TEMECULA, CA – Temecula Valley Wine Country's South Coast Winery and sister company Carter Estate Winery were the big winners at the 2026 San Diego County Fair Wine Competition. Between the two, the wineries garnered 19 awards, including Best of Show and a Double Gold medal for South Coast Winery’s 20 Year Tawny Port. Other winners from Temecula's wine country included Altisima Winery, Julie's Dream Winery, Luna de Luz Winery, and Robert Renzoni Vineyards and Winery.
Judged April 8 and 9, the annual competition recognizes outstanding commercial wines from San Diego, Imperial and Riverside counties, celebrating craftsmanship and innovation across Southern California’s wine industry.
Select medal-winning wines have the opportunity to be showcased and poured for guests during the San Diego County Fair’s popular Wine Experience Bar, or you can head to Temecula Valley Wine Country to give them a sampling.
"South Coast Winery’s acclaimed 20 Year Tawny Port stood out among this year’s entries for its exceptional depth and complexity," a spokesperson for the winery said in a recent news release. "Aged for two decades in old French oak barrels, the mahogany-hued dessert wine offers layers of toasted hazelnut, clove and raisin alongside a velvety, smooth finish characteristic of premium tawny ports."
In addition to the Best of Show honor, South Coast Winery also earned the competition’s "Toast of Riverside" distinction for its Sparkling Pinot Grigio. Crafted in a Brut “Extra Dry” style, the sparkling wine features bright notes of pear and apple accented by tropical fruit nuances and crisp acidity.
"The grapes are hand-harvested from estate vineyards in Temecula Valley, where cool Pacific Ocean breezes help preserve freshness and balance in the fruit," according to the winery.
The combined 19 awards received by South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery reinforce Temecula Valley’s growing reputation as one of California’s premier wine destinations, particularly for estate-grown varietals and méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, commented on the big win.
“We always appreciate the visibility and recognition this competition brings to the wines of Southern California and the Temecula Valley region,” Carter said. “These honors are a testament to the talent, dedication and creativity of the winemaking teams at both South Coast and Carter Estate Winery.”
San Diego County's big winner was Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery, winning the "Toast of San Diego" and the "Southern Sun & Soil" awards.
Other Temecula wines that received notable awards at the judging included:
Altisima Winery: Silver medals in Moastrell, Coqueta, Carignan, Meritage.
Carter Estate Winery Resort & Spa: Silver Medal in Chardonnay, 2016 Cuvee Prestige and Bronze Medal, Daybreak.
Julie's Dream Winery: Silver Medals for 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Sangiovese; Bronze Medal for 2019 Cabernet Franc.
Luna de Luz Syrah: Best of Class Syrah; Silver Medal for Luna de Luz Syrah, Luna de Luz Chardonnay; Bronze Medals for Luna De Luz Merlot, Luna de Luz Rose de Luz.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards and Winery: Silver Medals for Bambino Rose, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa: Best of Class Rose, Sparkling, White Blend and Dessert; Silver Medals for: Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Big Red Sunshine Primitivo, Vineyard Rose, GVR South Coast, Reference Chardonnay, Non-Vintage brut, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Mino. Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon; Bronze Medals for: Spumante Diamante, Cabernet Sauvignon Wild Horse Peak, Sangiovese South Coast, Black Jack Port.
A complete list of winners is available through the San Diego County Fair Wine Competition results page.
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