Want to compete with the best and win a trip to Spain?

Are you a DC chef/sommelier combo who wants to compete with the best and win a trip to Spain?

Now is your chance to participate in what the San Francisco Chronicle calls the “most awesome of wine-pairing competitions!” Every two years Spain hosts the internationally respected Copa Jerez competition, where chef and sommelier teams compete to create the perfect food and wine match across three courses, matching Sherry with their unique dishes.

We are now accepting submissions from chef and sommelier teams nationwide to compete for the title of U.S. National winning team.

Now in its fourth year, Copa Jerez is a prestigious event that will name the most talented chef and sommelier team who can create the best Sherry dishes and pairings. The competition attracts the best chefs and sommeliers from the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Belgium and Japan. Each participating country will send one winning team, to compete at the IV International Copa Jerez Competition, held in Jerez, Spain in January 2011.

During the 2009 Copa Jerez competition, Roger Kugler and Seamus Mullen from Suba Restaurant in New York City were selected as the winning U.S. team. Roger Kugler went on to receive the award for “Best Sommelier” in the international competition, making him the first American to win this title. This year we would like the U.S, for the first time, to win it all!

This year’s U.S. National Final will take place on October 6, 2010 in New York City at the Astor Center. Teams will prepare their meals and pairings for a select panel of judges, and showcase their work to key food and wine media. The competition will be live streamed so fans from home will be able to participate online.

Participants must be a chef/sommelier team, from a working restaurant and be willing to be challenged to create the perfect food and wine match for each of the three courses required. The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2010.

For full competition rules, regulations, and guidelines, click here.

For additional information about the event, click here.

The elite judging panel with experience and expertise in Sherry pairing and culinary skill will evaluate the dishes based on presentation, marriage of Sherry and food, and the most articulate description and explanation. Winners will be named in six different categories, and the winner of the ‘Best Food and Wine of Jerez Matching’ category will be selected to represent the United States at the IV International Copa Jerez Competition in Spain. We welcome your interest and participation in this year’s competition. For more information, please email kate@akawinegeek.com or nalhonte@clsdc.com.