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Wine and dine with Master Sommeliers

A La Carte Columns

September 25, 2016

Story By: Caitlin Basilio |

Hors d'oeuvres and wine pairings for A Celebration of Wine at The Kahala.

Hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings for A Celebration of Wine at The Kahala.

For the first time in Hawaii, Wine Spectator magazine is partnering with The Kahala Hotel & Resort to offer a magical wine-filled weekend. A Celebration of Wine at The Kahala will consist of three events scheduled to take place Oct. 7-8. Each one will feature highly experienced Napa Master Sommelier Gillian Ballance, who is one of 30 women in the world to hold the coveted wine title.

The first event is called 90+ Wine Tasting, and will take place oceanside at The Kahala Oct. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wine Spectator rates wines on a 100-point scale, and the wines that will be offered at this tasting have all been reviewed and scored 90 points or higher.

Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Ragout and Kona Coffee Crusted Lamb Rack with wine pairings (part of Napa Valley Wine Trail menu)

Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Ragout and Kona Coffee Crusted Lamb Rack with wine pairings (part of Napa Valley Wine Trail menu)

According to executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi, guests also can look forward to sinking their teeth into pupus such as Escargot Filled Mushrooms with Madras Curry Butter, Baked Quail Egg Arancini and Mini House Made Pastrami Sandwiches. The 90+ Wine Tasting costs $75 per person, and is inclusive of food and beverages.

Day two will consist of Blind Tasting 101 — How to Taste Like a Pro ($50) in the resort’s Maile ballroom Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. The star-studded event will be hosted by three Master Sommeliers: Ballance and local boys Patrick Okubo of The Estates Group and Roberto Viernes of American Wine and Spirits.

Last, but not least, there will be a Napa Valley Wine Trail five-course dinner Oct. 8 hosted at 6:30 p.m. at Hoku’s. This final event costs $150 per person and will feature Hirabayashi and chef de cuisine Hiroshi Inoue’s special menu paired with Wine Spectator-selected wines.

Carta Fata Wrapped Local Onaga Snapper

Carta Fata Wrapped Local Onaga Snapper

Patrons can indulge in one-of-a-kind creations such as Carta Fata Wrapped Local Onaga Snapper paired with Provenance Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc. This dish highlights scallops, king crab and Hamakua mushrooms wrapped in plastic for a unique presentation. “It’s an experience,” says Inoue. “I wanted to give the guests the sight of the presentation first, then the smell after our server unwraps it, and finally, the taste.”

For reservations and more information, call 739-8760 or visit kahalaresort.com/dining/dining-offers-favorites.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

5000 Kahala Ave., Kahala
739-8760 for dining reservations
kahalaresort.com

Honolulu, HI 96816

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