2023 Best of California Magazine

GOVERNOR

Governor Gavin Newsom

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Che Salinas, Chair

Hannah Gbeh, Vice Chair

Rima Barkett, Director

Kim Craig, Director

Sonney Chong, Director

Jess Durfee, Director

David Mallel, Director

Brian May, Director

Willie Pelote, Director

Rex S. Hime, Honorary Director

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

Governor Gavin Newsom

Senator Angelique Ashby

Senator Melissa Hurtado

Assembly Member Kevin McCarty

Assembly Member Robert Rivas

CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION & STATE FAIR

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Tom Martinez

Chief Executive O cer

Marcia Shell

Deputy General Manager

Matt Cranford

Deputy General Manager

Mitchell (Mitch) Pryor

Chief of Plant Operations

Craig Walton

Chief of Police

Sue O’Brien

Executive Secretary

MAGAZINE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Larry Hausen, Ru Haus Design Studio PRINTING

Commerce Printing

am thrilled to introduce you to the latest edition of the “Best of California” Magazine, where we celebrate the extraordinary diversity, innovation, and natural bounty of our Golden State. At the California State Fair & Food Festival, we are proud to make connections between the people who enjoy these remarkable California products and the creative artisans that bring them to life. For 169 years, the California State Fair has been the paramount stage for showcasing, celebrating, and inspiring the “Best of California.” California agriculture continues to evolve because of competitions like this, which initiate better practices and positive innovation.

California is the nation’s #1 Agriculture State, and the world’s #5 leading supplier of food, with more than $47 billion in annual agricultural production! California is the home of nine of the ten most productive agriculture counties in America, and its agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. When your favorite foods and beverages are grown and created by the largest agricultural producing State in America, it’s an incredible honor to be selected as the “Best of California.”

In an effort to ensure the continued prestige of our competitions, hundreds of expert judges descended on Cal Expo over the last few months to evaluate some of the top commercial products that our State has to offer. Our four key categories, Wines, Cheeses, Extra Virgin Olive Oils, and Craft Beers, are scrupulously organized, sniffed, sipped, and tasted over the judging process. A special recognition is in order for these judges as they lent their expertise, and especially to the farmers and farm workers who are on the front lines of the agriculture industry.

While this magazine spotlights these four competitions, the California State Fair also showcases a wide variety of competitions ranging from Crafts to Livestock. In 2023, there will be competitors representing all 58 counties of the Great State of California from all age demographics.

So, grab a seat, pour yourself a glass of California wine, and enjoy the richness of California’s golden bounty. We hope you enjoy this editorial on the 2023 California State Fair’s award-winning products, and share it with your family and friends, so that they too can experience the “Best of California.”

6

COMMERCIAL WINE

8

GOLDEN STATE WINERY OF THE YEAR

Jeff Runquist Wines

10

CALIFORNIA VINEYARD OF THE YEAR

2023 Mount Eden Vineyards

2022 Sangiacomo Family Vineyards 2021 Stagecoach Vineyard 2020 Garys’ Vineyard

14

BEST OF REGION

16

BEST OF CALIFORNIA 20

BEST OF SHOW | RED Lewis Grace | 2020 Souzão 22

BEST OF SHOW | WHITE New Clairvaux Vineyard | 2022 Assyrtiko 26

BEST OF SHOW | PINK Carol Sheldon Wines | 2022 Wild Thing Rendezous Rosé 28

BEST OF SHOW | SPARKLING Vienza at Europa Village | NV Metodo Classico Brut 30

BEST OF SHOW | DESSERT Husch Vineyards | 2022 Gewurztraminer 32

BEST VALUE WINE

Baron Herzog | Chenin Blanc 36

DOUBLE GOLD & GOLD WINNERS 53

BEST MICRO WINERIES 56

COMMERCIAL CHEESE 58

BEST OF SHOW | Cow Milk

Joseph Farms Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese 60

PUBLISHER

California State Fair 1600 Exposition Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 263-FAIR | (877) CAL-EXPO CalExpoStateFair.com

ABOUT THE COVER

Tom Martinez CEO, California State Fair & Food Festival

Gregory Kondos, Rutherford Vineyard, 1989

Our heartfelt thanks to Moni Van Kamp-Kondos for her generosity in allowing the California State Fair to use this piece for our 2023 Best of California Magazine cover page. It’s stunning composition and breath-taking colors alone make it special but the connection to the California State Fair makes it particularly poignant.

Greg Kondos was awarded the highly sought-after Golden Bear Award, presented by Patty Garamendi for Best Artist 2007. Greg also created the Cal Expo poster in 1989 from his painting “Whitehall Lane” and was active at the Fair along with his fellow artist and close personal friend, Wayne Thiebaud (who also created the Cal Expo poster the prior year).

Moni, the artist’s wife is a longtime supporter of Sacramento Community art and also the sister of famed San Francisco artist William Gatewood (1943-1994).

She is a full-time philanthropist and a larger-than-life personality in her own right, delighting all who are lucky enough to meet her on her lifelong quest to bring art into everyone’s lives.

BEST OF SHOW | Goat Milk

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Bella Capra Chèvre 64

COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 66 | Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olive Truck | Coratina 68

BEST OF SHOW | Flavored Olive Oil

Sciabica's California Olive Oil | Basil 74

COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER 78

BEST OF SHOW | Craft Beer

HiDef Brewing | Wood-and-Barrel-Aged (Spirit Barrels) 80

BREWERY OF THE YEAR

The Monk’s Cellar | Roseville, CA

2023 COMMERCIAL COMPETITION FACTS

391 Wine Companies Awarded

1,718 Medals

129 Double Gold Medals

309 Gold Medals

801 Silver Medals

479 Bronze Medals

15 Cheeses Producers Awarded

105 Medals

57 Gold Medals

30 Silver Medals

18 Bronze Medals

135 Olive Oils Entered

Olive Oil Producers Awarded 97 Medals 47 Gold Medals 41 Silver Medals 9 Bronze Medals

873 Craft Beers Entered

57 Gold Medals

COMMERCIAL WINE

On June 7, 8, and 9, 2023, a panel of 39 State Fair wine judges led by Chief Judge Mark Chandler tasted and evaluated 1,846 California wines from 391 California wineries. State Fair wine judges are committed to the integrity of the results and the competition coordinators take special care to ensure the wines are judged fairly.

The California State Fair has a long history of showcasing agricultural excellence and innovative technology in winemaking. Dating back to 1854, the State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is America’s oldest wine judging. The competition celebrates the wine growing and wine producing industry in California. It is open only to wines made with fruit grown and produced in the eleven growing regions across the State of California. Wines are evaluated by class, varietal, style, and region based upon the source of the grapes.

This year a 2020 Souzao from Lewis Grace Winery in El Dorado collected Best of Show Red honors. The Best of Show White title was given to New Clairvaux Vineyard, 2022 Assyrtiko, St. James Block, Tehama County.

There were a total of 19 Best of Region Awards, 25 Best of California Awards, 1 Best Value Award, 3 Best of Micro Winery Awards, and the coveted Golden State Winery of the Year Award. A huge congratulations to Jeff Runquist Wines on winning the coveted Golden State Winery of the Year Award! Jeff Runquist Wines has won the Golden State Winery of the Year Award in 2011 and 2019 making 2023 their third win. Total medals awarded were 129 Double Gold, 309 Gold, 801 Silver, and 479 Bronze.

CALIFORNIA WINE FACTS

California is America’s #1 wine producer, makes 81% of all U.S. wine and is the world’s 4th leading wine producer after France, Italy and Spain. There are 6,148 bonded wineries here, mainly family-owned businesses, many multi-generational. Wine sales in the U.S. are tracking steady at 344 million cases. Retail value of California wine sales in the U.S. reached an estimated value of $88 billion. Export revenue is $1.44 billion of which 95% is from California. California exports 41 million nine-liter cases to 142 countries. Nearly three of every five bottles sold in the U.S. is a California wine.

Source: wineinstitute.org/resources/statistics

2023 COMMERCIAL WINE | BEST OF THE BEST

BEST OF SHOW DESSERT

Double Gold 98

Husch Vineyards

2022 Late Harvest

Gewurztraminer

Anderson Valley

BEST OF SHOW WHITE

Double Gold 100

New Clairvaux Vineyard

2022 Assyrtiko

St. James Block

Tehama County

BEST OF SHOW SPARKLING

Double Gold 99

Vienza at Europa Village

NV Metodo Classico Brut North Coast

BEST VALUE

Double Gold 98

Baron Herzog

2021 Chenin Blanc

California

BEST OF SHOW RED

Double Gold 99

Lewis Grace

2020 Souzão

El Dorado

BEST OF SHOW PINK

Double Gold 99

Carol Shelton Wines

2022 Wild Thing

Rendezvous Rosé

Mendocino County

2023 GOLDEN STATE WINERY OF THE YEAR

Jeff Runquist Wines

Jeff Runquist now has three wins as Golden State Winery of the Year to his credit. He first received the accolade in 2011, for the second time in 2019, and has been honored once again in 2023. In reflecting upon his impressive track record, Runquist is quick to give credit where credit is due. “We grow only about five percent of the grapes we use to make wine. We purchase the other 95% from nineteen different growers spread over twelve different appellations. We would not have earned this award

French Camp vineyard in the Paso Robles. There’s just 64 acres of Lagrein planted in California, and the Millers have 37 acres of them. When asked what the wine is like, Runquist says, “It tricks you. It’s deep and rich in color so you’re expecting a lot more extract but it’s not chewy.” He works with it the same way he handles Petite Sirah and Tannat, “It has big luscious dark fruit flavors and soft silky tannins. It fits right into our wheelhouse.”

When I interviewed Jeff in 2019, he mentioned that Trevor Grace was working with him as an associate winemaker. This year, the Grace Family won Best of Show Red for their 2022 Souzão. Working side-by-side with a red wine specialist like Runquist surely must have contributed to the success of those efforts. Runquist is well known for his red wines but recently has expanded his offerings to include a number of whites. He released his first ever Chardonnay in 2020, expanding his line up to five different white wines and is contemplating adding Albariño. “Our clientele did just fine for ten years without a white wine in our portfolio. Now they have Chardonnay, Viognier, Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, and Muscat Canelli to enjoy.”

He’s begun sourcing 40-year old heritage-clone Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the acclaimed Lone Oak Vineyard in Russian River Valley’s Middle Reach sub region. Of his total production, red wine still outnumbers white by 17 bottles to one, but the whites are here to stay. “They’re a joy to craft,” he says.

The success of his winery has been built upon close partnerships with these growers. The vast majority of his wines are vineyard designated, and in addition to the vineyard name the grower’s name appears on the label before Jeff is listed as the vintner. “It’s wonderful to receive validation that growers with whom we have teamed are doing a terrific job and for our efforts in

Ever experimenting, Runquist tackles new varieties like an artist that is trying his hand at a different media. He recently sourced Lagrein, a lesser-known variety from the Alto Adige region of Italy, from the Miller Family’s

Current projects for Runquist include the third release of a port-style wine made from several traditional Portuguese varieties that are planted to Peroni Ranch, the 12-acre site adjacent to the winery. He purchased the vineyard six years ago and it’s currently being farmed by Pat Rohan. From it he also produces a Peroni Ranch Zinfandel from vines that date to 1890. Another spirited addition to the Jeff Runquist portfolio is a Viognier brandy made in conjunction with the Dry Diggins Distillery in El Dorado Hills. He anticipates it being released later this year. ■

For more information about Jeff Runquist Wines: jeffrunquistwines.com

Jeff Runquist

By Deborah Parker Wong

he storied history of Mount Eden Vineyards is the intertwined legacy of three men: Paul Masson, Martin Ray, and Jeffrey Patterson who marks his 42nd vintage at the estate this year. The vineyard which sits at 2,000 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA was originally planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with cuttings from Paul Masson’s La Cresta Vineyard by Martin Ray in 1943. The estate was renamed Mount Eden Vineyards in 1972 and production of the estate wines remained at 1,000 cases until the winery’s modern era began when Patterson and his wife Ellen Davis Patterson took the reins in 1983.

The 1990s represented a decade of expansion for the estate with significant replanting and the addition of a new wine cave. And with that effort, Patterson set the stage for a wave of success in the 2000s. Vintage after vintage, Patterson’s estate Chardonnays were heralded by the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year. By 2008, the Patterson family

became the majority shareholders in the estate and, today, the winery is a family-run business with daughter Sophie as director of hospitality and son Reid as assistant general manager.

In his book The Great Wines of America, author Paul Lukacs said of Mount Eden, “This paradisiacal site, so isolated from all the bustle below, resists any winemaker’s attempt to impose rather than invoke character, and its history bespeaks a long legacy of distinctive vintages. While the wines may have changed stylistically, they always have been inspired more by personal, artistic ambitions than overtly commercial ones.”

In recognition of the vineyards that have been awarded Vineyard of the Year during the past three year hiatus, we are acknowledging them here however briefly. ■

For more information about Mount Eden Vineyards: www.mounteden.com

Jeffrey Patterson, winemaker from Mount Eden Vineyards

2022, 2021 & 2020 CALIFORNIA VINEYARDS OF THE YEAR

By Deborah Parker Wong

2022 | Sangiacomo Family Vineyards

Sangiacomo Family Vineyards was founded in Sonoma Valley in 1927 by family patriarch Vittorio Sangiacomo who emigrated to California from Genoa, Italy. His son, Angelo, who passed in February 2023 at the age of 92, became a pioneering winegrower who helped revolutionize California grape growing. As a founding partner of Sangiacomo Family Vineyards with his siblings Lorraine (2023), and Victor “Buck”, Angelo oversaw the expansion of Sangiacomo Family Vineyards which

is one of the largest family-owned, premium winegrowing businesses in California with over 1,600 acres of vineyards in Sonoma County. In 2016, the family of growers became vintners when they honored his legacy with the launch of their namesake brand. At the helm today are third generation siblings Mike, Steve and Mia Sangiacomo Pucci. ■

For more information about Sangiacomo Family Vineyards: www.sangiacomo-vineyards.com

Drocky, volcanic terroir that extends from the south-eastern side of Pritchard Hill overlooking Oakville and Yountville to the westernmost regions of the Atlas Peak appellation in 1995. He would spend the next seven years removing what is estimated to be one million pounds of volcanic rock

from the land to prepare it for planting vines. Stagecoach Vineyard is planted largely to Cabernet Sauvignon and has long been a go-to source of fruit for Napa Valley wineries. Today, at 600 acres, it is the largest contiguous vineyard in the Napa Valley. The Krupps brothers sold the property to the E. & J. Gallo Winery in 2016 and Jan continues farming the blocks that have been retained for the Krupp Brothers wines. ■

For more information about Stagecoach Vineyard: www.stagecoachvineyard.com hillside property in the middle of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.

