Following a month-long celebration of the region’s craft beverage scene, Santa Maria Valley has revealed the winners of its official 2026 Craft Cocktail Contest.
From March 2-31, residents and visitors embarked on a tasting tour across the region’s wineries, breweries and eateries to discover the flavors that define the valley, according to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The competition featured two paths to victory: the Judges’ Choice, evaluated by a three-judge panel; and the People’s Choice, determined by the fans and community members who visited participating locations.
The Judges’ Choice winner is The Range Kitchen and Bar at Homewood Suites by Hilton Santa Maria.
● Winning drink: “Coco Loco”
● Inspiration: A minty cool breeze reminiscent of Santa Maria winds, designed to transport the palate to the nearby Central Coast beaches with its sophisticated balance and refreshing finish.
People’s Choice winner is Costa de Oro Winery
● Winning drink: “Rosa de la Costa”
● Inspiration: A refreshing twist on an Aperol Spritz using the winery’s own 2023 Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé. Meaning “Rosé of the Coast,” the drink highlights premium grapes sourced from the Gold Coast Vineyard in the heart of Santa Maria Valley.
“The competition was fierce, featuring creative entries from local staples including Blast 825 Brewery, Naughty Oak Brewing Co., Cool Hand Luke’s, Lark + Sparrow, and Maya Mexican Restaurant. Entries ranged from hand-crafted botanical infusions to nostalgic, fruit-forward seltzers and citrus-drenched martinis,” the chamber said.
For the Judges’ Choice the panel evaluated each entry on creativity, flavor balance, and presentation. The People’s Choice was decided by the community through social media engagement using the official contest hashtag, #SMVCraftCocktail26.
“This contest celebrates the liquid arts and the high-quality ingredients found right here in our backyard,” said Suzanne Singh, the chamber’s vice president of economic development. “From our legendary wine estates to our modern hotel lounges, the talent on display this year proves that Santa Maria Valley is a premier destination for craft beverage lovers.
“We are thrilled to congratulate our winners and thank all participants for showcasing the unique spirit of our region.”