Amateur winemakers from across the Central Coast and Bay Area are invited to showcase their craft in the Santa Cruz County Fair’s annual Amateur Winemaking Competition, organizers announced.
The competition is open to home winemakers residing in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
Organizers say the event offers amateur vintners an opportunity to have their wines blind tasted and evaluated by a panel of expert judges using the respected U.C. Davis System of Judging.
Entries are accepted in a variety of categories, including white wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling; red wines including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah; as well as rosé, sparkling, dessert and fruit wines.
Whether participants produce classic varietals or lesser-known wines, organizers encourage home winemakers to enter and receive professional feedback on their work.
Awards will include Best of Show plaques, division awards and ribbons. All entries will receive a placement ranging from Gold to Honorable Mention.
There is no fee to enter the competition. Entries must be submitted online through the Santa Cruz County Fair website. Bottle submissions will be accepted between July 1 and July 22.
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Additional information, entry requirements and the 2026 Fair Entry Guide are available on the Santa Cruz County Fair website at santacruzcountyfair.com/2026-entry-guides.