TThe triangle-shaped site starts at the base of the mountain and rises at a 5-degree slope to reach an elevation of 400 feet. Soils here are Arroyo Seco Sandy Loam and the vineyard is planted to a variety of Pinot Noir clones predominately the Pisoni clone along with Calera, Mt.

Eden and clone 23. The remainder of the 46 acres under vine are planted to Estrella River clone Syrah. Both Garys hail from families who began farming in the Santa Lucia Highlands at the turn of the 19th century. Today, the Franscioni’s make the Roar label from this and other sites while the second generation of the Pisoni winemaking family, siblings Mark and Jeff Pisoni continue the family legacy of farming and winemaking. ■

For more information about Garys’ Vineyard: www.garysvineyard.com

2023 COMMERCIAL WINE | BEST OF CALIFORNIA

BEST BARBERA

BEST BORDEAUX RED VARIETAL BLEND

Double Gold 99

Amador Cellars

Barbera

2020

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

BEST CABERNET CABERNET FRANC

Double Gold 98

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

Cuvée POM

2018

Paso Robles

BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Double Gold 99

Monte De Oro

Cabernet Franc

2019

Temecula Valley

Double Gold 98

Picchetti Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon

2019

Paso Robles

Estrella District

BEST PINOT GRIS BEST PINOT NOIR

Double Gold 99

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

Tower Road

Petite Sirah

2020

Paso Robles

Double Gold 98

Navarro Vineyards

Pinot Gris

2022

Anderson Valley

BEST PRIMITIVO

Double Gold 99 DeLoach

Vineyards

Pinot Noir

2021

Russian River Valley

Double Gold 99

Lewis Grace

Primitivo

2020

El Dorado

Double Gold 99

St. Amant Winery

Boot Leg Port

2020

Amador County

BEST CHARDONNAY

Double Gold 99

Navarro Vineyards

Chardonnay

2021

Mendocino County

BEST MALBEC

Double Gold 99

Miramonte Winery

Garnacha

2019

Temecula Valley

Double Gold 98

Nello Olivo Wines

Malbec

2020

El Dorado

Double Gold 98

Kendall Jackson

Merlot

2019

Sonoma County

Double Gold 99

Oak Farm Vineyards

Sangiovese

2020

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Double Gold 99

Scribner Bend

Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc

2022

Clarksburg (Sacramento)

Double Gold 99

Cooper Vineyards

Syrah

2020

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Double Gold 99

Jeff Runquist

Tempranillo

2021

Jahant (San Joaquin)

BEST MUSCAT BEST OTHER RED VARIETAL BLEND

Double Gold 98

Jeff Runquist

Muscat Canelli

2022

River Junction (San Joaquin)

BEST OTHER RED VARIETAL

Double Gold 99

Ménage à Trois

Midnight

Dark Red Blend

2021

California

BEST OTHER WHITE VARIETAL

Double Gold 98

Oak Farm

Vineyards

Petit Verdot

2019

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Double Gold 100

New Clairvaux

Vineyard

Assyrtiko

2022

Tehama County

Double Gold 100

Las Positas

Vineyards

Garnacha Rosado 2022

Livermore Valley

Double Gold 99

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Grandol Rosé

2022

Temecula Valley

Double Gold 99

Carol Shelton Wines

Wild Thing

Viognier

2022

Central Coast

Double Gold 99

Burlington Chandler Old Vine Zinfandel

2021

Mokelumne River

|

Celebrate Sonoma Cabernet

18 MEDALS

18 MEDALS

CA 93 pts

Editors' Choice

91 pts

WINE & SPIRITS NOV. 2021

WINE ENTHUSIAST FEB./MAR. 2023

91 pts

CONNOISSEURS' GUIDE TO CA, DEC. 2021

Sixth generation farmers & third generation winemakers Warren, Jody & Ryan Bogle

Behind every bottle of Rodney Strong Wine is a family of passionate people committed to providing the highest quality wines from the very best AVAs in Sonoma County. With 60 years of family ownership and 823 acres of estate vineyards, we exemplify Cabernet and what it means to be world class Sonoma quality. We are united by the belief that nothing brings people together better than sharing superb experiences with a great bottle (or two) of Rodney Strong Wine. Cheers! www.RodneyStrong.com

19 MEDALS

2023 BEST OF SHOW | RED WINE

Lewis Grace

2020 Souzão | El Dorado

By Deborah Parker Wong

Souzão, a red grape variety from the Minho region of northern Portugal, has an excellent track record at the California State Fair wine competition scoring a Best Other Variety in 2012 but this is the first time a mono-varietal Souzão wine has won Best of Show Red. The 2020 Lewis Grace Souzao was made by Tyler and Trevor Grace, the first generation winemaking team from Lewis Grace winery, from fruit grown on the winery’s estate vineyards just east of Placerville.

Steve and Bea Grace and their sons Tyler and Trevor

been consistently recognized for the quality and style of their wines; in 2012 their estate Tempranillo won their first Best of Show Red in 2015 and the 2018 Fashionably Late Dessert Wine won Best of Show Dessert in 2019 making that three wins in the last six competitions.

Not surprisingly, both brothers hold degrees in enology and viticulture and have made wine in Napa, El Dorado, and Amador counties. The winery makes about 4,000 cases annually and sources about one third of its fruit from growers throughout the Sierra Foothills.

With elevations of between 1,200 and 3,500 feet, a marked diurnal shift, and a plethora of soil types and aspects, 100 different grape varieties thrive in the El Dorado AVA but over the last few years, farming there has been a challenge. The region has suffered from wildfires, smoke migrating from nearby fires and in 2022 frost events, but wine quality has never been better.

The Lewis Grace Estate sits at 2,800 feet in a warmer spot that Trevor describes as “ideal for Souzão, a late ripening variety that likes to hang out in the vineyard until mid-October.” 2014 was the first vintage for their estate Souzão which was introduced to the vineyard when they grafted over a section of Tempranillo to this thick-skinned variety that tolerates the intense ultraviolet light and is right at home in the estate’s ferrous Aiken

farm 13 different grape varieties in the very heart of the El Dorado American Viticultural Area (AVA). This alpine growing region was home to grape vines during the Gold Rush, but the modern wine industry evolved here in the early 1970s and the region’s status as an

As a family of winegrowers and winemakers, the Grace family made their first vintage in 2004 and a winery soon followed in 2011. Over the last decade they’ve

As a traditional port variety, Souzão has a deep, inky color and shows lots of blackberry and black raspberry fruit balanced with structure and brow spice. “The wine spent 16 to 18 months in 50 percent new French and American oak, and we made a barrel selection for the final bottling” said Trevor Grace. “There’s a small percentage of estate Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend that gives the wine more density and some cherry fruit.”

The Lewis Grace winery tasting room is open seven days a week from 11 am to 5 pm and accepts but does not require reservations. They are closed for major holidays and pre-holiday hours vary. ■

For more information about Lewis Grace Winery: gracepatriotwines.com

Trevor Grace, Tyler Grace, Lewis Grace winemakers

2023 BEST OF SHOW | WHITE WINE

New Clairvaux Vineyard 2022 Assyrtiko | Tehama County

By Deborah Parker Wong

New Clairvaux Vineyard winemaker

Aimée Sunseri credits the presence of Assyrtiko in the United States to Sacramento retailer Darrell Corti who initially encouraged the region’s growers to plant the little-known Greek variety. Assyrtiko which is best known for its starring role in the wines of Santorini has been in California since 1948 but it wasn’t commercially available for planting until 2011. New Clairvaux Vineyard was the first to heed his advice and plant the variety which

(Order of Cistercian of the Strict Observance) and Aimée’s father Phil Sunseri, and the Sunseri family has continued that partnership with the current Abbot, Fr. Paul Mark Schwan. The estate vineyards are planted to 19 different grape varieties that thrive in the “Vina loam” soils at the foot of Mt. Lassen in Tehama County.

The New Clairvaux Vineyard is in the town of Vina (vine ah) which has its own legacy of winegrowing, one that began when Peter Lassen, for whom Mt. Lassen was named, planted the first wine grapes in 1846. In 1861, Henry Gerke, who was best known for his white wines, took over his ranch and expanded Lassen’s vineyard to 100 acres. In 1881, Leland Stanford planted 4,000 acres of vineyards at his “Great Vina Ranch” in the late 1800’s. The property changed hands in 1919 and again in 1955 when 600 acres at the heart of the original ranch were purchased by Trappist-Cistercian monks who founded the Abbey of New Clairvaux.

Defined as a Trappist Made Product, the 2022 Assyrtiko ($21) that took this year’s Best of Show White award was sourced from the Abbey’s St. James block, a 15-acre vineyard that in addition to Assyrtiko is the source of several white varieties including Albariño, Viognier, Trebbiano, and another Greek variety, Moschofilero. Sunseri describes the wine as crisp, dry, and with vibrant, tart flavors of green apples and limes. She makes a fascinating portfolio of red, white, and fortified wines from the estate fruit citing Moschofilero, a highly aromatic variety with pronounced flavors that remind her of Fruit loops cereal, as another Greek variety to try.

As a descendant of Swiss-Italian immigrant Anton Nichelini whose namesake winery was founded in 1890 in what is now the Chiles Valley District in Napa Valley, Sunseri is a fifth generation Nichelini winemaker. In 2000, Aimée and the Sunseri family partnered with the Abbey of New Clairvaux when they planted the St. James block on the Abbey grounds and the Poor Souls block at the nearby Sunseri Ranch. The winery was established by former Abbot, Fr. Thomas Davis

The tasting room for New Clairvaux Vineyard is located on the Abbey grounds and is open from 11 am to 5 pm daily. Self-guided and docent led tours of the grounds and the New Abbey Church which was constructed from stones originally from the 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria de Ovila and completed in 2018 are offered daily. ■

For more information about New Clairvaux Vineyard.com: newclairvauxvineyard.com

Aimée Sunseri - Winemaker, Vice President New Clairvaux Vineyard

2023 BEST OF SHOW | PINK

Carol Shelton Wines

2022 Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé Mendocino County

By Deborah Parker Wong

Once relegated to enjoyment during the months of summer, rosé has shaken off its seasonal bias and become a wine style that is now appreciated year around. In the hands of winemaker Carol Shelton, we see the wilder side of rosé emerge in her 2022 Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé ($20), which took the award for Best of Show Pink.

And pink it is. Not just any washed out, barely pink at the core rosé but a Tavel-inspired wine, one that’s made in a very specific way to capture maximum amount of flavor using a method that Shelton

by Shelton as having juicy strawberry-watermelon aromas and fresh zesty flavors of Cara Cara oranges and tangy vanilla crème fraîche on strawberry shortcake.

Those fresh, vibrant flavors are coming largely from 75-year-old Carignan vines that for years have been the foundation of this wine, until prolonged drought necessitated adding Zinfandel and Petite Sirah to the blend. Shelton sources her fruit from the certified organic Cox Family Vineyards just north of Ukiah in the Redwood Valley AVA.

describes as delayed saignée. “Most of the flavor compounds we’re after are found in the grape skins and the pulp that’s attached to them,” she said. “To capture all of those goodies we need to leave the skins in contact with the juice for a longer period of time.”

Instead of immediately draining off a percentage of juice from a red wine during crushing or while its undergoing cold maceration in a process referred to as saignée or “bleeding,” Shelton waits until the morning on the third day before fermentation has begun to draw off the 50% of the juice that will become her rosé.

The result, a rich cranberry-colored wine with an abundance of aroma and flavor. That depth of flavor is standard for any wine style Shelton chooses to make, but it is widely admired in a dry rosé that’s designed to pair well with dishes from sushi and salmon to barbeque. Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé is described

Shelton

This year Shelton marks her 47th vintage as a winemaker noting that in some years she worked harvests in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and 2023 will be her 24th vintage as Carol Shelton Wines. She has been best known for Zinfandel, seven or eight of which have formed the foundation of her portfolio over the years, but she now has just as many other wines to her credit that include Rhône varieties, Barbera, and Chardonnay.

The future looks decidedly rosy for Shelton who is optimistic about plans that include building a winery and tasting room on a site in the town of Windsor where she now lives. ■

For more information about Carol Shelton Wines: carolshelton.com

Carol

2023 BEST OF SHOW | SPARKLING

Vienza at Europa Village

NV Metodo Classico Brut | North Coast

By Deborah Parker Wong

This year’s winning sparkling wine was made by a team of winemakers who collaborate with Sonoma native George Bursick who is master winemaker for Europa Village and oversees the production of 12,000 cases of wine made from Spanish, French and Italian grape varieties. Bursick is one of the U.C. Davis “Class of ’76,” a group of winemakers who have helped shape the destiny of California’s wine industry.

has only been released to winery club members but Rice anticipates a future release.

Europe Village Wineries & Resort was founded when real estate broker and land developer Dan Stephenson purchased 300 acres in the southwestern half of the Temecula Valley AVA and established a winery on the property in 2006. As a destination for enotourism, the resort is now home to three wineries with 30 acres of estate vineyards planted to Spanish, French and Italian grape varieties. The valley’s elevation, which varies from 1,100 feet at Europa to 1,600 feet at its highest results in a wider diurnal shift and lower nighttime temperatures that give the vines a respite from ultraviolet light and heat of the shorter growing season.

Although the Temecula Valley’s warm Mediterranean climate sees very little rain, it’s moderated by several cooling influences. Cool, coastal air is pulled into the valley through Rainbow Gap and the Temecula Gap, two low-lying areas in the coastal mountain range, where it combines with cold air from the surrounding Temescal Mountains that flows down to join the cold, moist air of the Santa Margarita river channel that meanders through the valley. Rhone, Iberian, and Italian grape varieties excel here despite the meager sandy loam and eroding granite soils that have very little water holding capacity.

