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Enjoy A Magical Weekend At The Kapalua Wine And Food Festival

Laurie Gray Bounsall Maui Special Events, Our Maui Guide, Restaurants & Food, See and Do on Maui April 9, 2018May 5, 2018Festival, foodie, GolfingKapalua, GolfingMaui, Gourmet, Hawaii, HolidayInMaui, Kapalua, KapaluaGolf, KapaluaWineFoodFestival, Kihei, Maui, SpecialEventMaui, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, whatson, WineAndFoodMaui, winetasting 0 Comment

Kapalua Wine And Food Festival

The 37th Annual Kapalua Wine Food Festival is taking place June 7-10, 2018 and is sure to summer’s premier event on Maui.

Join us for the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival – a magical weekend on the shores of the world-renowned Kapalua Resort and the longest running food and wine event in the USA.
This annual wine festival on Maui brings together oenophiles, gourmands and enthusiasts of the good life to celebrate, learn and experience the finest culinary trends and viniculture.

2018 TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Must Bring Valid ID

For more information or to purchase tickets visit the Kapalua Wine And Food page.

For a limited time, early bird pricing is available on signature evening galas for $195 until May 1st.

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

✽ Festival Golf Tournament
The Bay Course, Kapalua – 7:00 am
Not included in 4-day pass; sold separately
Advance registration required

✽ Regional Focus: “Sand & Fog” Santa Maria Valley Wine Seminar & Tasting
Merriman’s Kapalua – 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Part of the Central Coast AVA, this appellation is the oldest in this portion of California. Owing to the cool growing climate, the valley is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sample some of the areas’ finest producers favorite vintages. Hosted by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan.
Confirmed winemakers/wineries to date:

• Jill Russell – Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery
• Wes Hagen – J. Wilkes
• James Ontiveros – Native 9
• Jonathan Nagy – Byron/Nielson

✽ Varietal Focus: “Let’s Be Franc!” – World Cabernet Franc Wine Seminar & Tasting
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

One of the major grape varieties worldwide, principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone. A lesser-known and lighter varietal than Cabernet, join us to learn more about this worldwide favorite. Hosted by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan.
Confirmed winemakers/wineries to date:

• Pam Starr – Crocker & Starr
• Manny Pires – Gandona
• Raj Patel – Patel Wines

✽ The Grand Tasting – Kapalua Style
Sponsored by Hawaii.com Montage Kapalua Bay – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Come dressed in your best “White Party” attire for this year’s event! Premium wines are showcased with fabulous gastronomic indulgences from Kapalua Resort restaurants and friends. A walk-around tasting and evening under the stars; all on the oceanfront grounds of Montage Kapalua Bay.

Also featuring Petrossian Caviar station and a phenomenal Cheese Display by Kent Torrey of The Cheese Shop in Carmel, CA and Maui made sweet treats by The Maui Cookie Lady and Sweet Aloha Baking Company. Sample the winning cocktail from the Banks Rum mixology contest.

Participating Restaurants to date:

• Cane & Canoe
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
• Merriman’s Kapalua
• Pineapple Grill
• Plantation House
• Chef Jennifer Jasinski, Presented by Maui Visitors Bureau
• Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar
• Sugar Beach Events
• Taverna
• Honolua Store

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

✽ Digging in to Unique Terroir – France, Italy and Hungary – International Wine Seminar & Tasting
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – 11:00 am– 12:30 pm

Moderator Jessie “JABS” Birschbach, Managing Editor of The SOMM Journal and Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo host a journey through a handful of the Old World’s most distinctive examples of terroir: renowned wine regions where the earth and climate can actually be tasted! Travel in a glass to the regions of Brunello di Montalcino, Alto-Adige, Burgundy and the Tokaj region of Hungary.

Confirmed winemakers/wineries to date:

• Lars Leicht, Trade Development Director for Banfi Vinters presenting Castello Banfi’s Brunello di Montalcino
• Kristina Sazama, DipWSET, Wine Educator for Santa Margherita highlighting the Kettmeir wines of Alto Adige
• Patrick Okubo, MS, CWE, Young’s Market for Kobrand and the Burgundian wines of Maison Louis Jadot
• Enikő Magyar, Project Director for Wines of Excellence, pouring Mád Hungarian wines
• Jessie “JABS” Birschbach – The SOMM Journal

✽ Cooking Demonstration Celebrity Chefs Nancy Silverton & Nancy Oakes
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Enjoy the cuisine of famed chefs and good friends Nancy Silverton/Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles and Nancy Oakes/Boulevard, San Francisco. Hosted by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan and paired with the wines of the two “Jeffs” – Jeff Stewart of Hartford Court and Jeff Mangahas of Williams Selyem. New this year, Guest Chef Mike Garrity of Wustof Trident opens the program with a fun and engaging demonstration on knife skills and tricks utilizing the top-of-the-line products of Wustof Trident. One lucky audience member will win a drawing for a CLASSIC IKON seven-piece block set (a $758 value).

