We’re excited to share that August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Co. received top honors at the 2026 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, earning a Governor’s Cup Specialty trophy and 17 medals. A total of 270 wines were entered in this year’s competition.
The competition’s highest Specialty Wine honor went to Strawberry Peach Sangria, which earned the Governor’s Cup Specialty Trophy, Double Gold Medal, and Best in Class honors. Illinois Sparkling Co. also had an outstanding showing, with three Traditional Method sparkling wines earning Double Gold medals.
2026 Competition Highlights
| Award | Number |
|---|---|
| Governor’s Cup Trophy | 1 |
| Best in Class Awards | 4 |
| Double Gold Medals | 4 |
| Gold Medals | 4 |
| Silver Medals | 6 |
| Bronze Medals | 3 |
| Total Medals | 17 |
Governor’s Cup Trophy Winner
Strawberry Peach Sangria — Governor’s Cup Specialty Trophy | Double Gold | Best in Class
Double Gold Medal Winners
2025 Illnatic — Double Gold | Best in Class
2022 Demi Sec Rosé — Double Gold | Best in Class
2020 Sec — Double Gold | Double Gold Taste-Off Runner-Up
Gold Medal Winners
2022 Brut — Gold
2019 Blend 795 — Gold
Starved Rock Bubbly — Gold (available at Starved Rock Lodge)
Almond Infusion — Gold | Best in Class
Silver Medal Winners
Berlyn — Silver
2025 La Belle Rosé — Silver
2025 Chambourcin Rosé — Silver
Moscato — Silver
2023 Brut Ombré Rosé — Silver
Augie’s Blackberry — Silver
Bronze Medal Winners
2024 Chambourcin Reserve — Bronze
2022 Brut Rosé de Saignée — Bronze
Angel of Hope — Bronze
Celebrate With Us
These award-winning wines represent just a portion of the more than 40 wines crafted by August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Co., from fruit-forward favorites and dry reds to handcrafted Traditional Method sparkling wines.
We invite you to visit the August Hill Winery Tasting Room in Utica, Wine on the Hill in Peru, or shop online to enjoy this year’s award-winning wines.