According to Matt Rice, director of winery operations at Europa Village, the non-vintage brut is a blend of 62% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Gris, and 1% Pinot Meunier sourced from California’s North Coast AVA. The wine is quite dry with 6 grams per liter of residual sugar, and it spent 18 months on the lees before being disgorged. “It’s very complex with a lot of yeasty, grapefruit and pear aromas,” he said. “The bubbles are very fine and persistent, and the wine is smooth, round and bright in style.” To date this wine

The Europa Village Wineries & Resort is home to three wineries: Bolero which celebrates the Spanish varietal wines; C’est la Vie bottles internationally-grown French varieties, and the latest addition to the resort, Vienza, an Italian-inspired wine cave and tasting room scheduled to open in 2023. 90-minute vineyard tours of the estate include a tasting of eight wines and are offered Friday through Monday. ■

For more information about Vienza at Europa Village: europavillage.com

2023 BEST OF SHOW | DESSERT

Husch Vineyards

2022 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer Anderson Valley

By Deborah Parker Wong

Gewürztraminer was the cornerstone grape of the Husch estate when Tony and Gretchen Husch planted it there in 1968. Many of those original Gewürztraminer vines are still in production today - visible from the winery tasting room - and from them and their younger clones, Husch winemaker Brad Holstine crafted the 2022 Late Harvest

In addition to Gewürztraminer, the estate vineyards still contain the earliest varietal plantings of Pinot Noir on the valley floor. In 1979, just eight years after their first vintage, the Husch family sold their 6000-case winery to Hugo Oswald Jr., a pear farmer from Santa Clara Valley who moved his family to the secluded valley in Mendocino County.

As Anderson Valley’s pioneering winery, Husch was in the capable hands of the Oswald family when the region became an official American Viticultural Area in 1983. At that time, more than two thirds of the region’s vineyards were planted to white varieties with Riesling and Gewürztraminer accounting for nearly 40% of the acreage under vine. The arrival of the Dijon Pinot Noir clones in the early 2000s marked a transition away from Alsatian white varieties and the region is now planted predominately to Pinot Noir.

The narrow 16-mile long Anderson Valley AVA lies within California’s Northern Coast Range and has two distinct mesoclimates. Husch is sited close to Navarro in the “deep end” where cold ocean breezes and fog funnel into the upper half of the valley from the Pacific coast which is just 10 miles away. Although the southern half of the valley is significantly warmer, Anderson Valley is still one of California's coolest wine regions with an average temperature of just 53 degrees F.

Today, Husch is owned and operated by Zac Robinson and Amanda Robinson Holstine, the third generation of the Oswald family, who prioritize land stewardship at the estate. Al White has managed the vineyards there since 1974 and is credited as an early adopter of no-till farming which has increased the biodiversity and resiliency of the estate over the decades.

bright stone fruit and clove spice, and in its rich, balanced flavors of wildflower honey, candied citrus, cinnamon, and ginger. Husch’s Amanda Robinson Holstine likes the wine “as a sweet sip of liquid dessert” but finds that it works equally well as an aperitif or digestif. She suggests pairing late harvest Gewürztraminer with strong cheeses, roasted nuts, foie gras, or even homemade apple pie.

2023 marks the 52nd vintage for Husch Vineyards which was the first winery established in the Anderson Valley.

Winemaking is under the direction of Amanda’s husband Brad Holstine and the winery’s portfolio includes a versatile dry Gewürztraminer, Bordeaux, and Bourgogne varieties, and treasured old vine Zinfandel.

Husch Vineyard’s tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. ■

For more information about Husch Vineyards: huschvineyards.com

Winemaker Brad Holstine, Husch Vineyards

2023 BEST OF SHOW | BEST VALUE

Baron Herzog

Chenin Blanc | California

By Deborah Parker Wong

Clarksburg AVA. The Herzog family purchased the 230-acre property in 2010 and it has been a steady source of fruit for their winemaker Barry Henderson. These entry-level wines are designed for immediate consumption and represent

It’s typical for Clarksburg Chenin Blanc to be harvested early producing wines with pear and melon flavors and lower alcohol that highlights the delicacy and aromatic charms of the variety. The winery describes Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc which is machine-picked, stainless steel fermented, and bottled early to preserve freshness as having lush notes of freshly picked apricot with floral aromas of honeysuckle and a bright, clean finish.

Since all the wines produced by Herzog Wine Cellars are kosher, the winery doesn’t purchase bulk wine but they do grow grapes in key regions of California wine country which is one of the key ways that they are able to overdeliver in terms of quality for consumers. Over the last 35 years the winery’s emphasis on producing exceptional quality for value wine has helped improve the perception of the kosher wine category. “The same attention to detail that’s applied to a $225 bottle of Herzog Single Vineyard is applied to a $10 bottle of Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon,” said David Galzignato, senior winemaker and director of winemaking operations, in a recent interview for The Tasting Panel magazine. Galzignato works with founding winemaker Joe Hurliman, who has led winemaking at Herzog for the past twenty three years.

To be defined as kosher, a wine must be made by winemakers who are Sabbath-observing Jews using only native yeasts and vegan fining agents which means that the wines are also vegan. Given where the market stands today, those production requirements are both points of differentiation for quality and effective marketing messages.

amounts are grown in other parts of the state, the region has emerged as the most sought after terroir for a grape that has been steadily declining in acreage for the last 30 years. With its rich clay/loam soils and a steady breeze that blows up the delta through the Carquinez Strait providing a maritime influence, conditions there are similar to those in France’s Loire Valley which is the variety’s native terroir.

Herzog Wine Cellars is based in Oxnard, California and produces eight brands and a portfolio of wines from 25 different grape varieties that range in price from $10 to $275: Baron Herzog, Jeunesse, Herzog Lineage, Herzog Variations, Herzog Special Reserve, Herzog Single Vineyard, Herzog Special Edition, and Weinstock. The winery tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 12 pm to 7:30 pm ■

For more information about Baron Herzog Wine Cellars: herzogwine.com

Clarksburg has a distinctive track record with Chenin

2023 DOUBLE GOLD & GOLD WINNERS

DRY WHITE WINES ALBARIÑO

Brecon Estate Double Gold 99 2022 Albariño San Luis Obispo Coast Best of Region - White

Klinker Brick Winery Double Gold 99 2022 Albariño

Mokelumne River Brecon Estate Gold 95

2022 True Acacia Head Albariño San Luis Obispo Coast

BORDEAUX WHITE VARIETAL BLENDS

Concannon Vineyard Gold 96

2021 Assemblage Blanc Livermore Valley CHARDONNAY Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Chardonnay

Picchetti Winery Gold 96 2021 Chardonnay

Santa Cruz Mountains

Silver Creek Gold 96

2021 Chardonnay

California

American Vintage Gold 95

2020 Chardonnay

Sonoma County

Chloe Wine Collection Gold 95

2021 Chardonnay

Monterey County

Estancia Gold 95

2021 Chardonnay

California

Harney Lane Gold 95

2021 Chardonnay

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Heringer Estates Gold 95

2022 Chardonnay

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2022 Chardonnay

Russian River Valley

JL WOOD Gold 95

2021 No-oak Chardonnay

Arroyo Seco

Storrs Gold 95

2021 Chardonnay

Santa Cruz Mountains

William Hill Estate Winery Gold 95

2021 Chardonnay

California

Baron Herzog Gold 94

2022 Chardonnay

California

Capo Isetta Gold 94

2021 Chardonnay

Sonoma Coast (Sonoma)

Glenbrook Vineyard Gold 94

2021 Chardonnay

California

Rivino Gold 94

2022 Chardonnay

Mendocino

Santa Barbara Winery Gold 94

2019 Chardonnay

Sta. Rita Hills

CHENIN BLANC

Baron Herzog Double Gold 98

2021 Chenin Blanc

California

Best of Region - White; Best Value

Bogle Family Vineyards Gold 96

2021 Chenin Blanc

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Fellow Gold 96

2021 Chenin Blanc

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Husch Vineyards Gold 95

2022 Chenin Blanc

Mendocino

Silt Wine Company Gold 95

2022 Chenin Blanc

Clarksburg (Yolo)

GEWURZTRAMINER

Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 99

2022 Gewürztraminer

Anderson Valley

Best of Region - White

South Coast Winery Double Gold 99

2021 Gewürztraminer

Temecula Valley

Best of Region - White

Milliaire Winery Gold 94

2021 Gewürztraminer

Mendocino County

OTHER DRY WHITE VARIETAL BLENDS

CottonWood Creek Gold 96

NV White Table Wine

California

Ménage à Trois Gold 96

2021 Exotic Blend

California

Drytown Cellars Gold 95

NV Gold White Wine

Sierra Foothills

Miramonte Winery Gold 95

2022 Opulente Blanc

California

New Clairvaux Vineyard Gold 95

NV White Table Wine Lot 9

Tehama County

Peirano Estate Vineyards Gold 94

2022 The Other White Wine Blend

Lodi (San Joaquin)

OTHER WHITE VARIETALS

New Clairvaux Vineyard Double Gold 100

2022 Assyrtiko

Tehama County

Best of Show - White; Best of Region - White; Best of California

Lewis Grace Double Gold 99

2022 Verdelho

Alta Mesa

Best of Region - White

Bolero at Europa Village Double Gold 99

2019 Verdejo

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Cougar Double Gold 99

2020 Vermentino

Temecula Valley

Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 99

2022 Grüner Veltliner

Anderson Valley

Bella Grace Vineyards Double Gold 98

2022 Grenache Blanc

Amador County

Best of Region - White

Inner Sanctum Cellars Double Gold 98

2021 Mateo the Matador Verdejo

Tuolumne County

Oak Farm Vineyards Double Gold 98

2022 Fiano

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards Gold 96

2021 Clairette Blanche

Mokelumne River

Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards Gold 96

2022 Grenache Blanc

Mokelumne River

Bella Grace Vineyards Gold 96

2022 Vermentino

Amador County

Casino Mine Ranch Gold 96

2020 Vermentino

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards Gold 95

2022 Picpoul Blanc

Mokelumne River

Amador Cellars Gold 95

2021 Fiano

Amador County

Cass Winery Gold 95

2022 Marsanne

Paso Robles Geneseo District

INTERCOASTAL Vineyards Gold 95

2022 Vermentino

Lodi (Sacramento)

Lewis Grace Gold 95

2022 Torrontés

Alta Mesa

PINOT BLANC

Rivino Double Gold 98

2022 Pinot Blanc

Mendocino

PINOT GRIGIO/PINOT GRIS

Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 98

2022 Pinot Gris

Anderson Valley

Best of California

California Roots Gold 96

2021 Pinot Grigio

California

Collier Creek Gold 94

2022 Midnight Owl Pinot Grigio

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Silt Wine Company Gold 94

2021 Pinot Gris

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Sutter Home Gold 94

NV Pinot Grigio

California

RHONE WHITE VARIETAL BLENDS

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96

2021 Coquille Blanc

Paso Robles

Cass Winery Gold 94

2022 MR BLANC

Paso Robles Geneseo District

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards Gold 96

2021 Spontaneous Groove

Paso Robles

RIESLING

Navarro Vineyards Gold 96

2022 Riesling

Anderson Valley

ROUSSANE

Cass Winery Gold 95

2022 Roussanne

Paso Robles Geneseo District

Wilderotter Vineyard Gold 94

2020 Roussanne

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

SAUVIGNON BLANC

SEAGLASS Double Gold 99

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Central Coast

Best of Region - White

Scribner Bend Vineyards Double Gold 99

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Clarksburg (Sacramento)

Best of California

Dark Horse Double Gold 99

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

California

Elizabeth Spencer Double Gold 99

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

North Coast

Francis Ford Coppola Double Gold 99

Diamond Collection

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Sonoma County

Kendall Jackson Double Gold 99

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

California

Shed Horn Cellars Double Gold 99

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Lake County

Silt Wine Company Double Gold 98

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

Clarksburg (Yolo)

South Coast Winery Double Gold 98

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

Temecula Valley

California Roots Gold 96

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

California

Lava Cap Gold 96

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

El Dorado

Picchetti Winery Gold 96

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Arroyo Seco

Tributus Gold 96

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

Napa Valley

Alexander Valley Vineyards Gold 95

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Sonoma County

Bella Grace Vineyards Gold 95

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Amador County

Brassfield Estate Winery Gold 95

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

High Valley

ebb + flow Gold 95

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

California

Heringer Estates Gold 95

2021 Sauvignon Blanc

Clarksburg (Yolo)

LangeTwins Family Winery Gold 95

2021 Fume Blanc

Jahant (San Joaquin)

Peltier Gold 95

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Ross Ranch Gold 95

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Knights Valley

San Simeon Gold 95

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Paso Robles

Dry Creek Vineyard Gold 94

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Dry Creek Valley

VIOGNIER

Carol Shelton Wines Double Gold 99

2022 Wild Thing Viognier

Central Coast

Best of California

Eberle Double Gold 99

2022 Viognier

Paso Robles

McManis Family Vineyards Double Gold 99

2021 Viognier

River Junction (Stanislaus)

Jeff Runquist Gold 96

2022 Viognier

River Junction (San Joaquin)

Cass Winery Gold 95

2022 Viognier

Paso Robles Geneseo District

Cline Cellars Gold 95

2022 Viognier

North Coast

Hawley Gold 95

2022 Viognier

Dry Creek Valley

Heringer Estates Gold 95

2021 Viognier

Clarksburg (Yolo)

San Simeon Gold 94

2022 Viognier

Paso Robles

RED TABLE WINES

BARBERA

Amador Cellars Double Gold 99

2020 Barbera

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Best of California

Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 98

2018 Barbera

Livermore Valley

Scott Harvey Double Gold 98

2020 Barbera

Amador County

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96

2021 Barbera d’ Oakley

Contra Costa County

Eberle Gold 96

2021 Barbera

Paso Robles

Bella Luna Estate Winery Gold 95

2019 Barbera

Adelaida District

Belledor Vineyards Gold 95

2020 Barbera

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Bonitata Boutique Wine Gold 95

2019 Barbera

Sierra Foothills

Bella Grace Vineyard Gold 94

2020 Barbera

Amador County

Lewis Grace Gold 94

2021 Barbera

Amador County

BORDEAUX RED VARIETAL BLENDS

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Double Gold 98

2018 Cuvee POM

Paso Robles

Best of California

Burlington Chandler Gold 96

NV Meritage

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Rodney Strong Vineyards Gold 96

2018 Symmetry Red Blend

Sonoma County

Brian Arden Winery Gold 95

2019 CRU 50/50

Napa Valley

Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery Gold 95

2021 MERCURY RISING

California

Cinquain Cellars Gold 95

2019 Reserve Cinquain

Paso Robles

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Gold 95

2018 Cuvee ST.E

Paso Robles

Matchbook Gold 95

2020 The Arsonist Red Blend

Dunnigan Hills

Wilson Family Winery Gold 95

2020 Man O War

Lodi (San Joaquin)

CABERNET FRANC

Monte De Oro Double Gold 99

2019 Cabernet Franc

Temecula Valley

Best of Region - Red; Best of California

Ironstone Vineyards Gold 96

2020 Cabernet Franc

Sierra Foothills

Black Sheep Winery Gold 95

2019 Cabernet Franc

Calaveras County

Heringer Estates Gold 95

2021 Cabernet Franc

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2021 Cabernet Franc

Clarksburg (Sacramento)

