Stake your claim as the Best in the West when you enter the Colorado State Fair’s annual Beer and Wine Competitions. With a fresh, new format that emphasizes homebrewing and hobby winemaking, the competition will showcase a diverse array of libations, giving Colorado's beverage wranglers a chance to show off their best.
“We want to celebrate the best brewers and winemakers at the Colorado State Fair this year and showcase the incredible talent within our state's brewing and winemaking communities,” said Colorado State Fair General Manager Andrea Wiesenmeyer. “This competition recognizes the passion and dedication of home brewers and winemakers, and contributes to the rich tradition of the Colorado State Fair.”
The Colorado State Fair's Beer and Wine Competitions provide a unique platform for local enthusiasts and professionals alike to showcase their creations and receive valuable feedback from expert judges. This event is one of the favorites at the fair, celebrating the rich tradition and vibrant community of brewers and hobby winemakers across Colorado and beyond.
This year, the Beer and Wine Competition will feature the following categories:
- Homebrew Competition: Capped at 75 entrants, with each participant allowed to submit up to 4 entries.
- Craft Beer Competition: Capped at 75 entrants, with each brewery permitted to submit up to 8 entries.
- Hobby Wine Competition: Capped at 60 entrants.
To keep the focus on Colorado brewers and winemakers, the competition will not feature a commercial wine category this year. Mead makers are encouraged to enter the Beer competition, while commercial wineries are encouraged to enter into the Governor’s Cup competition, the only statewide wine-making competition exclusively for Colorado wineries.
Hobby Wine entries will be accepted between April 1 - April 25, with judging on Saturday, May 3. Beer entries will be accepted between April 7 - May 2, with judging on Saturday, May 17 for homebrewers, and Sunday, May 18 for craft breweries. Find all the information on the Colorado State Fair website.
The beer competitions are sanctioned by the American Homebrewers Association and the Beer Judge Certification Program. Registrations will be accepted online at ReggieBeer.com. There are 41 classes winemakers can enter, which include whites, reds, rosés, ports, sherries, fruit wines, sparkling wines and more.
This year's Colorado State Fair runs from Friday, Aug. 22- Monday, Sept. 1. and the theme is Growing the Tradition.
There’s something for everyone at the 2025 Colorado State Fair – it’s eleven days of top-tier entertainment, thrilling rides, mouth-watering food, world-class concerts, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Find your perfect itinerary at ColoradoStateFair.com.
Need this press release in Spanish? Please email cda_communications@state.co.us.