Lodi made a statement at the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, sweeping up an impressive 182 medals, including six Best of California awards and a rare perfect 100-point score.
For comparison, Napa’s wine community walked away with 54.
These are the Lodi wines that earned the competition’s highest honor — Best of California — along with notes that showcase why judges were so captivated.
Best of Show (Red), Best of Region (Red), Best of California
2023 Inkblot Cabernet Franc – Michael David Winery (100 points) “The MD 2023 Inkblot Cabernet Franc commands attention with unapologetic intensity.”
Michael David Winery’s first-ever Lodi-grown Cabernet Franc made history with a perfect score. Sourced from a nine‑acre westside vineyard just steps from the winery, this bottling bursts with decadent aromas of blackberry, molasses cookie, and cassis. Cherry preserves, toasted cloves, and peppery spice layer into a long, complex finish. Drink now or cellar for a few years — it’s built for both pleasure and patience.
Best of Show (White), Best of Region (White), Best of California
2025 Grenache Blanc – Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards (99 points) “Stone fruit — ripe peach and apricot — gives it a generous, welcoming character, while green apple and pear on the finish bring just enough lift to keep the palate bright.”
Acquiesce’s flagship white hits the sweet spot between richness and freshness. Hand‑picked, hand‑sorted, whole‑cluster pressed, and fermented cool in stainless steel, this Grenache Blanc showcases purity and finesse. Sur lie aging adds texture, while its vibrant acidity makes it a natural partner for seafood, salads, cream sauces, spicy Asian or Mexican dishes — and especially sushi.
Best of California
2024 Earthquake Zinfandel – Michael David Winery (98 points) “Deep ruby color, bursting with aromas of black currant, strawberry jam and a drizzle of fig and honey.”
Bold, concentrated, and unapologetically intense, Earthquake Zin lives up to its name. Inspired by vines planted around the time of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, this wine delivers blackberry, cinnamon, pepper, and a touch of coffee, finishing long and spicy.
Best of California
2024 The Corset Red Wine – Oak Farm Vineyards (96 points) “This medium-bodied, approachable red blend offers inviting aromas of ripe blackberry, raspberry, and a touch of cocoa.”
Silky, balanced, and effortlessly drinkable, The Corset is crafted from sustainably grown Mokelumne River fruit. Hand‑picked grapes, meticulous sorting, and aging in a mix of new and neutral French oak give this blend its polished texture and warm spice notes.
Best of California
2023 Red Wagon Pinot Noir – Peltier Winery & Vineyards (97 points) “Flavors include cherry and vanilla, body is medium and mouthfeel is velvety…”
Elegant and velvety, this Pinot Noir delivers classic cherry and vanilla notes with a supple, medium body. It shines alongside mushroom risotto, pork loin, or a pizza topped with caramelized leeks and bacon.
Best of California
2024 Delicious Barbera – Macchia Wines (96 points) “Bright cherry fruit and fall spice ride a wave of acidity through a long finish that invites you back for more.”
A vibrant, food‑friendly Barbera that honors its Italian roots. High acidity and deep color frame flavors of cherry and warm spice. It’s lively, inviting, and practically begs to be paired with roast chicken.
Best Micro White
2024 Omega Road Torrontès (96 points) “The Térrontés bursts with bright aromatics—orange blossom, white peach, jasmine, and a touch of ginger blossom.”
Another result of note was the double gold and Best Micro White Omega Road Winery in Livermore received for its 2024 Torrontès. The variety, Torrontés, is best-known in Argentina and is grown by Ron Silva in his Silvaspoons Vineyard in Lodi’s Alta Mesa micro-AVA (American Viticultural Area).
On the palate, it’s crisp and expressive, with layered notes of tangerine, apricot, and citrus that carry through to a zesty, ginger-kissed finish. The natural acidity keeps it bright and refreshing, making Torrontés a perfect warm-weather sipper. Elegant yet playful, this wine shines with fresh foods, vibrant conversation, and sunlit afternoons. Pair with fresh ceviche, spicy green curry, or marinated chicken skewers.