Lewis Grace Gold 95

2020 Cabernet Franc

El Dorado

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Elizabeth Spencer Double Gold 99

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley

Best of Region - Red

Hawk and Horse VineyardsDouble Gold 99

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Red Hills

Best of Region - Red

Louis M. Martini Double Gold 99

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma County

Picchetti Winery Double Gold 98

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles Estrella District

Best of Region - Red; Best of California

Herzog Variations Double Gold 98

2021 Five Cabernet Sauvignon California

Maggio Estates Double Gold 98

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Bargetto Winery Gold 96

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Santa Cruz Mountains

Bloomfield Vineyards Gold 96

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

San Francisco Bay

Brassfield Estate Winery Gold 96

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

High Valley

Eberle Gold 96

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles

Opolo Gold 96

2021 Summit Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles

Pope Valley Winery Gold 96

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley

Alexander Valley Vineyards Gold 95

2019 Alexander School Reserve

Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley

Bogle Family Vineyards Gold 95

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon California

Broadside Gold 95

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Santa Margarita Ranch

Carmel Road Gold 95

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

California

Cass Winery Gold 95

2019 CnAnB Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles Geneseo District

Collier Creek Gold 95

2021 Big Rooster Cabernet Sauvignon

Cosumnes River (San Joaquin)

Eberle Gold 95

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles

Fog & Light Gold 95

2020 Vintage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles

Francis Ford Coppola Gold 95

Director’s Cut

2020 Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma County

Franciscan Gold 95

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

California

Freakshow Gold 95

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Hannah Nicole Vineyards Gold 95

2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Contra Costa County

Husch Vineyards Gold 95

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Mendocino

Husch Vineyards Gold 95

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Mendocino

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Gold 95

2019 J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Gold 95

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Helena

Klinker Brick Winery Gold 95

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Matchbook Gold 95

2021 Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon

Dunnigan Hills

Mettler Family Vineyards Gold 95

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 95

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Phil Long Estate Wines Gold 95

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley

Rodney Strong Vineyards Gold 95

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Knights Valley

Summers Estate Wines Gold 95

2020 Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma County

Juggernaut Gold 94

2020 Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon

California

Sean Minor Gold 94

2021 California Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles

CARIGNANE

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 95

2019 Wireless Carignane

Alexander Valley

Jessies Grove Winery Gold 95

2019 Carignane

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Klinker Brick Winery Gold 95

2019 Carignane

Lodi (San Joaquin)

GRENACHE

Miramonte Winery Double Gold 99

2019 Garnacha

Temecula Valley

Best of California

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96

2022 Grenache Noir

Contra Costa County

ITALIAN RED VARIETAL BLEND

Bella Luna Estate Winery Gold 95

2019 Estate Riserva Italian Red Blend

Templeton Gap District

Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 95

2019 Raffaele Italian Red Blend

Lodi (San Joaquin)

South Coast Winery Gold 95

2019 Il Temporale

South Coast

MALBEC

Nello Olivo Wines Double Gold 98

2020 Malbec

El Dorado

Best of California

Cinquain Cellars Gold 95

2019 Malbec

Paso Robles

Heringer Estates Gold 95

2018 Malbec

Clarksburg (Yolo)

MERLOT

Kendall Jackson Double Gold 98

2019 Merlot

Sonoma County

Best of California

Gilpin Estate Double Gold 98

2018 Merlot

Coombsville

Las Positas Vineyards Gold 96

2020 Merlot

Livermore Valley

Barefoot Gold 95

NV Merlot California

Lava Cap Gold 95

2020 Merlot

El Dorado

Rodney Strong Vineyards Gold 95

2021 Merlot

Sonoma County

Bogle Family Vineyards Gold 94

2020 Merlot

California

MOURVÈDRE

Brecon Estate Gold 95

2021 Mourvèdre

Adelaida District

Cass Winery Gold 95

2020 Damas Noir Mourvèdre

Paso Robles Geneseo District

Lewis Grace Winery Gold 95

2020 Mourvèdre

El Dorado

Starfield Vineyards Gold 95

2020 Mourvèdre

El Dorado

Windwalker Vineyard Gold 94

2020 Mourvèdre

Sierra Foothills

OTHER RED VARIETALS

Lewis Grace Double Gold 99

2020 Souzão

El Dorado

Best of Show - Red; Best of Region - Red

Gianelli Vineyards Double Gold 99

2019 Montepulciano

Tuolumne County

Hawk and Horse Vineyards Double Gold 99

2019 Petit Verdot

Lake County

Jeff Runquist Double Gold 99

2021 Alicante Bouschet

San Joaquin County

Jeff Runquist Double Gold 99

2021 Teroldego

Jahant (San Joaquin)

Black Sheep Winery Double Gold 98

2019 Dusty Lane Cinsaut

Calaveras County

Black Sheep Winery Double Gold 98

2020 Dusty Lane Cinsaut

Calaveras County

Oak Farm Vineyards Double Gold 98

2019

2 MEDALS

C ‘est La Vie Gold 95

NV Alicante Bouschet

Madera (Madera)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2021 Petit Verdot

Jahant (San Joaquin)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2021 Tannat

Alta Mesa

Lewis Grace Gold 95

2020 Petit Verdot

El Dorado

Silt Wine Company Gold 95

2020 Teroldego

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Ursa Vineyards Gold 94

2019 Tannat

El Dorado

Villa Vallecito Vineyards Gold 94

2019 Sagrantino

Sierra Foothills

OTHER RED VARIETAL BLENDS

Ménage à Trois Double Gold 99

2021 Midnight Red Varietal Blend

California

Best of California

Brassfield Estate Winery Double Gold 99

2020 Eruption

High Valley

Jeff Runquist Double Gold 99

2021 1448

California

Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 99

2020 LVVC Red Wine Blend

Livermore Valley

The Buccaneer Back Double Gold 99

From The Dead Red

2020 Red Varietal Blend

California

New Clairvaux Vineyard Double Gold 98

NV Petite Temptation Lot 11

Tehama County

Amador Cellars Gold 96

2020 Farmhouse Red Red Wine Blend

Amador County

Big Guy Wine Cellars Gold 96

2021 Paws for Purple Hearts

California

California Roots Gold 96

2020 Red Blend

California

Highlands 41 Gold 96

2021 Black Granite

Paso Robles

Las Positas Vineyards Gold 96

2020 COCCINEOUS Red Wine Blend

Livermore Valley

Lodi Red Gold 96

2020 Don’s Blend Red Varietal Blend

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Ménage à Trois Gold 96

2021 Red Blend

California

2020 Jacks are Wild Red Wine Blend

El Dorado Cooper Vineyards Gold 95 NV Cooper Ranch Red

Amador County

Dark Horse Gold 95 NV Red Blend California

Helwig Winery Gold 95

2018 Maestro de Bodega

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Heringer Estates Gold 95

2018 Insieme

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Las Positas Vineyards Gold 95 NV CONSPIRATUS Red Blend

Livermore Valley

Pope Valley Winery Gold 95 2019 Faultline Red Blend

Napa Valley

Rowen Wine Company Gold 95 2018 Red Blend

Sonoma County

South Coast Winery Gold 95 NV The Big Red Table

South Coast

American Vintage Gold 94

2021 Red Blend

California

Rendez-vous Gold 94

2021 Rendez-Rouge Red Blend

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Vina Robles Gold 94

2021 The Arborist Red Blend

Paso Robles

PETITE SIRAH

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Double Gold 99

2020 Tower Road Petite Sirah

Paso Robles

Best of California

INTERCOASTAL Vineyards Double Gold 99

2019 Petite Sirah

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Le Vigne Double Gold 99

2019 Petite Sirah

Paso Robles

Lucid Wine Double Gold 99

2021 Epiphany Petite Sirah

Sierra Foothills

Storrs Double Gold 99

2019 Petite Sirah

Santa Cruz Mountains

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96

2018 Rockpile Reserve Petite Sirah Rockpile

De Tierra Gold 96

2019 Petite Sirah

Paicines

Lewis Grace Gold 96

2020 Petite Sirah

El Dorado

Macchia Gold 96

2021 Dubious Petite Sirah

California

Thorn Hill Vineyards Gold 96

2017 Petite Sirah

Lake County

Wilson Family Winery Gold 96

2019 Stingray Petite Sirah

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Cabana Wines Gold 95

2020 Petite Sirah

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Milliaire Winery Gold 95

2019 Eagle’s Nest Petite Sirah

Calaveras County

New Clairvaux Vineyard Gold 95

2020 Petite Sirah

Tehama County

Wolfe Heights Estates Gold 95

2020 Petite Sirah

Sacramento County

PINOT NOIR

DeLoach Vineyards Double Gold 99

2021 Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

Best of Region - Red; Best of California

Rescue Dog Wines Double Gold 99

2021 Pinot Noir

Central Coast

Wolff Vineyards Double Gold 99

2019 Pinot Noir

Edna Valley

Amrita Cellars Gold 96

2021 Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

Hawley Gold 96

2021 Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

The Buccaneer Gold 96

2020 Pinot Noir

California

Cooper & Thief Gold 95

2019 Pinot Noir

California Davis Bynum Gold 95

2019 Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

PRIMITIVO

Lewis Grace Double Gold 99

2020 Primitivo

El Dorado

Best of California

Convergence Vineyards Double Gold 98

2020 Primitivo

Sierra Foothills

Harney Lane Double Gold 98

NV Lot 23 Primitivo

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Belledor Vineyards Gold 95

2020 Primitivo

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2021 Primitivo

Amador County

Macchia Gold 95

2021 Devious Primitivo

California

Macchia Gold 95

2021 Meticulous Primitivo

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Vina Moda Gold 95

2020 Primitivo

Stanislaus County

Windwalker Vineyard Gold 95

2019 Shady Lady Primitivo

Sierra Foothills

RHONE RED VARIETAL BLENDS

Windwalker Vineyard Double Gold 99

2021 Sangiovese

Sierra Foothills

Noceto Double Gold 98

2019 Dos Oakies Sangiovese

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Borjon Gold 95

2019 Reposado Sangiovese

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2021 Sangiovese

Amador County

Noceto Gold 95

2020 Sangiovese

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

South Coast Winery Gold 95

2019 Sangiovese

South Coast

South Coast Winery Gold 95

2020 Sangiovese

South Coast

SYRAH

Cooper Vineyards Double Gold 99

2020 Syrah

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Best of California

C ‘est La Vie Double Gold 99

2018 Syrah

Temecula Valley

Macchia Double Gold 98

2021 Luxurious Syrah

2021 Pinot Noir California

McManis Family Vineyards Gold 95

2021 Pinot Noir

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Sonnet Wine Cellars Gold 95

2021 Pinot Noir

Santa Lucia Highlands

Talbott Gold 95

2021 Kali Hart Pinot Noir

Monterey

Philo Ridge Vineyards Gold 94

2020 Pinot Noir

Anderson Valley

Cass Winery Gold 96

2020 Rockin’One

Paso Robles Geneseo District

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 94

2021 Coquille Rouge

Central Coast

SANGIOVESE

Oak Farm Vineyards Double Gold 99

2020 Sangiovese

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Best of California

Noceto Double Gold 99

2019 Sangiovese

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

Noceto Double Gold 99

2019 Hillside Sangiovese

Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

California

Best of Region - Red

Lewis Grace Double Gold 98

2020 Syrah

Sierra Foothills

6th Sense Gold 95

2021 Syrah

Lodi (San Joaquin)

TEMPRANILLO

Jeff Runquist Double Gold 99

2021 Tempranillo

Jahant (San Joaquin)

Best of California; Best of Region - Red

New Clairvaux Vineyard Double Gold 99

2021 Tempranillo

Tehama County

Best of Region - Red

Boeger Winery Gold 96

2020 Tempranillo

El Dorado

Cantadora Gold 96

2019 The Protector Tempranillo

Amador County

Harney Lane Gold 94

2020 Tempranillo

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Wise Villa Winery Gold 96

2021 Tempranillo

Sierra Foothills

ZINFANDEL

Carol Shelton Wines Double Gold 99

2020 Oakley Zin

Old Vine Zinfandel

Contra Costa County

Best of Region - Red

Burlington Chandler Double Gold 99

2021 Old Vine Zinfandel

Mokelumne River

Best of California

7 Deadly Double Gold 99

2019 7 Deadly Zins

Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Alexander Valley Vineyards Double Gold 99

2019 Sin Zin Zinfandel

Sonoma County

Avensole Double Gold 99

2020 Retaggio Zinfandel

Temecula Valley

Lewis Grace Double Gold 99

2020 Zinfandel

El Dorado

Macchia Double Gold 99

2021 Generous Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Macchia Double Gold 99

2021 Serious Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Opolo Double Gold 99

2021 Mountain Zinfandel

Paso Robles

The Buccaneer Double Gold 99

2020 Zinfandel California

Harney Lane Double Gold 98

2020 Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Black Sheep Winery Gold 96

2018 Zinfandel

Amador County

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96

2020 Bacchi Reserve Zin Zinfandel

Russian River Valley

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96

2019 Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel

Rockpile

Dry Creek Vineyard Gold 96

2021 Zinfandel

Sonoma County

Hook or Crook Cellars Gold 96

2018 Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Jessies Grove Winery Gold 96

2020 Fancy Quest Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Ledson Gold 96

2019 Zinfandel

Dry Creek Valley

Macchia Gold 96

2021 Oblivious Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (Sacramento)

Macchia Gold 96

2021 Superlicious Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Mettler Family Vineyards Gold 96

2019 Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Sobon Estate Gold 96

2021 Zinfandel

Amador County

Bella Luna Estate Winery Gold 95

2020 Fighter Pilot Red Zinfandel

Adelaida District

Boeger Winery Gold 95

2019 Zinfandel

El Dorado

Carol Shelton Wines Gold 95

2020 Wild Thing Zin

Old Vine Zinfandel

Medicino County

Helwig Winery Gold 95

2020 Gold Country Zinfandel

Sierra Foothills

Ivory & Burt Gold 95

2020 Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Macchia Gold 95

2021 Adventurous Zinfandel

Amador County

Merlo Family Estate Vineyards Gold 95

2021 Zinfandel

Trinity County

Philo Ridge Vineyards Gold 95

2020 Zinfandel

Redwood Valley

Scott Harvey Wines Gold 95

2020 Zinfandel

Amador County

Steiner Family Vineyards Gold 95

2020 No. 19 Zinfandel

Amador County

Bogle Family Vineyards Gold 94

2021 Old Vine Zinfandel

California

Dancing Crow Vineyards Gold 94

2021 Zinfandel

North Coast

Macchia Gold 94

2021 Ambiguous Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi (San Joaquin)

ROSÉ, PINK AND BLUSH WINE VARIETAL ROSÉ

Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 100

2022 Garnacha Rosado

Livermore Valley

Best of California

Husch Vineyards Double Gold 99

2022 Varietal Rosé

Mendocino

Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 99

2022 Tempranillo Rosado

Livermore Valley

Rodney Strong Vineyards Double Gold 99

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast (Sonoma)

South Coast Winery Double Gold 99

2022 Grenache Rosé

Temecula Valley

South Coast Winery Double Gold 99

2022 Tempranillo Rosé

Temecula Valley

Castle Rock Gold 96

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Monterey County

INTERCOASTAL Vineyards Gold 96

2022 Rosé of Pinotage

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Peltier Gold 96

2022 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2022 Rosé of Sangiovese

Amador County

New Clairvaux Vineyard Gold 95

2022 Barbera Rosé

Tehama County

Peltzer Family Cellars Gold 95

2021 Syrah Rosé

Temecula Valley

Scotto Family Cellars Gold 95

2022 Dry Sangiovese Rosé

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Navarro Vineyards Gold 94

2022 Rosé of Grenache

Mendocino

VARIETAL ROSÉ BLENDS

Carol Shelton Wines Double Gold 99

2022 Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé

Mendocino County

Best of Show - Pink

Baily Vineyard & Winery Double Gold 99

2022 Grandol Rosé

Temecula Valley

Best of California

Bonterra Organic Estates Double Gold 98

2022 Rosé

California

Harney Lane Double Gold 98

2022 Dry Rosé Blend

Jahant (San Joaquin)

Maddalena Double Gold 98

2022 Rosé Blend

Paso Robles

SEAGLASS Gold 96

2021 Rosé

Monterey County

Michael David Gold 95

2022 Rosé Blend

Lodi (San Joaquin)

Amador Cellars Gold 94

2022 Rosé Blend

Amador County

WHITE ZINFANDEL

Barefoot Gold 95

NV White Zinfandel

California

SPARKLING WINES

Charmat Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, etc.)

