Francis Ford Coppola Wineryis pouring out all the action.
The iconic Sonoma County estate behind the award-winning “Diamond Collection” launched the fifth installment of its annual “Perfect Your Pizza” competition, a nationwide search for America’s best pizza recipe and wine pairing. Fans across the country are invited to submit an original pizza recipe and Coppola wine pairing for the chance to win a “Sip & Slice” Grand Prize package – an ultimate wine, pizza and film lover’s home upgrade – or $10,000 cash. In addition to the recipe contest, a companion online sweepstakes will award $15,000 in prizes for a total “Perfect Your Pizza” prize pool of $25,000.
Returning as head judge and program spokesperson is Dan Richer, master pizzaiolo, six-time James Beard Award nominee, helped inspire some at home pizza making and wine sampling this season.
As chef and owner of Razza in Jersey City – the only pizza restaurant in the U.S. to receive three stars from The New York Times – Richer brings unrivaled authority to the judging table. His expertise is complemented by Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s in-house culinary and winemaking talent that gives the program its soul: Executive Chef Tim Bodell, whose philosophy shapes the winery’s food inspiration, and winemaker Andrea Card, whose Coppola wines form the backbone behind each pairing contestants are challenged to create.
“At Coppola, pizza isn’t just a menu item—it’s a reflection of how we bring people together around wine,” said Gabriela Becker, Vice President of Marketing for Francis Ford Coppola Winery. “As we enter year five of ‘Perfect Your Pizza,’ we’re proud to keep leaning into that culinary heritage. With Dan returning to lead the judging, more experiential prizes and our continued partnership with Slice Out Hunger, this contest reflects what we value most. It’s about celebrating great wine worth gathering over, championing artisanal pizza, and giving back to our communities in a way that truly connects us.”
A delicious look into the competition from the comfort of a New York City apt. kitchen gained access to try at home pizza recipes and scrumptious sips from the award-winning “Diamond Collection.”
Every sip was sophisticated and full of beauty that deserves Oscar-winning worthy applause.
The Diamond Collection Claret showcases gorgeous flavors of plum, black pepper, and cocoa. Made from grapes grown across California, the carefully combined product creates a sip that is divine for all occasions – including getting ready for this grand contest.
(Courtesy Francis Coppola Winery)
For a perfect white, try the Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc. Featuring crisp natural acidity with flavors of lemon, lime, and lemongrass, it takes you away to a sweet and wonderful escape. Diamond Collection wines are made from grapes grown across California and are carefully combined to create wines perfect for all occasions.
(Courtesy Francis Coppola Winery)
Try our top pic today and get ready for an amazing contest. Submissions for the “Perfect Your Pizza” recipe contest are open July 1 – September 30, 2026. Contestants may enter by visiting www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/perfect-your-pizza/ and providing their original recipe, a Coppola Diamond Collection wine pairing, and the story behind their creation. For complete rules, visit www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/perfect-your-pizza/.
Fans can also enter the online sweepstakes until Sept. 30 for a chance to win a share of $15,000 in prizes—and join the fun all summer long by posting on Instagram or Facebook with #PerfectYourPizza.
