(SACRAMENTO, CA) - The California State Fair proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Commercial Cheese Competition. The competition showcases the finest cheeses crafted by both small artisan producers and large-scale cheese production companies. In addition to the Best of Show and the Best of California, this year we introduced the Artisan Producer of the Year and the Large-Scale Producer of the Year awards. All participating producers are automatically considered for these awards which are based on a point system.
A panel of 12 judges, led by Head Judge Sara Arbabian, evaluated 107 entries based on appearance, aroma, texture, and taste. The competition’s judges, comprised of cheese merchants, writers, promoters, and educators, assessed entries across multiple divisions and classes, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process.
Best of Show Winners
Best of Show – Cow’s Milk:
Point Reyes Farmstead - Point Reyes Quinta
The Point Reyes Quinta is a soft-ripened, bloomy rind cheese, inspired by the very famous, seasonally-made Vacherin Mont d’Or and its close variation L’Edel de Cléron, both from the Jura Mountain region along the French-Swiss border. The interior texture is silky-smooth and the rind is fluffy, yet slightly firm with a bay leaf embedded on the top.
“Having two of our cheeses, the Quinta and Toma (Best of California Cow's Milk semi-hard cheese) recognized as the very best at the California State Fair shows the breadth of what our incredible creamery team can do," said Kuba Hemmerling, VP of Operations and Head Cheesemaker. " These awards reflect our commitment to not only making cheese worthy of everyday indulgence, but the quality and consistency we strive for in every step of the cheesemaking process.”
Best of Show – Other Milk Type:
Pennyroyal Farm – Boont Corners Reserve
Pennyroyal Farm secured the Best of Show award for other milk types with Boont Corners Reserve for the second consecutive year. It’s made of fresh, raw milk and is inspired by the large wheels of cheese, made in the mountains of France, as a means of preserving the nutrients of abundant summer milk for the lean winter season. Wheels held for release under the Reserve designation are made during the summertime, when the goats’ milk is naturally lower in fat.
"A fourth California State Fair Best in Show win for Reserve Boont Corners—wow!” said Erika McKenzie-Chapter, Cheesemaker. " As a farmstead creamery our herd of goats and sheep always takes center stage, but we've got a growing group of Golden Bears that may just steal the spotlight! Our creamery crew is so proud of this accomplishment and the recognition this trophy brings."
Artisan Producer of the Year
Stepladder Creamery
“We’re incredibly honored to be named California Artisan Producer of the Year!" said Jack Rudolph, co-owner of Stepladder Creamery, "Our dairy and cheese team has worked tirelessly to raise the bar year after year, and this recognition is a meaningful validation of their dedication and craftsmanship. We’re also deeply grateful to our customers and supporters. Their loyalty and enthusiasm have made this journey possible.”
Large-Scale Producer of the Year
Joseph Farms Cheese
“Joseph Farms is really proud to earn 11 awards this year at the California State Fair, including a Double Gold and three Gold medals,” said Mike Gallo, CEO of Joseph Farms Cheese Company. “Joseph Farms has earned more than 100 medals at the Fair, including Best of Show and Best of California in 2023. This kind of performance shows the consistency and quality behind every Joseph Farms Cheese and reflects a long history of award-winning cheese making.”
2026 Best of California Award Winners
Cow’s Milk Cheese
- Cultured Cheese: Stepladder Creamery – Fromage Blanc
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Soft Cheese: El Mexicano – Queso Requeson
- Semi-Soft Cheese: Point Reyes Farmstead – Point Reyes Quinta
- Semi-Hard Cheese: Point Reyes Farmstead – Point Reyes Toma
Other Milk Type Cheese
- Cultured Cheese: Stepladder Creamery – Chevre
- Soft Cheese: Pennyroyal Farms – Laychee
- Semi-Soft Cheese: Stepladder Creamery – Ragged Point
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Semi-Hard Cheese: Pennyroyal Farms – Boont Corners 2 Month
- Hard Cheese: Pennyroyal Farms – Boont Corners Reserve
For a complete list of the award-winning cheeses, visit Castatefair.com.
The California State Fair will recognize our top winner at a special award presentation at the California State Fair on Monday, July 27, 2026. All Best of Show and Best of California winning cheese will be displayed in the California Kitchen Exhibit Building B during the California State Fair which runs July 17 through August 2, 2026.