- Brut, up to 1.5% rs

J Vineyards Gold 96

NV Cuvee Brut

California

Silt Wine Company Gold 96

NV Sparkling Chenin Blanc

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Charmat Fermented Sparkling Wine

(Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, etc.)

- Extra Dry 1.51 to 3% rs

Vienza at Europa Village Gold 96

NV La Scappatella “The Escape”

California

Charmat Fermented Rosé; Pink and Sparkling Red - Brut; up to 1.5% rs

Lewis Grace Double Gold 99

2021 Brut Rosé

El Dorado

Charmat Fermented Rose; Pink and Sparkling Red - Extra Dry; 1.51. to 3% rs

South Coast Winery Gold 96

2022 SIN Sparkling Pink and Red Rosé

South Coast

Charmat Fermented Rose; Pink and Sparkling Red - Sweet, 3.1% and above rs

Barefoot Bubbly Gold 96

NV Sweet Rosé Pride

California

Charmat Fermented Sparkling Wine

(Blanc de Blancs; Blanc de Noirs; etc.)

- Sweet; 3.1% and above rs

Barefoot Bubbly Double Gold 99

NV Moscato Spumante

California

Charmat Fermented Sparkling WineSweet; 3.1% and above rs with fruit flavor added

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards Gold 94

NV Peach Bellini

Temecula Valley

Charmat Fermented Sparkling Wineextra dry; 1.51% to 3 rs with fruit flavor added

Earl Stevens Gold 94

NV Orangesicle California

Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine

(Blanc de Blancs; Blanc de Noirs; etc.)Brut; up to 1.5% rs

Vienza at Europa Village Double Gold 99

NV Metodo Classico Brut

North Coast

Best of Show Sparkling

Herzog Special Reserve Double Gold 99

NV Brut

Russian River Valley

Pennyroyal Farm Double Gold 99

2019 Brut

Anderson Valley

Bourdon Double Gold 98

NV Grand Cuvée Sparkling

California

McFadden Gold 96

NV Cuvée Brut

Potter Valley

J Vineyards Gold 95

NV Cuvée 20

Russian River Valley

Korbel Gold 95

2019 Blanc de Noirs

Sonoma County

Korbel Gold 95

2020 Brut

California

Longevity Winery Gold 95

NV Blanc de Blanc

California

Bottle Fermented Rosé; Pink and Sparkling Red - Brut; up to 1.5% rs

McFadden Gold 95

NV Brut Rosé

Potter Valley

Pope Valley Winery Gold 95

2022 Brut Rosé

Napa Valley

Bottle Fermented Rosé; Pink and Sparkling Red - Sweet; 3.1% and above rs

Korbel Double Gold 98

NV Sweet Rosé

California

Boot Leg Port

Amador County

Best of California

Jeff Runquist Gold 96

2021 Sisney Fortified Wine

Amador County

St. Amant Winery Gold 94

2020 Vintage Port

Amador County

TRADITIONAL (REQUIRING PORTUGUESE VARIETIES AND BRANDY ADDITION) - NON-VINTAGE DATED

South Coast Winery Gold 96

NV Black Jack Port

South Coast

St. Amant Winery Gold 96

NV Tawny Port

Amador County

NON-TRADITIONAL - VARIETAL FORTIFIED DESSERT WINE (SPECIFIC GRAPE(S) NAMED)

Voluptuary Wine Gold 95

NV Ambrose Drinks

California

Retzlaff Gold 94

NV Retzlaff Port

Livermore Valley

OTHER MISC. FORTIFIED DESSERT

Las Positas Vineyards Gold 94

NV Casimira

Livermore Valley

NATURAL NON-FORTIFIED DESSERT AND SWEET RED WINES (INCLUDES LATE HARVEST)

Husch Vineyards Double Gold 98

2022 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer

Anderson Valley

Best of Show Dessert

Carol Shelton Wines Double Gold 98

2021 Black Magic Late Harvest Zinfandel

Sonoma County

Macchia Double Gold 98

2021 Flirtatious Late Harvest Zinfandel

California

Bonitata Boutique Wine Gold 95

NV Late Harvest Syrah

Sierra Foothills

Ménage à Trois Gold 94

NV Sultry Red Sweet Red Wine

California

SWEET WHITE WINES

GEWURZTRAMINER, MEDIUM-SWEET

South Coast Winery Gold 96

2021 Gewürztraminer

Temecula Valley

MUSCAT, MEDIUM SWEET

Eberle Gold 96

2022 Muscat Canelli

Paso Robles

MUSCAT, LATE HARVEST

Barefoot Gold 95

NV Red Moscato

California

Heringer Estates Gold 96

2022 Moscato

Clarksburg (Yolo)

Jeff Runquist Gold 95

2022 Muscat Canelli

River Junction (San Joaquin)

Best of California

Ménage à Trois Gold 95

NV Moscato

California

VIOGNIER, SWEET

Heringer Estates Gold 96

2020 Heringer Reserve Viognier

Clarksburg (Yolo)

CALIFORNIA BRANDIES - BLENDED

Korbel Double Gold 98

NV Brandy - Classic

California

GRAPE WINE WITH FRUIT FLAVOR INCLUDING SANGRIA

Fruit & Vine Gold 96

NV Pinot Grigio & Pear

California

Sutter Home Gold 96

NV Lemonade Wine California

VERMOUTH

Starfield Vineyards Double Gold 99

NV Virgo Sweet Vermouth

El Dorado

Starfield Vineyards Gold 96

NV Ursa Major No. 1 Sweet Vermouth

El Dorado

2023 BEST MICRO WINERIES

Many small, boutique or micro wineries in California produce incredible wines and the California State Fair continues to recognize them and offer a micro winery category to include these smaller wineries. The California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is one of the few competitions providing this platform with the goal to assist small wineries in reaching a larger market by recognizing them in conjunction with the larger companies that enter this competition. Wines entered in the micro winery classes are eligible for Best Micro Winery Red, White and Other as well as Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

BEST MICRO OTHER

Double

98

Double Gold 99 Tannura Family Wines 2022 Fiano Santa Clara Valley

Double Gold 99 Rancho de Philo NV Triple Cream Sherry Mission Grape Cucamonga Valley (San Bernadino)

MICRO WINERY

MICRO WINERY WHITE WINES

Holly’s Hill Vineyards Double Gold 99

2022 Viognier

California

Hoyt Family Vineyards Double Gold 99

2021 Chardonnay

California

Tannura Double Gold 99

2022 Fiano

Santa Clara Valley

Best Micro White

Amrita Cellars Gold 96

2021 SEIZA White Blend

Sonoma Coast (Sonoma)

Great Bear Vineyards Gold 96

2022 Albariño

Yolo County

La Chertosa Old World Wines Gold 96

2021 Chardonnay

Sonoma Valley

La Perdignus Wine Gold 96

2020 Gruner Veltliner

Edna Valley

Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery and Vineyard Gold 96

2022 Pinot Blanc

Livermore Valley

Doe Mill Vineyards Gold 95

2022 Savignon Blanc

Sierra Foothills

Great Bear Vineyards Gold 94

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Yolo County

Sicilia Gold 94

2022 Fiano

Sutter County

MICRO WINERY RED WINES

Mais Fica Winery Double Gold 100

2020 Our Little S&M Red Blend

El Dorado

La Perdignus Wine Double Gold 99

2019 Pinot Noir

San Luis Obispo County

Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery and Vineyard Double Gold 99

2019 Cabernet Franc

Livermore Valley

Sakura Winery’s Aphelion Double Gold 99

2018 Tempranillo

Livermore Valley

Hoyt Family Vineyards Double Gold 98

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles Willowcreek District

Best Micro Red

Doe Mill Vineyards Gold 96

2021 Syrah

Sierra Foothills

Doe Mill Vineyards Gold 96

2021 Zinfandel

Sierra Foothills

La Perdignus Wine Gold 96

2020 Barbara

Hames Valley

Perrucci Family Vineyard Gold 96

2020 Merlot

Santa Cruz Mountains

Sakura Gold 96

2021 Tempranillo

Livermore Valley

Truckee River Winery Gold 96

2019 Pinot Noir

Santa Lucia Highlands

Truckee River Winery Gold 96

2017 Malbec

Chalk Hill

Cinquain Cellars Gold 95

2019 Red Varietal Blend

Paso Robles

GoodMills Family Winery Gold 95

2018 Teroldego

Lodi (Sacramento)

Holly’s Hill Vineyards Gold 95

NV Rockbound Rhone Blend

El Dorado

Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery and Vineyard Gold 95

2019 Baby Blue Eyes Nebbiolo

Livermore Valley

Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery and Vineyard Gold 95

2018 Petit Verdot

Livermore Valley

Sakura Winery’s Aphelion Gold 95

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Livermore Valley

Wedgewood Vintners Gold 95

2021 Super American

Suisun Valley

Hill Top Oaks Winery Gold 94

2019 Buckin Barbera

Amador County

Montoliva Vineyard & Winery Gold 94

2020 Mark’s Magia Red Blend

Nevada County

MICRO WINERY - ALL OTHER WINES

Rancho de Philo Double Gold 99

NV Triple Cream Sherry, Mission Grape

Cucamonga Valley (San Bernadino)

Best Micro Other

GoodMills Family Winery Gold 96

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Mokelumne River

Great Bear Vineyards Gold 96

2022 Fleur Rouge Rosé

Yolo County

Thal Vineyards Gold 96

2016 Ruby Red Forté

Contra Costa County

Twin Rocks Estate Winery Gold 96

NV Sparkling Rosé

Sierra Foothills

Twin Rocks Estate Winery Gold 96

2021 Brut

Sierra Foothills

Twin Rocks Estate Winery Gold 94

2021 Brut

Sierra Foothills

2023 WINE VOLUNTEERS

Laura Laskowski, Competition Coordinator, Stacey Winton, Volunteer Coordinator, Virginia Baron, Carolyn Beghin, James Beghin, Donna Bettencourt, Payam Bozorgchami, Anne Brunette, Liz Bunting, Luis Caceres, Carrie Camacho, Cathy Camacho, Nancy Campbell, Dennis Canevari, Sue Canevari, Will Carlton, Phyllis Carter, Dian Chun, Audrey Costa, Dorothy Cousins, Barbara Cummins, Chip Dyson, Trisha Edgerton, Laura Edwards, David Engles, Laura Fisher, Claire Fisher, Ann Fox Morgan, Stacy Gagnon, Cristina Gagnon, Dennis Gunvalson, Dean Halstead, Ronda Hanks, Leonard Hanks, Jean Herndon, Mary Huttner, Paul Huynh, Celeste Ingrid, Dixie Jew, Joy Jones, Michael Jones, Marybeth Kavanagh, Diana Kelsay, Keri Kendall, Vince Kiley, Marylou Kiley, Jeff King, Jim Konopka, Christine Lang, Raymond Lang, Marilyn Langhorst, Larry Laskowski, Michael Lee, Doug Lent, Jana Lim, Maria Lucht, Bob McCleary, Andrew McDuffie, David McLanahan, Jackie Moore, Laurie Mosher, Glenn Mueller, Elliot Mulberg, Dee Orsburn, Norma Ortega, Pioli, Mark Pratt, Steven Price, Sylvia Quick, Jeff Rabinovitz, Hope Rabinovitz, erger, Gary Rose, David Rycerz, Brad Sanborn, Russell Sehn, Sharon Simas, Clova Smith, Wm Smith, Thomas St. Charles, Paulette Stokes, Jim Sutton, Clark Swenson, Eric Tober, Kathryn Tobias, Jason Treanor, Heidi Tschudin, Kathy Tschudin, Anne Vercelli, Terry White, Steve Winkel, Darlene Yenni, Mike Zeri

Mark Chandler

Chief Judge, California Exposition & State Fair, Chandler & Company Consulting

Lodi, California

Andy Podshadley

Owner, Winemaker, General Manager, Trek Winery

Novato, California

Andria Shirk

Winemaker/Founder Laelaps Wines

Portland, Oregon

Bradley Alderson

Independent Advisor on Wine, Winemaking and Winery Operations

Acampo, California

Brian Miller

Certified Specialist of Wine, Retailer, Wine Event Coordinator, Owner Amador 360 Fiddletown, California

Bryan Avila

Winemaker, Educator and Research

Facilitator, Co-Founder Vintners Institute, former Professor of Enology Winemaking, Napa Valley College

Napa, California

Carol SheltonOwner, Winemaker of the Year

Five Times, Countless Gold Medals for Her Wines, Named One of Eight Pioneer Women

