HEALDSBURG, Calif., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It may be a wrap on Awards Season, but don't let that keep you from bringing the sparkle of cinema to your home. Bella Sera wines and Emmy award-winning chef and cookbook author, Giada De Laurentiis, today announced the launch of the "Beautiful Evenings with Bella Sera" recipe contest*, a celebration of good wine, good food and the enjoyment of a good movie with family and friends.

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"A beautiful evening can be as simple as watching a favorite movie, while enjoying an excellent meal and delicious wine at home," said Giada. "This is why I've partnered with Bella Sera to kick-off a fun recipe contest that invites home cooks to share their favorite movie, recipe and wine pairings."

From February 22, 2011 through June 30, 2011, home cooks can enter the "Beautiful Evenings with Bella Sera" recipe contest by submitting an original recipe, along with a creative movie recommendation and Bella Sera wine pairing to www.bellaserawines.com. Prize package details are also available on the website.

For entry inspiration, Giada offers the following movie night entertaining ideas. These tips and a beautiful evening entertaining planning guide can be found online at www.bellaserawines.com:

• For romance movies, set the stage with traditional decorations like red roses and candles and pay homage to Romeo and Juliet by incorporating Italian-themed ingredients like prosciutto into your dishes. When preparing heartier meals, add depth to your sauces with Merlot.
• For romantic comedies with friends, encourage socializing with movie-themed games to accompany your dinner conversation and consider a crisp, light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.  
• For action-adventure, spice it up with your own cast of bold, colorful flavors. Spicy notes from a Chianti will complement your entrees and consider using stemless glassware to minimize spilling.
• For dramatic movies, lighten the mood with pass-around desserts, paired with a light-bodied and refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio.

Bella Sera and Giada form a natural pairing anchored in the culinary premise that delicious food deserves delicious wine. Carefully crafted in Italy, Bella Sera wines capture Italy's relaxed, authentic and welcoming essence. Giada is host of the popular Food Network shows, "Everyday Italian" and "Giada at Home" and author of five New York Times best-selling cookbooks. Her latest cookbook, Giada at Home, was released in 2010. Inspired by her Italian heritage, the chef creates recipes that are perfect for gathering around the table to savor special moments and memories.

To view official contest rules and prize details please visit www.bellaserawines.com.

About Bella Sera Wines

Imported from Italy, Bella Sera means "beautiful evening" and offers inviting, easy to enjoy wines that capture the relaxed, authentic and welcoming essence of Italy. Inspired by the enjoyment of bringing together good wine, food, friends and family, Bella Sera offers a selection of carefully crafted wines from the renowned regions of Italy. Available in 187mL, 750ml and 1.5L sizes, the selection includes Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Chianti and Merlot. The wines retail for approximately $7-$9 for a 750ml and $12-$14 for a 1.5L. They can be located through the "Where to Buy" section at www.bellaserawines.com.

*In States where permitted

Italian Table Wine, ©2011 Villa di Bella Sera, Healdsburg and Modesto, CA. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Bella Sera wines