Some pairings never go out of style including fine wine and artisan pizza. Francis Ford Coppola Winery is inviting home chefs to prove they’ve mastered the combination.
The Sonoma County winery has officially launched the fifth edition of its annual “Perfect Your Pizza” competition, a nationwide search for the most creative original pizza recipe paired with one of its Diamond Collection wines. This year’s contest raises the stakes with a total prize pool of $25,000 and a grand prize designed for anyone who dreams of turning pizza night into a cinematic event.
The winery is offering winners a choice between $10,000 or its new “Sip & Slice” package, a home entertaining upgrade inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s legacies in filmmaking and hospitality. The experience includes a premium outdoor pizza oven, a luxury wine refrigerator, elegant stemware, a movie projector, Coppola’s film collection, a $5,000 installation allowance, and a virtual pizza-making masterclass with acclaimed pizzaiolo Dan Richer.
Now in its fifth year, “Perfect Your Pizza” has evolved into one of the winery’s signature annual traditions. Contestants are invited to submit an original pizza recipe, pair it with a Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection wine, and explain the story behind their creation. Entries are open through September 30, with the winning recipe set to be announced in October.
Returning to oversee the competition is Dan Richer, chef-owner of Razza in Jersey City and one of America’s most respected pizza makers. A six-time James Beard Award nominee and author of The Joy of Pizza, Richer will once again lead the judging panel alongside Francis Ford Coppola Winery Executive Chef Tim Bodell and winemaker Andrea Card, evaluating both culinary creativity and the harmony between pizza and wine.
“As we enter year five of ‘Perfect Your Pizza,’ we’re proud to keep leaning into that culinary heritage,” said Gabriela Becker, vice president of marketing for Francis Ford Coppola Winery. “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.”
In addition to the recipe competition, the winery is also hosting a companion sweepstakes throughout the summer, giving participants another opportunity to win a share of $15,000 in prizes. Fans can also join the conversation on social media by sharing their own pizza creations using #PerfectYourPizza.
Submissions are open through September 30, 2026, at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Perfect Your Pizza website, where entrants can upload their original recipe, wine pairing, and the inspiration behind their slice.
