Big Wins at the 2026 California State Fair

Jul 28, 2026

petite sirah award winning wine sitting on table

We have some news worth raising a glass to! Three of our estate-grown reds earned medals at the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, and we could not be prouder of what our vineyard and our winemaking partner accomplished this vintage. Every wine on this list started as fruit grown right here on our Sonoma Valley estate, so a win at the State Fair feels personal. It is a nod to the soil, the season, and the hands that tended both.

What is the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition?

The California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is the oldest wine competition in the United States, tracing its roots back to 1854 during the Gold Rush era. More than a century and a half later, it remains one of the industry’s most closely watched judgings, recognizing wines and the vineyards behind them for contributions to quality and craft across California’s wine regions. You can search the full list of 2026 winners yourself in the official results database.

Wines are grouped by growing region and varietal, then tasted blind by panels of working winemakers, educators, and wine writers. A Double Gold means every judge on the panel agreed the wine deserved a Gold medal, which makes it one of the harder honors to earn. Scores layer on top of medals, giving each wine a point total out of 100 based on structure, balance, and overall character.

For a small, family-run winery like ours, medals from a competition this size carry real weight. They tell us, and you, that the wine in your glass holds up against bottles from every corner of the state.

Meet our 2026 award winners

2022 Zinfandel: Double Gold, 97 points

Our 2022 Zinfandel took home a Double Gold and a 97-point score, our highest marks of the year. Grown on our Sonoma Valley estate, this Zinfandel is the kind of wine that shows why the varietal has such deep roots in our valley: rich fruit, firm structure, and a finish that lingers.

2023 Cabernet Franc: Gold, 92 points

The 2023 Cabernet Franc earned a Gold medal and 92 points, a strong showing for a varietal we have been proud to work with in smaller lots. It brings a different personality to our estate reds, with the bright, savory edge Cabernet Franc is known for.

2022 Petite Sirah: Silver, 89 points

Rounding out the wins, our 2022 Petite Sirah picked up a Silver medal and 89 points. Petite Sirah has always rewarded patience in the vineyard, and this vintage shows the deep color and bold tannins the grape is known for.

Taste the winners yourself

All three wines are estate-grown, released in limited quantities, and ready to ship. Browse the full lineup, along with our other honored bottlings, in our Award-Winning Wines category, or come taste them in person at the winery. Reservations are recommended, and you can see hours, tasting options, and details on our Visit Us page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Double Gold medal mean?

A Double Gold means every judge on the panel independently rated the wine at Gold level or higher. It is one of the more difficult honors to earn at a competition of this size.

How are wines scored at the California State Fair?

Judges taste wines blind and score them on a 100-point scale, weighing appearance, aroma, and flavor. Medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold) reflect where a wine lands on that scale relative to its category.

Can I buy the award-winning wines directly?

Yes. All three 2026 winners are available now through our online shop, with the full collection organized in our Award-Winning Wines category.

Are these wines available to taste at the winery?

Availability varies by release and season. The best way to confirm what is currently pouring is to check our Visit Us page or reach out before your visit.

Meet the Author

Jessica Little-Betschart

Jessica Little-Betschart is a second-generation member of the Little family and grew up at Little Vineyards Family Winery in Sonoma Valley, where she developed a lifelong passion for agriculture, wine, and family. For more than a decade, she has played a key role in the family business, supporting winery operations, marketing, guest experiences, and sharing the Little Vineyards story. Jessica is dedicated to honoring the winery's legacy while helping guide its future growth. Outside of the winery, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and staying connected to the community that has supported Little Vineyards for over 20 years.