The 7th annual Wilmington Wine & Food Festival on the grounds of the Bellamy Mansion, held last Thursday through Sunday, included awards as it showcased the Port City’s culinary talents, signature cocktails, local beer and wines from around the world.

Jeremy Malanka of Palate Bottle Shop & Reserve took home the Best Cocktail Award at Friday evening’s Southern Smoke BBQ Cocktail Party with his Strawberry Frozen Rose featuring Mother Earth Gin with Basil, Lemon and Trinity Bitters. The Best Brewery Award was given to Wilmington Brewing Company.

A panel of judges named Pfeffingen Scheurebe the best Old World White, while the Best New World White went to Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Chardonnay. San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo was crowned the Best Old World Red, and the title of Best New World Red went to Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chef Ryan O’Jampa of The Second Glass took home the Judges Choice Award for the Best Savory dish with a pickled shrimp with black-eyed peas, fennel and lemon.

The judges awarded Andrew Bopes of Mon Âme Chocolates & Wine Bar the Best Sweet dish for his artisanal Aztec chocolates.

The People’s Choice Award for the Best Savory dish went to chef Bobby Watkins of Ceviche’s for his honey sriracha langoustine lettuce wraps with pineapple strawberry salsa, pickled jalapeno and terra vita viola flowers.

Guests awarded chef Jack Marinich of Nothing Bundt Cakes the Best Sweet Award for his chocolate-chocolate chip and strawberries and cream bundt cakes topped with buttercream cream cheese frosting.  

“The heat didn’t keep away the hundreds of people that came out to drink good wine, eat good food and dance their weekend away to support three fantastic charities, Bellamy Mansion, Nourish NC and Good Shepard,” said festival president, Lauren Dixon.

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