Francis Ford Coppola Winery, the iconic estate behind the award-winning “Diamond Collection,” has officially launched the fifth annual installment of its nationwide “Perfect Your Pizza” competition.
The annual tradition invites pizza enthusiasts and home cooks across the country to submit an original pizza recipe paired with a Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection wine for the chance to win big. Running through September 30, 2026, this year’s competition features a total prize pool of $25,000 spread across a recipe contest and an online companion sweepstakes.
“Sip & Slice” Grand Prize Delivers Cinematic Luxury
Contestants can enter their original pizza creation, chosen Coppola wine pairing, and the inspiration behind their recipe at www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/perfect-your-pizza/.
One grand prize winner will have the choice between $10,000 in cash or the ultimate “Sip & Slice” Grand Prize package. Paying homage to founder Francis Ford Coppola’s cinematic and culinary legacy, the package turns home entertainment into a director-level experience.
The “Sip & Slice” package includes:
- A premium outdoor pizza oven and luxury wine fridge
- Elegant wine glassware, a movie projector, and a curated Coppola film collection
- A $5,000 installation package
- A virtual private pizza-making class with master pizzaiolo Dan Richer
In addition to the main recipe contest, fans can participate in a companion online sweepstakes running from July 1 through September 30, awarding $15,000 in prizes. Fans can also join the social conversation throughout the summer using the hashtag #PerfectYourPizza.
Expert Judging Panel Led by Master Pizzaiolo Dan Richer
Returning as head judge and program spokesperson is six-time James Beard Award™ nominee Dan Richer, author of The Joy of Pizza and owner of Jersey City’s acclaimed Razza. Richer is joined by Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Executive Chef Tim Bodell and winemaker Andrea Card, ensuring recipes are evaluated on culinary creativity, flavor harmony, and pairing precision.
“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… 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.”
How to Enter
Submissions for the recipe contest are open now through September 30, 2026. The grand prize winner will be officially announced across the brand’s social media channels (@coppolawine) in October 2026.
Full contest rules, pairing guidelines, and entry forms are available directly at www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/perfect-your-pizza/.