Everything’s Better with Bubbles When Living ‘The Kahala Life’

As a way to share the latest and greatest lifestyle offerings, The Kahala Hotel & Resort has introduced “The Kahala Life” experience for both guests and local residents to enjoy.

A major component of the new initiative is The Kahala Life: Master Sommelier Series held monthly at the hotel’s alluring Plumeria Beach House, which also offers up priceless ocean views and an inviting ambiance. Next month’s theme is “Bubbles,” which will feature an array of champagne selections just in time for the holidays and upcoming New Year’s celebrations.

Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo and Michele Brumblay, Kahala Hotel & Resort’s new director of food and beverage, have collaborated on this concept in the past and recently teamed up again to share The Kahala Life with kamaaina and visitors alike. The fun yet informative event allows Okubo to educate guests by providing an overview and background of each selection coupled with sensory examination and evaluation; a selection of bread and cheeses also enhances the tasting experience.

“The goal is to expose guests to different options so they’re more comfortable with wines other than ‘California red’ or ‘California white,'” Okubo says. “If you come to an event like this, there’s an opportunity to try something new without gambling on an entire bottle of wine. This should be a destination for those looking for cutting-edge food and wines; there’s a uniqueness and fun surrounding The Kahala Hotel & Resort.”

Guests enjoyed the first installment of the Master Sommelier Series on Nov. 19 as Okubo took attendees on a “vino journey” to the uber-popular Sonoma (Calif.) wine country.

The favorite selections featured at the event included: Iron Horse (Green Valley) Brut, 2006; Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) “RRR,” 2013; Hartford Court (Russian River) Pinot Noir, 2013; and Arrowood (Sonoma) Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011.

On Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. ($70 per person), Okubo will share his favorite non-vintage champagne selections including: Ayala, Majeur; Waris-Huber, Pinot Noir; Taittinger, La Francaise; and Charles Heidsieck, Reserve.

“We really wanted to offer a program that’s not just a wine dinner. We want guests to feel that they have gained an appreciation and knowledge so they can better understand wine,” Brumblay explains. “It’s an enriched program that takes wine tasting to the next level.”

Looking ahead to next year, the Jan. 21 event will feature wines from Piedmont (Northwest Italy) including: La Marchesa (Gavi), 2012; Villa Remotti (Barbera d’asti), 2013; Castello di Neive (Barbaresco), 2010; and Giuseppe Cortese (Dolcetto d’alba), 2013. The Feb. 11 edition of The Kahala Life is built around “Blind Tasting,” as Okubo explains how to identify and enjoy various traits of wine from around the world (price and selections to be determined).

Participants in The Kahala Life: Master Sommelier Series also will receive 15 percent off at Plumeria Beach House if they choose to stay for dinner following the event.

Guests are encouraged to call 739-8760 or email restaurants@kahalaresort.com to make reservations or receive more information. These and other popular events are expected to sell out quickly, so reserve your spot for The Kahala Life: Master Sommelier Series before it’s too late!

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

5000 Kahala Ave., Honolulu
739-8760
Hours vary at each of the resort’s five restaurants
KahalaResort.com • Restaurants@KahalaResort.com

The Kahala Hotel & Resort also offers a popular wine experience appropriately dubbed “Friday Night Flights,” which is held on the first Friday of each month ($70). Attendees are treated to a selection of wine and food pairings that make for an enjoyable evening — as will be the case with December’s theme of “Bubbles,” which includes sparkling wines.