Uncork Your Potential! Amateur Wine Competition Opens at The Great New York State Fair

It's time for New York's amateur winemakers to showcase their finest masterpieces at the 2026 Great New York State Fair Amateur Wine Competition. Whether you're a seasoned amateur vintner or just beginning to explore the art of winemaking, this is your chance to celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and the community that loves wine just as much as you do! From Rieslings to Rosés, Cabernets to Pinots, embrace the opportunity to showcase your best bottles, connect with fellow wine aficionados, and immerse yourself in the rich tradition that only The Great New York State Fair can offer.

The competition takes place on Wednesday, June 3. Wine must be received at the NYS Fairgrounds by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, or by Friday, May 22, at a designated drop point.

Ready to pour your heart and soul into the competition? Dive into all the details you need to make a splash, from deadlines to entry guidelines, by visiting our Competitions webpage. All Amateur Wine Competition winners will be announced at the 2026 Great New York State Fair on Sunday, August 30, at noon. To view a list of last year's Best in Show and top awards, click here.

Questions? Contact our competitions team at [email protected] or call (315) 728-4328.

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. All concerts are included in the price of admission, which will go on sale later this summer. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country. Tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.

Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state's CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

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