(Sacramento, CA) - The California State Fair appoints Tim McDonald of Napa as the new Chief Judge of the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The competition opens to California winemakers on February 1, 2026, with entries due by April 24, 2026.
McDonald brings more than 40 years of distinguished experience in the wine and spirits industry, with expertise spanning public relations, trade relations, marketing and sales, event management, and beverage education. A highly respected judge, he has participated in more 200 competitions throughout North America. McDonald currently serves as the Director of Wine Judging for both the California Craft Spirits, and Central Coast Wine Competitions; Chairman of Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, and former Head Judge at the San Francisco International and Las Vegas Global Awards. He is the founder of Wine & Spirits Spoken Here, a Napa-based company dedicated to sharing the unique stories behind wines and spirits.
His career also includes senior leadership roles with several prominent beverage companies, including E. & J. Gallo Winery, where he served as Marketing Director of Fine Wine Communications; Jim Beam (Peak Wines) as Vice President of Marketing and Communications; Trinchero Family Estates as Director of Trade Relations; and Heublein Spirits & Wines as Director of Trade and Public Relations. He also held sales positions with Seagram Distillers and Heublein.
“We are honored to have a leader of Tim’s caliber guiding the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition," said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition and State Fair. "For generations, this competition has celebrated the excellence of California’s wine industry, and his expertise will ensure that tradition continues."
As Chief Judge, McDonald will oversee the annual review of competition procedures, recommend enhancements, select the final panel of judges, and preside over the three-day judging process taking place May 6–8, 2026.
The upcoming California State Fair runs from July 17 through August 2, 2026. Details about exhibits, concerts, and tickets will be updated regularly on the website at castatefair.com.
About the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition
Dating back to 1854, during the Gold Rush Era, the California State Fair Wine Competition is the oldest wine competition in the country and ranks among the most respected in the nation. It is widely recognized for its integrity, commitment to excellence, fairness, and professionalism. Only wines made with fruit grown and produced in the eleven growing regions across the state may be judged in the competition in order to recognize the best wines produced in the state.
About the California State Fair
Cal Expo is home of the California State Fair, an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs worldwide. For the past two years, the Fair was ranked the best State Fair in the nation. Established in 1854, the California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.
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