NAPA, Calif., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Beringer Vineyards, one of the most historic wineries in America, is at it again to prove that steak and wine – two of America's timeless and tastiest obsessions – really are the perfect combination with its second annual "Great Steak Challenge."

In its second year, Beringer's Great Steak Challenge gives everyone from local grill legends to backyard barbequers a chance to make their best steak recipe and Beringer wine pairing famous. Home cooks can enter online for a chance to win a trip to the beautiful Napa Valley, a cash prize, a Cooking Channel feature and, of course, a lifetime of bragging rights as the ultimate griller.

Celebrity chefs Jamie and Bobby Deen, stars of the Food Network and sons of southern cooking queen Paula Deen, will host the competition again and make an encore appearance at this year's Final Grill-Off in Napa Valley. Further, entrants can win a chance to be included in a virtual cookbook the Deens will compile based on their favorite recipes submitted throughout the competition.

"Last year's Great Steak Challenge was an unforgettable steak and wine journey," said Jamie Deen. "Bobby and I tasted some amazing pairings, and we're delighted to partner with Beringer Vineyards again to search for the next winning recipe. We want to see folks all across the country get their grills fired-up and show off their most impressive steak skills!"

This year's challenge will consist of two steps:

Online Recipe Contest: Entering is as simple as submitting your most creative steak recipes at www.greatsteakchallenge.com. Recipes will be judged on three major factors: taste appeal, wine pairing and simplicity. From there, 30 entrants will be selected to advance to round two, where they'll have a chance to enter a homemade video that highlights their master recipe pairing and grilling skills.

Ten lucky online finalists will win an all expense paid trip for two to Napa Valley for four days and three nights and a spot in the Final Grill-Off, filmed to air on the Cooking Channel this winter.  

Final Grill-Off: Beringer will host the top ten finalists at the ultimate Final Grill-Off in Napa Valley in early October, where finalists will be pitted against one another to see who has the food and wine know-how to be named the ultimate griller and winner of the second annual Great Steak Challenge.

The grand prize winner will win $25,000 and a lifetime worth of bragging rights.  

"Beringer wines embody a sense of luxury that's well within the reach of anyone, regardless of price point, and the Great Steak Challenge provides the perfect opportunity for Beringer fans to show off their favorite recipe and pairing," said Francesca Schuler, Chief Marketing Officer, Beringer Vineyards. "Last year's highly successful inaugural challenge yielded some interesting recipes and phenomenal contestants. We cannot wait to see what America's best grillers have in store for us this year."

For more information on the second annual Great Steak Challenge, visit www.greatsteakchallenge.com.

About Beringer Vineyards

The epitome of a modern classic, Beringer has been Napa Valley's benchmark producer since its establishment in 1876.  Winemaker Laurie Hook crafts classic wines from Napa's finest appellations and Beringer's exceptional collection of vineyards.  A winemaking legacy of 134 years is reflected in an acclaimed portfolio of wines which are collected worldwide.  The historic estate in St. Helena offers a tradition of hospitality that defines the Napa Valley.  www.beringer.com

Contact:
Debbie Ehrman
Ruder Finn
310-882-4016
ehrmand@ruderfinn.com

SOURCE Beringer Vineyards