2026 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection – Perfect Your Pizza Contest

To inspire your culinary creativity, Chef Dan Richer has curated a list of easy-to-execute tips from his mouthwateringly gorgeous “The Joy of Pizza” cookbook—created with fellow New Jersey native Katie Parla, a Rome-based food expert. Prepare to raise your pizza game!

Finalist Criteria
Written Submission – Introduction & Inspiration (10%): Judges will assess how effectively the introduction conveys the inspiration behind the recipe, such as a personal story, family or community connection, or a memorable experience, and how it ties to the choice of ingredients and the selected Coppola varietal.
Pizza & Dough Recipe (30%): Entries will be evaluated based on the clarity and completeness of the written recipe, measured ingredients, and step-by-step instructions. Recipes must be clear and re-produceable but are not required to be professionally written.
Photo/Video of Prepared Recipe (25%): Photos and/or Videos will be judged on visual appeal, clarity, and how well they showcase the finished pizza. Judges will look for appetizing presentation and clear representation of the recipe. No professional equipment or skills are needed. Clear, well-composed photos and/or videos taken with a camera or smartphone will be eligible for finalist selection.
Wine Pairing Harmony (20%): Judges will assess the perception of how well the prepared dish integrates with and elevates the experience of enjoying the suggested Coppola varietal. This includes balance, contrast, and complementary aromas and flavors between the pizza and the wine.
Recipe Creativity & Overall Perception (15%): Judges will assess the recipe’s originality, creativity, and anticipated appeal based on the written description and photo/video, without preparing or tasting the pizza. This includes how well the recipe’s concept, anticipated flavors, and uniqueness are conveyed, as well as the harmony with the suggested Coppola wine pairing. No professional skills are required. Entrants need only to clearly communicate their recipe’s creative vision.

Winner Judging Criteria
Flavor/Taste Profile (30%): Entries will be judged based on the perceived flavor and taste, as the pizza will not be physically prepared. Judges will evaluate how well the selected ingredients complement one another and whether the overall recipe sounds delicious and appealing.
Composition (25%): Entries will be judged based on the perceived composition of the pizza as presented in the submitted photo, as it will not be physically prepared. Judges will evaluate whether the toppings appear balanced and proportionate in relation to the crust, and whether the overall arrangement looks visually cohesive and thoughtfully composed.
Texture (20%): Entries will be judged based on the perceived texture of the pizza as presented in the submitted photo, as it will not be physically prepared. Judges will evaluate whether the toppings appear to provide a pleasant and complementary texture to the crust, and whether there is a balance of textures that enhances the overall appeal of the pizza.
Wine Pairing Harmony (15%): Judges will assess the perception of how well the prepared dish integrates with and elevates the experience of enjoying the suggested Coppola varietal. This includes balance, contrast, and complementary aromas and flavors between the pizza and the wine.
Recipe Creativity & Simplicity (10%): Entries will be judged based on the perceived creativity and simplicity of the recipe, as the pizza will not be physically prepared. Judges will evaluate the originality of the concept and the ingredient
selection, while also considering how easily the pizza can be prepared. Emphasis will be placed on whether the recipe is clear, approachable, and not overly complex, while still resulting in a delicious and appealing pizza.