#United States #Monterey #CRŪ Winery #Soledad #Chowder Cook-Off

CRŪ Winery Unveils the 3rd Annual Chowder Cook-Off Contest

In a delightful initiative to celebrate the culinary arts, CRŪ Winery has announced the commencement of its third annual Chowder Cook-Off, inviting all U.S. residents to submit their finest chowder recipes from now until July 14, 2026. Following its previous successes, this year’s competition is set to expand nationally, allowing the winery to discover unique chowder styles that highlight the diverse flavors from across the country.

This exciting event is not just about seeking the best chowder; it's a tribute to the rich wines of CRŪ Winery, which is located in the stunning Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, California. The Chowder Cook-Off will focus on recipes that not only showcase creativity but also pair beautifully with CRŪ's exquisite selection of single vineyard Chardonnays.

Judging Criteria and Prizes

Recipes will be evaluated based on their creativity, overall quality, and how seamlessly they complement the winery's prestigious wines. Two finalists will be selected from the entries and awarded an unforgettable experience: a two-night stay in beautiful Monterey, California. During their visit, the finalists will participate in the Chowder Cook-Off held at the winery’s Tasting Room, where they will have the opportunity to prepare their unique chowder recipes before a panel of esteemed judges.

The judging panel for this year features a lineup of recognized experts in the fields of food and wine. Notably, returning to the panel is Monterey wine blogger Christy Nakada, known for her insights at @christyonthevine. She will be joined by Deborah Luhrman, the Editor and Publisher of Edible Monterey Bay, District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez, and Jasmine Jones from KRML. Their collective expertise will ensure that the best chowder is honored at this vibrant gathering.

Rebecca Gilbert, Senior Marketing Communications Director of CRŪ Winery, expressed her enthusiasm for the contest, stating, "We are thrilled to offer the Chowder Cook-Off for its third year, extending the competition nationwide. By inviting recipes from all over the country, we hope to celebrate and explore a myriad of chowder variations while further promoting the coastal lifestyle that CRŪ Winery represents. We are eager to taste and revel in the chowder creations this August."

Event Details

The grand cook-off event is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at CRŪ Winery's Santa Lucia Highlands Tasting Room in Soledad, California. The event is open to the public, providing a wonderful opportunity for attendees to witness the cook-off live and sample the chowders prepared by the finalists. In addition, guests will have the chance to experience a delightful pairing of these culinary delights with CRŪ's award-winning wines.

Tickets for the event can be purchased directly through cruwinery.com, where the rules and entry details for the Chowder Cook-Off contest can also be found. This is a fantastic opportunity for chowder lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike to come together and celebrate good food and exceptional wine.

About CRŪ Winery

More than just a winery, CRŪ Winery prides itself on being deeply rooted in family and friendships. The winery sources high-quality fruit from some of the finest vineyards in California’s Central Coast, with a focus on Burgundian and Rhone varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. CRŪ Winery aims to craft exceptional wines meant for everyday enjoyment. For more information about their offerings and to stay updated on events, visit www.cruwinery.com.