Winemakers of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, California

Chris Sawyer

Sommelier, Wine Educator & Consultant, Journalist, SawyerSomm.com

Petaluma, California

Ellen M. Landis

Wine Journalist, Certified Sommelier, Wine Educator

Windsor, California

Evan Williams

Owner, Restaurateur, Evan's American Gourmet Café, The Cantina Bar & Grill

South Lake Tahoe, California

Hope Alexander

Wine Industry Consultant, Educator, Judge

Chicago, Illinois

Jackson Starr

Winemaker, Grape Grower, Sierra Starr Vineyards

Grass Valley, California

Jamie Knee

AKA Petite Wine Traveler

Wine Writer, Wine Educator, Speaker, @petitewinetraveler

Montecito, California

Jeff Slankard

Wine Director, Barons Market Oceanside, California

Registered Professional Chemical Engineer

Consultant, Food and Wine Enthusiast

Fair Oaks, California

Julie Holme

Owner/Winemaker, Holme Estate Cellars; Director of Quality, Constellation Brands

Napa, California

Ken Landis

Wine Judge, Chef Consultant, Landis Shores

Oceanfront Inn, Windsor, CA

Windsor, California

Laura Durham

Winemaker, Blend-master And Perpetual

Learner

Acampo, California

Lynae Anderson Hiley

Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Seguin Moreau

Napa Cooperage

Vallejo, California

Mark Newman

CEO of Accolade Brands, Wine Producer California and Loire France

Studio City, California

Martha Dunne

Author, Wait, What Do You Mean? Asperger's Tell & Show

Sacramento, California

Martin Maxwell

Owner, Looking Glass Research, Provides Research & Consulting Services to the Wine Community, Certified Wine Judge

Lodi, California

Meredith Sarboraria

Winemaker, Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery, Owner/Consultant, Barrel Down Wine Services and Eat.Drink.Jet! Travel Club’ Commercial & Amateur Wine Judge

Livermore, California

Michael Taylor

Director of Nugget Market’s Adult Beverage

Program, Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and Specialist of Spirits (CSS)

Davis, California

Miguel Pedroza Villarreal, Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Enology, Dept of Viticulture & Enology, CSU, Fresno,

Instructor of Wine Production & Analysis, Cellar Operations, Advanced Sensory

Evaluation of Wines, Vine Grape & Yeast

Biochemistry, International Wine Judge Fresno, California

Mike Dunne

Contributing Wine Columnist, The Sacramento Bee, Publisher

Sacramento, California

Owner, Coming Attractions

Ione, California

Nicholas Karavidas

Principal, Wine Concepts & Design, Intl. Woodbridge, California

Nadia Pavlevska

Founder/Sommelier, NP Wine Consulting Hermosa Beach, California

Paul Wagner

Founder Balzac Communications & Marketing, Instructor Napa Valley College Viticulture & Enology Dept, Graduate Program Instructor, Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Guest Lecturer, Hosts a podcast on wine called “Bottle Talk” with Rick Kushman of Capital Public Radio, International Wine Judge, Senior Advisor, Wine Tourism for Expedia Cruises Napa, California

Peter Hirschfeld

Freelance Wine Marketer, Wine Judge for Commercial & Amateur Competitions Sonoma, California

Rick Kushman

NY Times bestselling author, Certified Wine Professional; Public Relations & Communications Consultant, Wine Commentator, Capital Public Radio; creator & co-host Bottle Talk with Rick and Paul, long time Sac Bee columnist Sacramento, California

Roxanne Langer

Founder of LadySomm, Sommelier, Wine Writer/Author, International Wine Judge Carmel, California

Scott Harvey

Owner/Winemaker, Scott Harvey Wines Sutter Creek, California

Thomas Bender

Wine Buyer/Wine Bar Manager, O'Brien's Market Sonora, California

Timothy Teichgraeber

California Editor, Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book; Freelance Wine and Spirits Writer, Minneapolis Star Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, trade magazines, wine books Oakland, California

Tina Caputo

Wine, Beer, Food and Travel Writer, Producer of the Winemakers Drinking Beer podcast Petaluma, California

Hank Beal

Executive Wine Buyer, Nugget Markets Woodland, California

Scott Klann

Owner/Winemaker, Newsome-Harlow Wines Murphys, California

TCOMMERCIAL CHEESE

he California State Fair Commercial Cheese Competition was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Cal Expo. A panel of 9 official judges led by Chief Judge Mary Dedrick tasted and evaluated all 113 cheeses.

The two Best of Show cheeses in California were awarded to: Joseph Farms for their Premium Extra Sharp Cheddar (cow’s milk) and Sierra Nevada Cheese Company for their Bella Capra Chèvre (other milk type).

The Best of Show Cheese - Cow's Milk - Joseph Farms, Premium Extra Sharp Cheddar. This award winning cheese is a California natural special reserve extra sharp cheddar aged over 11 years free of all artificial hormones.

The Best of Show Cheese - Other Milk Type - Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, Bella Capra Chèvre. Bella Capra Chèvre is made from fresh local goat milk from a neighboring goat farm and features a remarkably soft, creamy texture with light citrus flavor notes. This high quality Chèvre is made using traditional methods with only the best quality ingredients available.

The two “Best of Show” and eleven “Best of California” are among the 105 total medals awarded - 57 gold medals, 30 silver medals and 18 bronze medals among 15 producers. Cheese judges are selected from respected cheese merchants, writers, promoters, and educators. The cheeses are entered by Division and Class and evaluated for appearance, aroma, texture, and taste.

CALIFORNIA CHEESE FACTS

California has been the nation’s largest milk producer since 1993 and is also the country’s leading producer of butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk. It is the second largest cheese and yogurt producer. In 2021, California produced around a fifth of the nation’s milk supply.

California’s dairy industry began a period of rapid growth in the 1970s. Shifting demographics and changing tastes have played a role in this growth, resulting in a wider variety of dairy products and increased growth in certain product categories.

Cheese is California’s fastest growing dairy product and approximately 46 percent of the state’s milk supply goes to cheese production. In the period between 1990 and 2021, California cheese production grew from 702 million to 2.4 billion pounds. California’s more than 50 cow’s milk cheesemakers make more than 250 different varieties and styles of cheese. Operations range from small producers famous for their handmade cheeses to some of the country’s largest cheese plants.

California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)

2023 COMMERCIAL CHEESE

BEST OF SHOW

COW MILK OTHER MILK TYPE

Joseph Farms Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese josephfarms.com

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Bella Capra Chèvre sierranevadacheese.com

BEST OF CALIFORNIA | COW MILK

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Crème Fraîche sierranevadacheese.com

Joseph Farms Sharp Cheddar Cheese josephfarms.com

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company

Gina Marie Farmer Cheese sierranevadacheese.com

Joseph Farms

Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese josephfarms.com

Marin French Cheese Co. Golden Gate marinfrenchcheese.com

Central Coast Creamery Faultline centralcoastcreamery.com

BEST OF CALIFORNIA | OTHER MILK TYPE

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Bella Capra Chèvre sierranevadacheese.com

Central Coast Creamery Dream Weaver centralcoastcreamery.com

Stepladder Creamery

Cabrillo Reserve stepladdercreamery.com

Shooting Star Creamery Aries shootingstarcreamery.com

Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog cypressgrovecheese.com

2023 BEST OF SHOW | COW

Joseph Farms

Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2023 COMMERCIAL CHEESE WINNERS

BEST OF SHOW | COW MILK

Joseph Farms Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar josephfarms.com

BEST OF SHOW | OTHER MILK TYPE

Sierra Nevada Bella Capra Chèvre sierranevadacheese.com

Cheese Company

BEST OF CALIFORNIA | COW MILK

Sierra Nevada Crème Fraîche sierranevadacheese.com

Cheese Company Cultured Cheese (Cow)

Sierra Nevada Gina Marie Farmer Cheese sierranevadacheese.com

Cheese Company Soft Cheese (Cow)

Marin French Golden Gate marinfrenchcheese.com

Cheese Co. Semi-Soft Cheese (Cow)

Joseph Farms Sharp Cheddar Cheese josephfarms.com Semi-Hard Cheese (Cow)

Well-Deserved Congratulations to Gallo Farms for their Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese - Winner of the 2023

Best of Show - Cow Milk Award!

The special reserve cheddar, aged over 11 years, is a testament to the company’s dedication to natural, hormone-free production processes. Its impressive flavor profile reflects the superior quality and attention to detail Joseph Farms consistently brings to their products.

The cheese offers a nice texture and body, smooth, creamy and crunchy with a nice surprise of tyrosine, a sweet aroma and a bright orange color with a very nice bold and tangy flavor, very balanced. This cheese has a lot going on … it is a Great Complex Cheese!

Joseph Farms dates back to 1946. As a small boy, Joseph Gallo, fell in love with the art of cheese making. His parents immigrated to the US to escape poverty and find a new life. He was born in Antioch, CA in 1919 and spent most of his time as a youth near Modesto.

The Great Depression was a difficult time for the family.

During World War II, Joseph enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served his country proudly. Upon returning, he started his own farming operations at the age of 27. His three children learned all aspects of the business under his distinctive style. Today his son, Mike runs the company.

Joseph Gallo Farms, maker of Joseph Farms Cheese, has been honored countless times with gold medals and awards as one of the nation’s finest providers of high quality milk and premium cheese. Joseph Farms is constantly expanding in North America and Mexico to meet unprecedented demand. Their cheese can be found in most retail chains, from the biggest to the smallest. Joseph Farms was officially selected to be served to the athletes at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Joseph Farms has, for more than 20 years, supported the California State Fair, specifically the Commercial Cheese Competition. We are proud to recognize Joseph Farms with this top award. ■

For more information about Joseph Farms Cheese: josephfarms.com

Joseph Farms Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar josephfarms.com Hard Cheese (Cow)

Central Coast Faultline centralcoastcreamery.com

Creamery California Originals (Cow)

BEST OF CALIFORNIA | OTHER MILK TYPE

Sierra Nevada Bella Capra Chèvre sierranevadacheese.com

Cheese Company Soft Cheese (Goat)

Central Coast Dream Weaver centralcoastcreamery.com

Creamery Semi-Soft Cheese (Goat)

Shooting Star Aries shootingstarcreamery.com

Creamery Semi-SHard Cheese (Sheep)

Stepladder Cabrillo Reserve stepladdercreamery.com

Creamery Hard Cheese (Mixed)

Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog cypressgrovecheese.com California Originals (Goat)

2023 COMMERCIAL CHEESE GOLD WINNERS

COW MILK

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company

Bella Capra Chèvre

ella Capra Chèvre or Beautiful Goat Cheese, is a pleasantly unactous cheese! A handcrafted cheese featuring a remarkably soft, creamy texture with light citrus flavor notes.

This Sierra Nevada Cheese Company award winning cheese is made with fresh local goat milk from a neighboring goat farm using traditional methods and only the best quality ingredients available.

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has been around for two decades and is currently located in Willows, Glenn County, a rural milkshed in the heart of Northern California. Sierra Nevada creates Natural Goat Dairy products and Natural, Grass Fed and Organic Cow Products and produce everything from butter to yogurt, cheeses, cream cheese, and more!

The company is owned by Ben Gregersen and John Dundon. Ben’s parents, Danish dairy farmers, immigrated to Sacramento and started several successful dairy companies. Ben and John met while working for Ben’s father at Foothill Home Dairy. Ben studied cheese making in Denmark and Canada and worked in the same Danish cheese plant as his grandfather. John began in the

dairy industry while in high school working for a local Mt. Shasta Creamery and later spent some time at Brown Cow mastering the art of yogurt.

In 1997, Ben and John began making cheeses using traditional methods with the highest quality, rBSt-free milk available, to sell at local farmers markets and natural foods stores. As demand grew quickly, it was time for Sierra Nevada to relocate to Willows.

Sierra Nevada offers real cultured dairy products and are inspired to create products with uncompromised flavor and quality. All products are made with traditional techniques and values allowing the cultures to do the work in a time-activated process. They are committed to make simple products with simple ingredients - which means no added gums or stabilizers, artificial flavors or added sugars.

Sierra Nevada Cheese Co. has supported the California State Fair, specifically the Commercial Cheese Competition for over 16 years. We are proud to recognize Sierra Nevada Cheese Co. with this top award! ■

For more information about Sierra Nevada Cheese Co: sierranevadacheese.com

Standing: Robin Luke; Sharon Simas; Gary Rose; Karen Sims; Mary Dedrick, Chief Judge; Claire Fisher; Dave McLanahan; Roxanne O’Brien; Virginia Baron and Phillip Tong

Kneeling: Christina Strategos; Marilyn Langhorst, Competition Coordinator; Autumn Stirling and Linda Nichols

Not pictured: Sara Arbabian

COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

The California State Fair Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition was held on March 8, 2023 at Cal Expo. This competition designates the best extra virgin olive oils which are grown, processed and packaged in California.

The Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition features two shows: Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Show has divisions for varying intensities of single varieties and blends of olive oil, and classes in varietals of olives. The Flavored Olive Oil Show has divisions in co-milled and infused olive oil, and classes for flavor varieties.

Three special awards honor olive oil producers of each production level: Best of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Large Producer (over 5,000 gallons), an Artisan Producer (500-5,000 gallons), and a Micro Producer (less than 500 gallons).

CALIFORNIA EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL FACTS

• There are more than 37,000 acres planted in California for the production of extra virgin olive oil.

• There are over 400 growers/producers of olive oil in California.

• Over 75 olive varieties are grown in California for olive oil production, resulting in blends that are unique to California.

• The California olive oil industry produces between 2 to 4 million gallons per harvest.

• There are over 45 olive oil mills in California and growing.

Source: The California Olive Oil Council (COOC)

California is the sole U.S. exporter of olive oil. 32% of California-produced olives and olive oil are exported. Canada and the European Union are the biggest importers.

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) 2022

2023 COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

BEST OF SHOW

Olive Truck

Coratina

Single Variety Robust

Any Other Cultivar

Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Best of California Artisan Producer

Best of California Single Variety Robust

Best of Class Single Variety Robust Any Other

DOUBLE GOLD olivetruck.com

Sciabica's California Olive Oil

Co-Milled Flavored

Herbal Flavored Oil

Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil

Best of California Co-Milled Flavored Oil

Best of Class Co-Milled Herbal Flavored sunshineinabottle.com

BEST OF CALIFORNIA

Rio Bravo Ranch

Picual

Single Variety Medium Any Other Cultivar

Best of California Micro Producer

Best of California Single Variety Medium

Best of Class Single Variety Medium Any Other GOLD riobravoranch.com

UC Davis Olive Center

Premium Reserve

Robust Blend

Any Other Cultivar

Best of California Robust Blend

Best of Class Robust Blend Any Other GOLD olivecenter.ucdavis.edu

Séka Hills

Taggiasca

Single Variety Delicate Any Other Cultivar

Best of California Large Producer

Best of California Single Variety Delicate

Best of Class Single Variety Delicate Any Other GOLD sekahills.com

Bondolio Olive Oil

Estate Blend

Medium Blend

Any Other Cultivar

Best of California Medium Blend

Best of Class Medium Blend Any Other GOLD bondolio.com

BEST OF CLASS

Sutter Buttes Olive Oil Co.

