
Laetitia Winery in Arroyo Grande
Laetitia Vineyards & Winery in Arroyo Grande has a sparkling wine heritage going back to the early 80s, when it was produced at the same location by Maison Deutz, a Champagne maker in France. Since taking it over in 1997, Laetitia has been the Grande Dame of sparkling wine on the central coast, with 7 different sparkling bottlings at various times of the year. The 2024 Sparkling Wine Gold Winner is the Laetitia Non-vintage Brut Cuvée (this Sparkling Wine got Double Gold in 2022).
Details: $44.00 – all Sparkling Wines produced entirely in-house
See the Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande Bubbles Trail.
Rava Winery on Paso’s Eastside
Rava Winery is Paso Robles’ first winery to specialize in estate grown, sparkling wines crafted in the méthode champenoise style, and also made in-house. They currently make 9 different sparklers, plus a Sparkling Negro Amaro. Opened in 2017, Rava Wines + Events is located in the El Pomar American Viticulture Area (inside the bigger, Paso Robles AVA), which is south east of the town of Paso. The Gold winners this year are the Rava Sparkling Blanc De Noir, made from Pinot Noir AND the Rava Sparkling Albarino.
Details: $55.00 – all Sparkling Wines produced entirely in-house
See the Paso Eastside Bubbles Trail.
2024 Sparkling Wine Silver Medal Winners
Halter Ranch on Paso’s Westside
The Halter Ranch Estate is committed to sustainable and organic farming, and makes a unique Sparkler. The silver medal winner is the Halter Ranch Libelle Sparkling Picpoul Blanc, fermented in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels, and aged on the lees for 30 months. This makes for a very Champagne-like Bubbly!
Details: $85.00 – aged on the lees (en tirage) for 30 months
See the Paso Westside Bubbles Trail.
Hoyt Family Vineyards in Downtown Paso Robles
Hoyt Family Vineyards are located on one of the highest and most beautiful elevations on the west side’s Willow Creek AVA (Amerian Viticulture Area). The silver medal winner is the 2019 Hoyt 2 Hoyt Sparkling Wine, made with Chardonnay/Pinot Noir from those vineyards. This is made in a classic Brut style, using the traditional method used in Champagne, with a classic grape blend as well.
Details: $45.00 – finished off-site
See the Paso Downtown Bubbles Trail.
Laetitia Winery in Arroyo Grande
Again, Laetitia makes stellar Sparkling Wine with its Brut Rosé. This pink (This Sparkling Wine got Gold/Best of Class in 2022).
Details: $28.00 – all Sparkling Wines produced entirely in-house
See the Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande Bubbles Trail.
Paris Valley Road Winery on Paso’s Eastside
Paris Valley Road is an estate winery and vineyard just east of Paso Robles, inspired by the stunning domaines of the grand crus of France. The silver medal winner is the 2020 Sparkling Wine, made from Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Verdejo, and Macabeo.
Details: $36.00 – all Sparkling Wines produced entirely in-house, as well as for Sextant Sparkling Wine
See the Paso Eastside Bubbles Trail.
Rava Winery on Paso’s Eastside
Rava Sparkling Wines win again! Their expertise shows in all their Bubblies, like the Silver Medal winner Rava Sparkling Grenache Rosé. They also help other local wineries produce Bubbles locally, or finish the bubbly wines in the same traditional method used in Champagne, France.
Details: $55.00 – all Sparkling Wines produced entirely in-house
See the Paso Eastside Bubbles Trail.
Other Winners
Bronze Winners:
- Bethel Rd Distillery & Winery Castoro Sparkling Rosé in a Can – See the Paso Eastside Bubbles Trail
- Delicato Family Wines 2023 Sofia Blanc De Blancs (Monterey County)
- Rava Sparkling Muscat Canelli – See the Paso Eastside Bubbles Trail
- Marin’s Vineyard 2023 Sparking Viognier (Double-Gold in 2023) – See the Tin City & Templeton Area Bubbles Trail
Mediterranean Roasted Chicken & Chickpeas at The Steward’s Terra in Goleta
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