Summer in Paso Robles means the Mid-State Fair arrives! And with it, Gold Medal Wine Winners from the Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC) and the Orange County Wine Competition (OCWC).
The CCWC is one of the premier wine competitions in California, spotlighting the incredible diversity and quality of wines produced from the Central Coast AVA. Hosted annually by the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, the CCWC brings together professional judges—including sommeliers, winemakers, wine buyers, and journalists—to evaluate hundreds of wines submitted by regional wineries. What makes the CCWC particularly special is its commitment to celebrating the unique microclimates and terroirs of the Central Coast, from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo up through Monterey and beyond. Categories span everything from sparkling wines to Rhône varietals to bold Paso Zinfandels, and top awards like Best of Class, Double Gold, and Best in Show can significantly boost a winery’s recognition.
The OCWC, held in conjunction with the OC Fair, is one of the oldest and most respected commercial wine competitions in California. Established in 1977, it is known for its large scale, attracting over 2,500 entries from wineries across the entire state. Unlike more region-specific contests, the OC Wine Competition casts a wide net, allowing wines from every California AVA to compete side by side. Its judging panel includes wine professionals and educators, and its mission is twofold: to recognize excellence in winemaking and to educate the public about the range and quality of California wines. Winners often receive prominent placement and pouring opportunities during the OC Fair, making it a great way for wineries to reach thousands of potential customers.
Together, these competitions highlight the depth and breadth of California winemaking—from small, family-run boutique producers on the Central Coast to major labels from Napa and Sonoma. Earning medals at either is a badge of honor, signaling not just quality, but a true resonance with both critics and consumers.
Congratulations to all the winners! Come on down to the Paso Robles Downtown Wine District to taste them all, or find a new winery you’ve never tried.
See below for full listing of all award-winning wines: Gold and Silver.
Downtown Winery Gold Medal Winners
Here are all the wineries that won Gold Medals in one of the competitions:
- Bushong Vintage Company
- Cendre Wines
- Dracaena Wines
- Hope Family Wines
- Hoyt Family Vineyards
- Indigené Cellars
- PasoSecco
- Sea Shell Cellars
- Stilson Cellars
Downtown Winery Winners: Full List of Gold & Silver Medals
Central Coast Wine Competition
Cendre Wines:
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Rose – Silver
2018 Syrah Grenache Zinfandel Gsz – GOLD
2018 Syrah Grenache Cabernet Sauvignon Gsc – Silver
2018 Syrah Syrah – Silver
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon – Silver
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – GOLD
2018 Zinfandel Late Harvest Zinfandel – Silver
Hope Family Wines:
2023 Chardonnay Austin Paso Robles – Double GOLD / Best of Class (Chardonnay – Prior to ’22 and Non-Vintage)
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Austin Paso Robles – Silver
Hoyt Family Vineyards:
2022 Chardonnay Hoyt Family Vineyard – Silver
2022 Grenache Hoyt Family Vineyard – Silver
2022 Zinfandel Hoyt Family Vineyard – Silver
2017 Petite Sirah Hoyt Family Vineyard – Silver
Indigené Cellars:
2023 Pinot Noir Indigené Cellars – Silver
2022 Pinot Noir Indigené Cellars – Double GOLD / Best of Class (Pinot Noir 2022)
2022 Sangiovese/ Cabernet Ambiente – Silver
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon/ Petit Verdot Philanthropist – Silver
2022 Petit Sirah Indigené Cellars – Silver
Sea Shell Cellars:
2024 100% Grenache Sea Shell Cellars Grenache Rose – Double GOLD
2022 100% Mourvedre Sea Shell Cellars Mourvedre – Double GOLD/Best of Class (Mourvedre 2022)
2021 67% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon Sea Shell Cellars Estate Cuvee – GOLD
2022 100% Cabernet Franc Sea Shell Cellars Reserve Cabernet Franc – Silver
Stilson Cellars:
2023 100% Viognier The Reverie – Silver
2023 82% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre Rosé Ray – GOLD
2022 100% Grenache Grenache – Silver
2021 52% Grenache, 28% Mourvèdre,20% Syrah The Return – GOLD
2021 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot The Coalescence – Silver
Orange County Wine Competition
Bushong Vintage Company:
2023 Ananda Zinfandel – GOLD
2022 Tannat – Double GOLD
2023 Physical Sound GSM – Silver
2023 Same Deep Water as You Tempranillo – Silver
2024 Spanish Castle Queen Albariño – Silver
2024 Stretch Out and Wait Gewürztraminer – Silver
Cendre Wines:
2018 GSC – Silver
Dracaena Wines:
2022 Phoenix Proprietary Red – GOLD
2024 Chenin Blanc – GOLD
2024 Cordyline Rosé Rosé Rhône Varietals – Silver
Hoyt Family Vineyards:
2022 Zinfandel – GOLD
2017 Petite Sirah – Silver
2022 Chardonnay – Silver
2022 Grenache – Silver
PasoSecco:
2024 CinSecco Sparkling Cinsault Rose – Double GOLD
2024 PasoSecco Sparkling Grenache Blanc – Silver
Sea Shell Cellars:
2022 Estate Cuvee Cab/Syrah Blends – Double GOLD
2024 Grenache Rosé – Silver
2022 Surf Balboa Tempranillo – Silver
