It's Chili In January

Annual Chili Cook-off and Wine Lover’s Potluck

Fenn Valley’s Annual Chili Cook-off takes place in January of each year. This event is open to the general public and there is no entry fee. If you wish to attend but do not wish to compete, your admission to this event is a dish to pass or an appetizer per couple as this is also being billed as a Winelover’s Potluck. Upon the completion of the judging, all chilies and other foods will be available for your enjoyment. Chili entries will be received from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Other food will only be received from 2:00pm (eastern time).

There is chili judging and a “wine lover’s potluck”. During the potluck, everyone will be able to enjoy the chili from the cook-off, the appetizers provided by the non-contestants, and a selection of new wines from the past vintage.

There is always live music so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the unique experience this event will provide you.

The cost of admission will be either a chili entry per family, or a favorite appetizer for the potluck. Note: chili entries must pre-register as we only allow 30 entries per category.

Chili Cook Off Rules

All chilies MUST pre-register. Call (269) 561-2396

Categorization of chili is determined as follows:

• If your chili contains red meat, which is any animal that walks on 4 legs, it will be placed in the Red/Traditional category.
• If your chili contains white meat, which is any animal with 2 legs or less (this includes fowl and seafood), it will be placed in the White category.
• Vegetarian chili contains NO meat.

There are no cooking facilities available, so entries must be received in a ready-to-judge form. (We recommend a crock pot).

All chilies must arrive between 1-2 pm in a crock pot as warm as possible. Any chili arriving after 2 pm will not be judged and will be added to the pot luck. One entry per person.

There are a maximum of 30 entries per category.

There will be a prep area for last minute additions to the chili if necessary. Once we check-in the chili, you will have no further contact with the bulk container of chili.

There will be 3 judges per category. Each judge will use a 14-point scale and all chilies are judged blind. Criteria that will be evaluated include: Color, Arome, Texture, Heat/Spice, Flavor, and Overall enjoyment.

A three-member panel will evaluate each category, and the highest scoring chili from each category will be re-evaluated by all nine judges for the position of grand champion.

Any ingredient you feel will enhance the flavor of the chili is allowed. Beans, macaroni, rice and other similar ingredients are encouraged.

Please remember…this is NOT an International Chili Society sanctioned event. We are all here to have fun!!!!

Cellar Clearance Sale! Be sure to pick up your favorite wine at our annual cellar clearance sale with a wide selection of different wines.

6130 122nd Avenue | Fennville, MI 49408 | (269) 561-2396 | (800) 432-6265 for MI, Northern IL, and IN

Fenn Valley Vineyards is a winery producing Michigan wines. We host wine tasting, tours and other events throughout the year.