SOLEDAD — This summer, CRU Winery is on the hunt for the best chowder recipe with their Chowder Cook-Off Contest. Now through Aug. 6, California residents can submit their best chowder recipe for a chance to win.
The Chowder Cook-Off is a tribute to the winery’s Central Coast wines and tasting room located in Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands. Chowder recipes will be judged on creativity, overall quality and how well the recipes pair with the variety of CRU Winery’s single vineyard chardonnays.
From the recipes submitted, the winery will select two runners-up who will receive a two-night stay in Monterey.
During their trip, the runners-up will participate in the Chowder Cook-Off at CRU Winery’s Santa Lucia Highlands Tasting Room in Soledad. At the event, they will prepare their chowder recipe for a panel of judges who will determine the best chowder recipe and crown the Chowder Cook-Off Champion.
The Chowder Cook-Off event is Saturday, Sept. 21, and is open to the public. Attendees will get to watch the Chowder Cook-Off and have a chance to try the final chowder recipes paired with CRU wines.
In addition, attendees will be able to enjoy chowder and artisan bites from Phresh Catering, Real Good Fish and A Party for your Palate.
“I love pairing chowder with our chardonnays. The versatility of chowder draws out the layers of flavor in the wine,” said CRU Winery winemaker Jose Reyes. “With the Chowder Cook-Off contest, we are excited to introduce wine lovers to new chowder recipes that perfectly complement our variety of chardonnays. We can’t wait to try the final chowders and celebrate at the Chowder Cook-Off in September.”
California residents can enter the CRU Winery Chowder Cook-Off at cruwinery.com/contest. Tickets to the Chowder Cook-Off can be purchased at cruwinery.com.
