California Mid-State Fair seeks olive oil producers

The California Mid-State Fair is seeking entries for its seventh annual Central Coast Olive Oil Competition.

The competition, which will be held in April, is open to oils made entirely from olives harvested in California. Organizers expect to feature more than 150 olive oils produced throughout the state, according to a news release.

Entries are divided into four categories — extra virgin, flavored extra virgin, organic extra virgin and flavored organic extra-virgin — and classed by varietal. Judges will evaluate each entry based on aroma, taste and intensity.

Award-winning olive oils will be displayed at the California Mid-State Fair, July 20 through 31 in Paso Robles, and the Lodi Grape Festival, Sept. 15 through 18 in Lodi.

Last year, contest winners included Le Vigne Winery in Paso Robles and Olivas de Oro Olive Company in Creston.

For more information about the Central Coast Olive Oil Competition, visit http://centralcoastwinecomp.com/olive-oil/. Competitors can register online at http://cmsfw.fairmanager.com until April 8.

This story was originally published February 6, 2016 at 1:26 PM with the headline "California Mid-State Fair seeks olive oil producers."