A group of at-home wine-makers produced their best—more than 55 different wines—at the Second Annual International Food & Cultural Festival on August 16 in downtown Vineland and, when the tasting was over, some exuberant winners emerged.

 The event, held on the 500 block of Landis Avenue and sponsored by the Vineland Downtown Improvement District (VDID)/Main Street Vineland, was a celebration of the various cultures that have contributed to this area.

The entries were judged on points by a panel of experts. The winners were as follows:

First Place

Cabernet Sauvignon: Joe Pauline

Lemberger Chamborcin (Red): Rick Dalesandro

Pinot Grigio: John Carey

Red Zinfandel: Tom Hildenbrand

Red Zinfandel: Ben Binggeli

Super Tuscan: Bob Thompson

Chianti: Ben Binggeli

Raspberry: Joe Pauline

Second Place

Pinot Noir: Bob Matusavage

Pinot Noir: Larry DeSanto

Raspberry: Thomas Myers

Bardolino: John and Teresa Niedda

Barbera: Pete Preziosi

Cabernet Merlot: John Carey

Syrah: Ben Binggeli

Grenoch-Elegante: Dale and Victor Santangelo

Third Place

Cabernet Sauvignon: Larry DeSanto

Niagara White: Bruce Jacoby

Zinfandel Elegante Palomino: Fran Cossaboon and Rick

Jones

Diane's Red: Bob Thompson

Sunnyhill Red: Michelle Mayer

Chianti: Larry DeSanto

Sangiovese: Tom Hildenbrand

Wild Black Cherry: Thomas Myers

“We were very happy with the response to the competition,” said VDID/Main Street Vineland Todd Noon. “All who participated—contestants and judges alike—should be proud of their contribution to this event”