Confirmed winemakers/wineries to date:

• Jeff Stewart – Hartford Court Winery
• Jeff Mangahas – Williams Selyem

✽ Hang Loose with Grey Goose & Banks Rum
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, ‘Ai ‘Ono Tacos & Tequila – 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Join Grey Goose & Banks Rum for a poolside party featuring handcrafted Goose cocktails, specialty appetizers from The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua culinary team and live music from DJ Tony. Open to the public.

For more information call 808.669.6200

✽ Historical Focus: Family Tree – Scions of Family Wineries
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

This seminar brings together second and third generation winemakers and their winemaker parents to share their secrets, stories and wines. Hosted by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan.
Confirmed winemakers/wineries to date:

• David Long – David Arthur Vineyards
• Laura Long – David Arthur Vineyards
• Ryan Hill – Hill Family Vineyards
• Doug Hill – Hill Family Vineyards

SUNDAY, JUNE 10

✽ Varietal Focus: Champagne & Caviar Wine Seminar & Tasting
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Hosted by Master Sommeliers Rob Bigelow and Patrick Okuno with Christopher Klapp of Petrossian Caviar. Sample the finest in caviars alongside premium Champagnes.

Confirmed panelists to date:

• Christopher Klapp – Petrossian Caviar
• Rob Bigelow – Master Sommelier

✽ Cooking Demonstration with Celebrity Chef Hubert Keller
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Celebrity Chef Hubert Keller of Food TV fame and a Frenchman classically trained by France’s top Chefs, will present his French-inspired healthy cuisine paired with wines of James Hall of Patz & Hall Winery hosted by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan. New this year, Guest Chef Mike Garrity of Wustof Trident opens the program with a fun and engaging demonstration on knife skills and tricks utilizing the top-of-the-line products of Wustof Trident. One lucky audience member will win a drawing for a CLASSIC IKON seven-piece block set (a $758 value).

Confirmed winemakers/wineries to date:

• James Hall – Patz & Hall
• Marcus Notaro – Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Featured Menu:

Hamachi Tiradito, Aji Amarillo Peppers, Citrus, Sea Asparagus and Caviar
Pan seared Diver Scallops, caramelized Pork Belly, Beluga Lentils and Shallot Butter
Wagyu Rossini Burger, seared Foie Gras, Truffles, on Brioche Bun
Pineapple Carpaccio with Lemon Sorbet, Cilantro Granite, Pineapple Chips and Crystallized Cilantro

✽ Varietal Focus: World Famous Pinot Noir Wine Seminar & Tasting
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Top Pinot Noir producers gather to showcase their premium vintages and share their passion for this illustrious varietal.

Confirmed winemakers/wineries to date:

• Jeff Mangahas – Williams Selyem Winery
• James Hall – Patz & Hall
• Jeff Stewart – Hartford Court Winery
• Nico Cueva – Kosta Browne
• Michael Browne – Cirq

✽ Seafood Festival
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Beach House Lawn – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
14 of Maui’s Top Restaurants showcase a seafood specialty and culinary creation in competition for Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s “Best of the Fest” award. Featuring a Grey Goose Martini Bar and Hawaiian entertainment provided by local favorite band Nuff Sedd.

Participating Restaurants to Date:

• Fleetwood’s on Front St.
• Gannon’s
• Hula Grill Ka‘anapali
• Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
• Japengo
• Joey’s Kitchen
• Mauka Makai
• Pacific’O Restaurant and O’o Farm
• Roy’s Ka’anapali
• Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
• The Banyan Tree
• The Mill House
• Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, Wailea
• UH Maui Culinary Arts Program

All events, prices, personalities, performances, menus, wines, venues, dates and times subject to change without notice.

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,

come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide or Maui Events Calendar!

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Wine Tasting At MauiWine – Maui’s Upcountry Winery & Ulupalakua Vineyards

Laurie Gray Bounsall Our Maui Guide, Restaurants & Food, See and Do on Maui April 2, 2018July 7, 2020cheninblanc, foodie, Grenache, Haleakala, Hawaii, HolidayInMaui, Kihei, malbec, Maui, mauiwine, pineapplewine, rose, syrah, VacationInMaui, VacationSoup, vineyards, viognier, whattodo, WhereToEatAndDrink, wine, winemaking, winery, winetasting 0 Comment

Wine Tasting At MauiWine – Maui’s Upcountry Winery And Ulupalakua Vineyards

I’ll be the first to admit that we’re just a little bit wine snobby. Our primary home is in the Napa Valley and most of our friends are involved one way or another in the wine industry. In fact Jeff’s family has a long history in this valley (7 generations!) and our son continues the tradition and works in wine sales (and of course we love to drink good wine, who doesn’t?) What’s very interesting to us, and fun little fact that a wine grower from our town here in Napa Valley has been involved with MauiWine since it’s wine-making inception! We love that Napa Valley-Maui connection!

