The City of Vineland is seeking competitors for Its first “Vine and Chocolate” Homemade Challenge. It is an opportunity for non-professionals to show off their skills and have their entries judged against others in friendly competition.
The contest is open to all New Jersey residents in the categories of Wine (Red, White, or Rose), Liqueur, Hard Cider, and Chocolate (Milk, Dark, or White).
“The contest seems like a perfect fit for the community,” said Mayor Anthony Fanucci. “After all, the name Vineland was selected by the city’s founder Charles K. Landis based on his plans to grow grapes on farms in the city.
Thereafter, Thomas Bramwell Welch founded Welch’s Grape Juice in Vineland, using the locally grown grapes to make ‘unfermented wine’.
While they are not grown in the same quantity today, grapes from the area are still used in award-winning wines showcased at the New Jersey Governor’s Cup and beyond.”
Advertisement
“Individuals who enjoy wines and spirits have also found that there is a natural affinity between chocolate and alcohol, so we also want to see how creative homemade chocolatiers can be,” Mayor Fanucci continued. “Those who enjoy it say the pairing expands the range of sensations you can experience and offers delightfully versatile new flavors and aroma sensations to explore.”
Deadline to Enter
There is no entry fee to enter the competition, and you need not be present to win. The entry deadline is September 22, 2023. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
A blind-tasting, numerical scoring system will be used for judging. A free reception to announce the winners will be held on Sunday, October 8, from Noon to 6:00 pm at the Grant Plaza located at 619 East Landis Avenue. The event will include a variety of music, a cash bar, and appetizers.
“There are many dedicated home vintners, distillers, brewers, and chocolatiers throughout the area who are passionate about the process and proud of what they are able to produce. From those I have spoken to, it is a deeply personal and communal endeavor. We are excited to see the variety of entries the competition draws,” Mayor Fanucci concluded.
To register for the competition and arrange for delivery of your entries, please email Special Events Coordinator Sheena Santiago at shsantiago@vinelandcity.org, or call 856-794-4000, extension 4169.