Citrus Habañero Infused

Infused Flavored

Chili-Based Flavored Oil

Best of California Infused Flavored Oil

Best of Class Infused Chili-Based Flavored GOLD sutterbuttesoliveoil.com

Corto

Calabrian Chili

Co-Milled Flavored

Chili-based Flavored Oil

Best of Class Co-Milled Chili-Based Flavored DOUBLE GOLD corto-olive.com

ENZO Olive Oil

Organic Clementine Crush

Co-Milled Flavored Citrus Flavored Oil

Best of Class Co-Milled Citrus Flavored GOLD enzostable.com

Olivaia’s OLA

Ginger Turmeric

Co-Milled Flavored

Any Other Flavored Oil

Best of Class Co-Milled

Any Other Flavored GOLD mcevoyranch.com

Estate Sevillano

Single Variety Delicate Sevillano

Best of Class Single Variety Delicate Sevillano GOLD olivaiaolive.com

2023 BEST OF SHOW | EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Olive Truck Coratina

Driving Success: The Olive Truck Innovator’s Journey Through Challenging Harvests and Award-Winning Oils

By Orietta Gianjorio

of four to six weeks, Sam dedicates himself to harvesting and transforming olives into olive oil right in the grove.

Hit is in simplicity that genius thrives. Sam Bayraktar had the ingenious concept of putting an olive mill inside a truck.

Sam’s Olive Truck is a remarkable venture that transforms olives from numerous small to mid-size farms in Central and Northern California into delicious olive oil. Since starting his business idea in 2018, Sam has achieved remarkable success, evidenced by the many awards he has won.

“2019 was my first year producing olive oil out of a truck in California,” Sam shared. And since then, he has consistently produced award-winning oils every year. Sam attributes his continued success to his unwavering focus on quality over quantity and the flexibility provided by the mobile mill.

Using a meticulous approach, Sam assesses the olives’ oil accumulation and moisture content to determine the optimal time to cease irrigation. He carefully schedules the harvesting days for each grove and contracts a dedicated harvest crew. Over the course

The day prior to the harvest, Sam transports his mobile mill to the grove, with all the necessary equipment securely installed in the trailer. While Sam’s endeavor may sound promising, the world of agriculture often presents unexpected challenges posed by Mother Nature. 2022 was no exception, with a myriad of difficulties ranging from frost in California to hurricanes in other parts of the country. Producers across the United States confronted a year marked by extreme weather events.

In California, the primary hub of commercial U.S. olive oil production, growers experienced one of the most challenging harvests in recent memory. Preliminary estimates from the Olive Oil Commission of California (OOCC) predicted a yield reduction to 8.2 million liters, the lowest total in the past five crop years.

“While the groves we work with were largely unaffected by the extreme weather events and drought that damaged groves in other parts of the state, some of

our growers lost olives to frost,” Sam explained. Consequently, these growers were unable to harvest their olives as it proved unfeasible to cover the labor costs, especially considering the current expensive and scarce labor market in California.

The combination of labor complications and the simultaneous harvesting requirements of various crops in California made it exceptionally challenging for producers to secure harvest crews. Adding to the complexity, the unusually high temperatures at the start of the harvest season posed another hurdle.

“Usually, we start harvesting and milling in the second or third week of October. However, I believe climate change is pushing up the harvest in California and in many olive-growing regions. This year, we harvested almost 10 days earlier. Olives ripen super-fast, and getting complex aromas from the ripened fruit is hard. We make some adjustments in the mill for cooling the olive paste, or even cooling the crusher, where the heat increase mainly occurs,” Sam shared. Furthermore, heavy rainfall in the middle of the season presented another significant challenge. “A heavy rain back-to-back for a couple of days increases the moisture [content] in the olives. Dealing with emulsified paste during extraction is hard. Yield, aroma, and polyphenol count dramatically drops after heavy rain in the season,” Sam explained. Moreover, the year was memorable due to high economic inflation. “Our production costs are rising, and sourcing materials such as packaging, mainly imported from European countries, has become much more expensive.”

Nevertheless, Sam remains optimistic about the future. “I see a growing interest in our products as they continue to win awards, and I hope this indicates a positive trajectory for high-quality extra virgin olive oil production in California.”

Despite the challenging year, Sam’s determination and resilience produced an olive oil that won the Best of Show award at the California State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition ■

For more information about Sam Bayraktar and The Olive Truck: olivetruck.com

Samir Bayraktar, founder & CEO of the Olive Truck

2023 BEST OF SHOW | FLAVORED OLIVE OIL

Sciabica's California Olive Oil - Basi l

Intertwined Destinies: Unveiling the Dynamic Duo of Sciaciba’s California Olive Oil – One Planned, One Unexpected

An interview with Master Sensory Analyst Craig Hilliker and Master Miller, Javier Garnica

What does your day-to-day operation look like?

CH: My job is different every day. It is one of the factors that made me fall in love with the position. Most days I work in quality assurance, marketing, customer service, event coordinating, food safety, and media. Occasionally I work in production, packaging, and logistics.

My most common tasks on a day-to-day basis are leading our sensory analysis team and educating consumers on olive oil quality standards, growing practices, labeling practices, storage practices, and ways to use the olive oil they are purchasing, or already own.

JG: During the off-season, I primarily focus on repairing, maintaining, and preparing equipment for the next season. During the production season, each day has its own challenges. In the best-case scenario, I work 12-hour shifts (if machines are working properly and weather is cooperating). However, most days are longer and more challenging!

What have you learned since working at Sciabica’s?

CH: The number one thing I have learned is that you don’t eat olive oil because it’s good for you, you eat olive oil because it makes your food taste better. That is basically the mission statement for Sciabica’s California Olive Oil and it is true! Using the correct olive oil for the specific flavor profile of the dish you are making can create true magic.

JG: I have learned the importance of and procedures of producing high quality olive oil. I have also learned how to maintain the equipment and facilities, including welding, plumbing, and electrical work. It’s important to know how to solve problems on my own as they arise.

What is flavored olive oil? Why is it so popular?

infused with herbs, spices or other ingredients that give great flavor to your food.

Do you buy any other Olive Oil and how difficult is it to shop at a grocery store for Olive Oil now?

CH: Overall, becoming more educated in the fields of olive oil production and quality has made shopping at the grocery store even easier. If I am in the rare situation that I need to purchase olive oil, I will buy olive oil from a California producer. I have been able to find California grown and produced olive oil in nearly every grocery store since starting in the industry. Simply put, I no longer purchase anything that is not 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

JG: I do not buy any other olive oil besides Sciabica’s. Buying Sciabica’s is like buying from a family instead of a company. It’s like a home cooked meal vs fast food!

What is the number one advice you give to shoppers looking for high-quality flavored olive oil?

CH: I always avoid infused olive oils. I look for terms on the label that tell me that the olive was flavored by pressing fresh produce in the mill with the olives. I would be happy to purchase anything that says fused, co-milled, agrumato, or cold pressed with olives.

JG: Understand the difference between agrumatomethod and infused flavored olive oils. I personally recommend agrumato-method olive oils. Why should consumers choose extra-virgin olive oil from California?

I have a degree in Mass Media and Public Relations. I honestly never thought I would work in food. My plan was to continue my education and get a teaching credential. Before the credential program began, I started at this job that I absolutely fell in love with.

I would characterize myself as a typical American olive oil consumer before working in the industry. In my experience, it seems like most Americans think that olive oil is just one, bland thing. They think that there is no difference between a $5.00 bottle of olive oil and a $50.00 bottle of EVOO because they are both just olive oil. I now teach people how unique, interesting,

after High School and have been in this business ever since!

How long have you been working at Sciabica’s?

CH: I have been working at Sciabica’s for over 7 years. This was the first place I applied to once I had graduated from college. The job description felt like it was written specifically for me.

JG: 27 Years!

What do you do for the company?

CH: I work heavily in quality assurance, consumer education, and marketing.

JG: I am the master miller in charge of producing high quality olive oil.

CH: From my perspective, flavored olive oil is an olive oil that is made by pressing perfectly ripe olives with fresh herbs, fruits, and/or spices. I have found that using the agrumato method* is the only way, in my opinion, to get real and accurate flavor into olive oil. If I’m being completely honest, I use at least 6 times more flavored olive oil than I do unflavored olive oil. I think its overall popularity comes from the very simple fact that it will make your food taste better. All you have to do is make one round of chicken breast, marinated in lemon olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Greek seasoning to see that you can make better food at home than you can get in most restaurants. If I want to change someone’s life, I usually make them a simple grilled cheese sandwich in any herbal or pepper flavored olive oil and finished with a drizzle of Balsamic. It takes three minutes, and the results are mind blowing.

JG: It is olive oil produced with agrumato method or

CH: California has set the strictest standard in the world for what qualifies as extra virgin, but we can only regulate California producers. As a result, California Extra Virgin Olive Oil is arguably going to be the freshest and most flavorful olive oil you are going to get your hands on. I think it is important to note that there are many other olive oil production regions around the world that make fantastic extra virgin olive oil. Unfortunately, you can’t normally find them on grocery store shelves. You would have to travel to a specialty shop and pay a premium to get to the same level of quality that you can expect from a California producer.

JG: It’s the only olive oil guaranteed to be fresh and delicious due to [regulation by] the OOCC (Olive Oil Commission of California). ■

*Agrumato method: simultaneously and together crushing olives with fresh herbs and fruits. For more information about Sciabica's California Olive Oil: sunshineinabottle.com

2023 EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL WINNERS

BEST OF SHOW EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Olive Truck olivetruck.com

Coratina

BEST OF SHOW FLAVORED OLIVE OIL

Sciabica's California Olive Oil sunshineinabottle.com

Basil

BEST OF CALIFORNIA

Rio Bravo Ranch Microproducer riobravoranch.com

Picual

Olive Truck Artisan Producer olivetruck.com

Coratina

Séka Hills Large Producer sekahills.com

Taggiasca

Séka Hills Single Variety Delicate sekahills.com

Taggiasca

Rio Bravo Ranch Single Variety Medium riobravoranch.com

Picual

Olive Truck Single Variety Robust olivetruck.com

Coratina

Bondolio Olive Oil Medium Blend bondolio.com

Estate Blend

UC Davis Olive Center Robust Blend olivecenter.ucdavis.edu

Premium Reserve

Sutter Buttes Olive Oil Co. Infused Flavored sutterbuttesoliveoil.com

Citrus Habañero Infused

Sciabica's California Olive Oil Co-Milled sunshineinabottle.com

Basil

BEST OF CLASS

Olivaia’s OLA Single Variety Delicate olivaiaolive.com

Estate Sevillano Sevillano

Séka Hills Single Variety Delicate sekahills.com

Taggiasca Any Other Cultivar

Rio Bravo Ranch Single Variety Medium riobravoranch.com

Picual Any Other Cultivar

Olive Truck Single Variety Robust olivetruck.com

Coratina Any Other Cultivar

Bondolio Olive Oil Medium Blend bondolio.com

Estate Blend Any Other Cultivar

UC Davis Olive Center Robust Blend olivecenter.ucdavis.edu

Premium Reserve Any Other Cultivar

ENZO Olive Oil Co-Milled enzostable.com

Organic Clementine Crush Citrus Flavored

Sciabica's California Olive Oil Co-Milled Herbal Flavored sunshineinabottle.com

Basil Corto

OLIVE OIL JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS

Co-Milled corto-olive.com

Calabrian Chili Chili-Based Flavored

McEvoy Ranch Co-Milled Flavored mcevoyranch.com

Ginger Turmeric Any Other

Sutter Buttes Olive Oil Co. Chili-Based sutterbuttesoliveoil.com

Citrus Habañero Infused Infused Flavored

JUDGES

Nancy Ash Head Judge

Pamela Anderson

Maria Farr

Efthalia Gerasimopoulos

Lawrence Jacobs

Arden Kremer

APPRENTICE JUDGES

VOLUNTEERS

Sue Langstaff

Shirley Li

Astrid Lorig

Julie Menge

Etienne Ossun

Glenn Weddell

Giulio Zavolta

Annelise Brabeck

Vance Harper

Lu Li

STAFF

Michelle Johnson

Competition Coordinator

Melissa Jones

Sarah Brule

Will Carlton

Claire Fischer

Pam Howard

Jeff King

Dave McLanahan

Kris Michaels

Donna Reedy

Sharon Simas

Andrea Slavin

Terry White

Mike Zeri

GOLD

2023 EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL GOLD WINNERS

Boccabella Farms Field Blend Robust Blend Any Other Cultivar boccabellafarms.com

Bondolio Olive Oil Estate Blend Medium Blend Any Other Cultivar Bondolio.com

California Olive Ranch Reserve Collection: Arbosana Single Variety Delicate Arbosana californiaoliveranch.com Reserve Collection: Miller's Blend Medium Blend Arbosana

Calivirgin Hot Virgin Jalapeño Co-Milled Chili-Based Flavored calivirgin.com Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil Single Variety Delicate Arbequina

Ciarlo Fruit and Nut Golden Bear Estates Medium Blend Any Other Cultivar

Oliveview Tuscan Blend Robust Blend Any Other temeculaoliveoil.com

Olivewood Ranch Olive Oil Co-Milled Kumquat Mandarin Co-Milled Citrus Flavored olivewoodrancholiveoil.com Extra Virgin Olive Oil Medium Blend Any Other

Rancho Azul y Oro Olive Farm 2022 Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Robust Blend Any Other ranchoazulyoro.com

Rio Bravo Ranch Picual Single Variety Medium Any Other riobravoranch.com Coratina Single Variety Robust Any Other Frantoio Single Variety Medium Frantoio

Sciabica's California Olive Oil Basil Co-Milled Herbal Flavored sunshineinabottle.com Extreme Garlic Co-Milled Garlic Flavored

Séka Hills Taggiasca Single Variety Delicate Any Other sekahills.com

Sutter Buttes Olive Oil Co. Citrus Habañero Infused Infused Chili-Based Flavored sutterbuttesoliveoil.com Garlic Herb Infused Infused Herbal Flavored

