Washington, DC – Office of Champagne, USA has announced its 3rd Annual Champagne Pairing Culinary Contest. Culinary students from across the country are invited to compete by submitting an original recipe and Champagne pairing recommendation. Winners in three categories – appetizer, main course and dessert – will win a trip to the Champagne region of France, where they will learn firsthand about the terroir, history and strict winemaking regulations of the birthplace of Champagne.

“This competition allows America’s future chefs and culinary leaders to think creatively about ways to incorporate Champagne into their original recipes,” said Office of Champagne, USA Director Sharon Castillo. “We are looking for contestants who will inspire the general public to think about Champagne for every day occasions and not only major life celebrations.”

To enter the competition, each applicant must submit his original recipe and an explanation of the suggested Champagne pairing to Office of Champagne, USA no later than Friday, June 29, 2007. The entries will be judged on four key categories: taste, creativity/originality, ease of preparation and how well the dish pairs with the recommended Champagne. Three finalist’s recipes in each category will be prepared by a renowned Washington, D.C. chef and judged by a panel of independent experts who will determine the winner in each category.

The winners will receive a certificate of achievement from Office of Champagne, USA and a trip to the Champagne region of France. Winning recipes will also be posted on the official website for the Office of Champagne, USA for the benefit of all Champagne lovers. To view the application and complete contest rules visit http://www.champagne.us .