Amateur Winemaking Contest

Now is the time to judge your homemade wine against others. This competition will be held during the last day of the 2026 South Dakota State Fair, Monday, September 7 at 1:30 PM-3 PM in the Horizons Hall Kitchen.

DEPARTMENT 381: Open Class Amateur Winemaking Contest

DIVISION 1:  RED WINE

            Class:  1 any red wine, any type of sealed bottle

DIVISION 2:  WHITE WINE

            Class:  1 any white wine, any type of sealed bottle

DIVISION 3:  MY OWN CREATION WINE

            Class:  1 any wine other than then normal red or white. 

            Example:  green pepper, strawberry, kiwi, rhubarb, etc.

Exhibitors may enter all 3 classes.  Recipes must accompany the exhibit.

Registration forms are to be submitted by August 26, 2026.  Registration is available online at https://sdsf.fairwire.com.

Entry tags will be mailed to each contestant.  This tag must be attached to wine bottles for judging.  No new tags will be made the day of the contest.

Wine will not be accepted prior to the day of the contest.  Must be 21 to enter, ID is required on the day of the competition.

 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 – Wine Exhibits Due

Schedule:

12:30 – 1:30pm     Enter wine exhibits

1:30 –   2:30pm     Judging will take place

2:30 --   3:00pm     Recipes read, and prizes awarded.  You must be present to win.

Each Class 1^st Place and 2^nd Place will be awarded a State Fair merchandise gift card.

Overall Best of Show will receive a plaque.