Corto Calabrian Chili Co-Milled Chili-Based Flavored corto-olive.com

Double Gold

Truly Medium Blend Any Other Cultivar

Yuzu Citrus Co-Milled Citrus Flavored

Tres Osos Robust Robust Blend Any Other tresososoliveoil.com

UC Davis Olive Center Premium Reserve Robust Blend Any Other olivecenter.ucdavis.edu

ENZO Olive Oil

Organic Clementine Crush Co-Milled Citrus Flavored enzostable.com Medium Single Variety Medium Arbosana

Organic Basil Crush Co-Milled Herbal Flavored

Organic Eureka Lemon Crush Co-Milled Citrus Flavored

Fandango Olive Oil "Bueno" Certified Organic Single Variety Medium Koroneiki fandangooliveoil.com Koroneiki

Frate Sole Olive Oil Tuscan Blend Medium Blend Frantoio fratesole.net

Grumpy Goats Farm Organic Coratina Single Variety Medium Any Other grumpygoatsfarm.com Organic Picual Single Variety Medium Any Other

IL Fiorello Olive Oil Jalapeño-Lime Co-Milled Co-Milled Chili-based Flavored ilfiorello.com Mandarin Co-Milled Co-Milled Citrus Flavored

Kiler Ridge Coratina Single Variety Robust Any Other kilerridge.com Nocellara del Belice Single Variety Robust Any Other

Mangini Ranch Mission Single Variety Medium Mission manginiranch.com

Marciano Estate Italian Blend Medium Blend Frantoio marcianoestate.com

McEvoy Ranch Ginger Turmeric Co-Milled Any Other Flavored mcevoyranch.com Basil Co-Milled Herbal Flavored

Chai Spice Co-Milled Any Other Flavored

Organic Limited Edition Robust Blend Any Other

Olivaia’s OLA Estate Sevillano Single Variety Delicate Sevillano olivaiaolive.com

Block X Super Blend Robust Blend Manzanillo

Olive Crush Farms Arbequina Single Variety Medium Arbequina olivecrushfarms.com

Koroneiki Single Variety Medium Koroneiki Wild Groves Coratina Single Variety Robust Any Other wildgroves.com

Double Gold

Olive Truck Coratina Single Variety Robust Any Other olivetruck.com Tuscan Blend Robust Blend Any Other

COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER

The California State Fair

Commercial Craft Beer Competition was held June 14-18, 2023 at Cal Expo. In this competition, California craft brews are professionally judged in order to recognize the best commercially brewed beers in California.

Beers are evaluated in numerous classes and judged based on taste, color, and quality. Over the years, the prestige of the California State Fair’s Commercial Craft Beer Competition has grown. Breweries that win Best of Show and Brewery of the Year have seen massive increases in demand for their products. Many of the top beers will be featured at the 2023 Best of California Brewfest.

CALIFORNIA CRAFT BEER FACTS

California is the birthplace of the American craft brewing movement and is at the forefront of the industry’s growth. Today, more breweries call California home than any other state in the nation. As of July 2021, more than 1,100 craft breweries are in operation across the state, more than any other state in the nation.

CCBA’s brewery members and craft beer enthusiasts play an important role in supporting the economic engine in California.

In 2020, craft breweries contributed $9.66 billion to the state’s economy. The industry supports more than 65,158 jobs across the state.

Source: California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA)

2023 COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER BEST OF SHOW

HiDef Brewing

Wood-and-Barrel-Aged (Spirit Barrels) Bass Clef Barley Wine Los Angeles, CA hidefbrewing.com

BREWERY OF THE YEAR

The Monk’s Cellar 3 Gold Medals & 1 Silver Medal Roseville, CA monkscellar.com

BEST OF CATEGORY

American Light Lager

Jackrabbit Brewing Company

Ohaguro

American Style Lager

Fogbelt Brewing Company

Redwood Lager

International Pale Lager

Tilted Mash Brewing

Mo’Fun

International Amber/Dark Lager

Del Cielo Brewing

Morena Mia

European-Style Pilsner

Artifex Brewing

Forza O-Side

German-Style Pilsner

Device Brewing Company

Pincushion

Czech Lager

Canyon Club Brewery

Beta Tested Pilsner

Pale European Lager

Brewbilt Brewing

Brain Bypass Helles Lager

Vienna/Märzen Lager

Homebound Brew Haus

Scout

Dark European Lager

Pocock Brewing Company

Pococktoberfest

Bock

Clandestine Brewing

Bocklash

American-Style Cream Ale

21st Amendment Brewery

El Sully

Kölsch

Faultline Brewing Company

Lakeside Kolsch

American-Style Wheat Beer

Snowshoe Brewery

Apricot Wheat

Weissbier

Kairoa Brewing Company

Hasselhef

Berliner-Style Weisse

Smoking Cannon Brewery

Kerr

Gose

San Francisco Brewing Company

Golden Gate Gose

Rye Beer

Oscar’s Brewing Company

Bear Meets Otter

GOLD 2023 COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER WINNERS

BEST OF CATEGOR Y continued

Fruit Beer

Mike Hess Brewing

Apricot Hop Cloud

Fruit or Herb/Spice Beer

South of North Brewing Company

Horchata Stout

Coffee Beer

BRAMS Beer

BRAMS Coffee Cacao Stout

Chocolate Beer

Smoking Cannon Brewery

Joslyn

Bamberg-Style Rauchbier

Danville Brewing Company

Station 31

Historical Styles

Pocock Brewing Company

The Old Road

Blonde or Golden Ale

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company

Tarantula Hill Blonde

Bitters

Summer Fox Brewing Company

Santa Fe Ave Pub Ale

English Dark Ales

Standard Deviant Brewing

English Brown Ale

UK Strong

Danville Brewing Company

Granny’s Tipple

Scottish/Irish Ales

Waterman Brewing Company

Bald Ron’s Irish Red Ale

English Stouts

Del Cielo Brewing

Smooth Ride

Imperial Stouts

HiDef Brewing

Black Hole

American Amber Ale

San Francisco Brewing Company

Alcatraz Amber

American Brown Ale

Calicraft Brewing Company

Oaktown Brown Ale

American Porter/Stout

Etna Brewing Company

Old Grind Porter

American Pale Ale

Grass Valley Brewing Company

Gold Pan Pale

English-Style India Pale Ale

Antigua Brewing Company

Grand Hoppening

American-Style India Pale Ale

My Yard Live Beer Company

Flight Of The Kiwis

New England-Style IPA (Hazy IPA)

LogOff Brewing

Hazy Lazy Days

Double IPA

My Yard Live Beer Company

Lawn Darts

Triple IPA

Knee Deep Brewing Company

Simtra

Specialty IPA

Dying Breed Brewing

Wanted Red Or Alive

American Strong Ale

1886 Brewing Company

Rare Conundrum

Belgian-Style Witbier

The Monk’s Cellar

Biere Blanche

Classic Saison

The Monk’s Cellar

Mates In Belgium

Specialty Saison

The Monk’s Cellar Cellmates

Belgian Blond/Pale Ale

Kairoa Brewing Company

Cheeky Buggah

Belgian Strong Ales

Super Owl Brewing

Don’t Call Me Francis

Trappist Style Ale

Apogee Brewing Company

Monks In Space

Belgian Sour

Angel City Brewery

Trois Années Cuvée

American Wild Ale

Mraz Brewing Company

Guava Lava

Wood-and Barrel-Aged (Wine Barrels)

Clandestine Brewing Quad Pro Quo

Wood-and Barrel-Aged (Spirit Barrels)

HiDef Brewing

Bass Clef Barley Wine

Alternative Sugar Beverage

Absolution Brewing Company

Rector 2023

Experimental Beer

Shadow Puppet Brewing Company

Needle Tip

Session Beer

Pizza Port Ocean Beach

Guillaume

Chili Beer

Angel City Brewery

Srirachelada

Cider

Windy Ridge Cellars

Windy Ridge Cellars-Imperial

Hard Apple Cider

David Teckam

Lead Judge

Lisa Agoitia

Matthew Alioto

Syd Bailey

Cory Barton

Amy Behlke

Tracy Bethune

Dwight Bradish

David Brattstrom

George Brooks

Manuel Cardenas

Brian Colvin

Robert Colvin

Kevin Foster

Zach Grinnell

Dan Heil

Robert Horst

Paul His

Thomas Hughes

Annie Johnson

Paul Keefer

Rodg Little

Kristen Madigan

Mike Mayes

Rob McGormley

Dean Mench

Phil Menzies

Mike Moore

Peter Munoz

Berenice Oceguera

Mike Ogden

Richard Perry

Daniel Petrie

Trevor Pratt

Jim Price

Bob Proffitt

Michael Raines

David Sapsis

Jose Savedra

Mark Schindler

Dan Scott

James Strong

David Westphal

Richard Wong

Beth Zangari

Courtney Higgins

Lead Steward

Kevin Beile

Will Carlton

Brian Colvin

Rusty Dane

Scott Fehrt

Christy Fifield

Taylor Grubbs

Jeannie Johanna

Nikki Just

Vickie Olson

Brad Parker

Rose Robertson

Athena Rodriguez

Seanne Storrs

Waiman Yip

Steven Martinez

Lead Cellar Crew Supervisor

Jeremy Guthrie

Cellar Crew Supervisor

Monica Martinez

Josh Moreno

Diana Moreno

COORDINATORS

William Tarchala

Competition Coordinator

Rob Rogers

Database Coordinator

CA STATE FAIR STAFF

Darby Flynn

Program Director

Amalia Chappell

Britta Kwamya

Mai Linh Tompkins

BEST OF SHOW | CRAFT BEER

HiDef Brewing

Anew contender rose to the top in a surprising turn of events at the renowned California State Fair’s Commercial Craft Beer Competition. HiDef Brewing, the Los Angeles-based craft beer venture that opened amidst a global pandemic, snatched the Best of Show title for its exceptional creation - the Bass Clef Barley Wine. A labor of love and careful craftsmanship, the beer’s journey from conception to accolade is a testament to the skill and passion of Lars Lesterud, HiDef’s Brewmaster and co-founder. With three decades of brewing experience, Lars’ fascination with strong and barrel-aged beers brought forth this winning brewa complex symphony of flavors that has set a new standard in California’s craft beer scene.

After three decades in the brewing industry, Lars still finds himself fascinated by the intricate art of crafting strong and barrel-aged beers. “There is a certain amount of caretaking and decision-making that goes into each step in the process. From selecting casks to the length of aging and what additions might be added, there are more decision-making junctures in aging barreled beers than a typical beer,” Lars explained.

The journey of HiDef’s award-winning Bass Clef Barley Wine exemplifies this complexity. It started as a base barleywine at 12.3% ABV. Lars then aged it in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels for six months. When he felt it lacked depth in aroma and flavors, he transferred it to Heaven Hill rye whiskey barrels. “Being a rye whiskey cocktail fan, I felt this would give me the sharper pepper and cigar tobacco character I was looking for to complement the softer bourbon character,” he said.

The final alcohol content turned out at a hefty 15.44%, due to the two rounds of barrel aging. “I wasn’t necessarily chasing the alcohol in the barrels to bolster strength, but the aromas and flavors the particular barrels lend,” Lars clarified. He believes the resulting higher ABV complements the beer’s overall sweetness.

As a pairing, Lars recommends it as a finish after a fine red meat meal or as an accompaniment to any sweet dessert with a cream or vanilla base. “Its flavors might get lost pairing with chocolate,” he cautioned.

Regarding the awards Bass Clef Barley Wine has won, Lars expressed his pride and honor.

“This beer has won Gold at the CA Brewers Cup, Silver at the World Beer Cup, and now, very surprisingly, Best of Show at the CA State Fair. Very surprising, but I’m very honored.” Lars suggests a patio cigar and vanilla caramel ice cream party paired with sugared espresso is the most appropriate celebration. ■

For more information about HiDef Brewing: hidefbrewing.com

HiDef Founders - Lars Lesterud, Cristina Ward & Trevor Ward

By Ted Rozalski

By Ted Rozalski

In the heartland of California’s craft beer tale stands a holy place where malt and hops conspire to give life to awe-inspiring brewsThe Monk’s Cellar in Roseville, California. This brewery has been crowned king of the California State Fair’s Commercial Craft Beer Competition. They are

Of course, such a win calls for celebration. Klein muses that while plans are still nascent, the spirit of community will undoubtedly be the centerpiece. “Whatever we do to celebrate, it will be a party that includes both our staff and regulars that make up Monk’s extended family.”

Visitors to The Monk’s Cellar can expect an immersive craft beer experience, Klein shares. “Beer drinkers will find a brewery devoted to producing a diverse selection of true-to-style, well-balanced beers. Served up in a comfortable, old-world inspired, wooden-clad space, with a scratch kitchen cooking up seasonal, elevated pub food. It’s a place where the local community comes together to meet friends, celebrate important milestones, or just relax with a beer.” Among these true-to-style offerings, four stand out as championship flag bearers. “May The Schwarz Bier With You,” a Schwarzbier entrant, teases with an enigmatic dark hue and a light body. It’s an effortless drinker with gentle notes of chocolate and caramel, claiming second place in the Dark European Lager category.

“Biere Blanche,” their Belgian-Style Witbier, dances in the limelight with a gold medal under its belt. Brewed traditionally with orange peel and coriander, it offers a light, citrusy profile.

Their “Mates In Belgium,” a Classic Saison, and “Cellmates,” a Specialty Saison brewed in collaboration with Mindscape Fermentations, are unrivaled champions in their categories. The former pays homage to the Classic Saison style, while the latter enthralls with a hibiscus infusion. Klein wraps up with a surprise, “Many beer fans visiting Monk’s for the first time are surprised to find that we have an award-winning cocktail bar with a whiskey club.”

and each with a story to tell. Owner Andy Klein opens up about the soulful narrative behind The Monk’s Cellar, a brewing tour de force. Asked about the feeling of clinching the award, Klein states, “We work hard and hold ourselves to a very high standard when it comes to the beer we produce. It’s incredibly satisfying and also truly humbling to have that dedication and creativity recognized by one of the oldest and most competitive beer competitions in California.”

The Monk’s Cellar is more than a brewery. It’s a space where beer lovers embark on a voyage through California’s vibrant craft beer landscape, one sip at a time. Whether you’re in the mood for hoppy adventures, a plunge into malty depths, or a palate-pleasing meal, The Monk’s Cellar invites you to immerse in a world where each pint is a tale of the Golden State’s craft beer fervor. ■ Visit monkscellar.com for details on all brews and The Monk’s Cellar hours.