Golden State 'Winery Of The Year' Awarded To This Temecula Valley Winery: CA State Fair

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Valley Wine Country's Europa Village Wineries and Resort was named the Golden State Winery of the Year in the 2025 statewide California State Fair competition, it was announced Friday.

This is the local winery's first time winning the award.

The California State Fair Commercial Wine competition evaluated 1,587 wines, representing 309 of California's top wine brands, according to a recent news release. Temecula wineries entered a total of 91 entries into the competition. The competition, which originated in 1854, evaluates wines made with fruit grown in California's 11 growing regions. The competition emphasizes growing regions, of which Temecula is located in Region G of the South Coast Appellations.

All wines were reviewed by 39 judges, overseen by Chief Judge Mark Chandler, to identify the winners. The full list of California State Fair 2025 Commercial Wine Competition winners was shared on the California State Fair website.

Europa Village Wineries & Resort owner Dan Stephenson learned of the award one week ago, and the winery shared the victory Friday. General Manager John Goldsmith spoke with Patch on the honor.

"We are beyond honored to share that Europa Village has been named California State Fair's Golden State Winery of the Year! This prestigious recognition, awarded by the California State Fair, celebrates the winery as the most outstanding in the state, recognizing excellence across the board, from medal wins to the overall quality of the wines produced. ⁠⁠

"This marks the first time we've received this incredible honor," Goldsmith added. "We couldn’t be more proud to bring it home to Temecula Valley Wine Country.⁠⁠"

Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair, discussed the competition.

“The Commercial Wine Competition is a true celebration of California’s rich agricultural heritage and the incredible talent of our state’s winemakers,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “We’re proud to showcase these award-winning wines at the Fair and give our guests a chance to experience the best of the Golden State.”

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