The Iowa State Fair is right around the corner. Before heading to the fairgrounds, the Iowa Winegrowers Association is celebrating the talent of the state’s local grape growers and winemakers.

The results are officially in for the 2026 Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, held last June. A panel of six expert judges evaluated 156 entries from 24 Iowa wineries in a blind sensory tasting. In total, 132 wines earned medals — including 35 Gold, 52 Silver and 45 Bronze.

The highest honor in Iowa winemaking—the Governor’s Cup Trophy — is awarded by the Iowa Wine Growers Association to the single “best of the best” wine selected from the sweepstakes round.

This year, top honors go to Fireside Winery in Marengo for their sparkling specialty creation, Fizzy Firefly.

Fireside Winery is no stranger to the trophy, having held it for their Blu wine from the 2025 competition. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will officially present Fireside Winery with the 2026 Governor’s Cup Trophy during a special ceremony at the fair on Aug. 17.

Click here to read more about the other winners from State Fair competition. — Story contributed by the Iowa Winegrowers Association.