When you think of Maui, wine country isn’t the first thing that comes to mind but MauiWine & Ulupalakua Vineyards are putting out some very lovely wines. Located on the hillside of Haleakala in the upcountry area of Maui known as Kula, MauiWine is producing some delicious varietals! The cooler upcountry temperatures combined with the unique terroir allow for some amazing and complex tastings!

Wine grapes are not the only basis for their wines, they produce their famous pineapple wines and sparkling wine as well as a raspberry dessert wine.

What started out as a temporary wine making exercise soon flourished into a signature wine. While waiting for the grapes to mature, MauiWine began making wine from local pineapples. It’s popularity earned it a permanent spot on their wine list!

Their signature pineapple wine ‘Maui Splash’ is crisp, sweet and slightly acidic with rich pineapple overtones. Perfect for afternoon wine coolers on a tropical island!

MauiWine and surrounding estate and vineyards has a rich and varied history and heritage dating back to 1841. It’s well worth a visit to learn about this rich history.

The Estate wine list includes a Grenache with tasting notes of “roasted nuts. cherry fig. orange rind. cactus. wet fire wood. olive. dusty. plumb. progression. vagrant. wood cabin. curious.” Very interesting tasting notes, wouldn’t you say? I know they had me at ‘cherry fig, orange rind’. But I doubt I’d turn down sips of the Malbec either how does ‘belgium chocolate. dark cherry. blueberry cream. sweet mint. figgy. pistachios. gushy‘ sound?

Spending an afternoon wine-tasting upcountry is a lovely experience. We love to sit on their veranda and sip while nibbling on a nicely laid out charcuterie plate. There is a large checker-board for an impromptu game or head over to the lawn for a little game of corn hole.

The well manicured tropical landscape is inviting and makes us think back to a quieter time when upcountry Maui was Paniolo country.

Visiting the winery is easy, just head to Kula along highway 37 – travel through Maui Beef company territory and enjoy the expansive views. You’ll come upon the winery on the left with the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and deli on the right. I recommend having lunch at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and wine-tasting in one afternoon. We’ll add a blog post soon about the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Deli soon!

We found that we really liked one of the wines they produce so we joined the wine club so that we can get it back home as well as provide for our guests. One of our favorites is Kula, a crisp white wine at a very ‘weekday wine‘ price point – and with tasting notes of; ‘ginger, peach skin, tangerine oil, apricot, honeysuckle. pomelo. asian pear. jacaranda, nectar flower, sweet basil root‘, it is indeed a yummy wine!

The wine club is well worth checking out (make sure they can ship to your state.) Jeff and Casey, our son, really like the 2015 Syrah. With tasting notes of “kiawe smoke. dill. plumb. rhubarb. morels. wet forest. dates. tobacco. darkness. new leather. thought provoking. masculine. fig. green tea” it doesn’t take much convincing to sip this luscious wine!

Visiting the Winery – From their website:

Tasting/Tours

“Starting at the King’s Cottage, we invite you to engage your senses with a tasting at our 18-foot bar, crafted from a single piece of solid mango wood. Take a step back in time with us and enjoy the rich culture of this historic location.

Originally constructed in the 1870s, the King’s Cottage was built for the visits of King Kalākaua, the last reigning king of Hawai’i, who would come to the slopes of ‘Ulupalakua to relax, entertain, and enjoy a little royal vacation time.

Here, it is our privilege to continue this rich tradition of home-grown hospitality as we offer a taste of our handcrafted wines. Whether you plan to visit our historic winery in a group or as a romantic outing for two, you can experience all of our unique wines here, including our popular pineapple wines, Traditional Methode sparkling wines, and our small production estate wines.

Tastings are offered here every day from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and guided tours of the historic estate, production area, and wine cellar depart the King’s Cottage lanai at 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.”

Tasting: 10am-5:00pm
Tours: 10:30am & 1:30pm, 30 minutes

No reservations required for groups of less than 10

Tasting: $10-$15 Fee (flight of 5 wines)
Tours: Complimentary

Private tastings are also available:

“For our most exclusive MauiWine experience, it is our pleasure to offer a personalized tour with one of our knowledgeable wine consultants. Stroll through the beautiful historic estate, view our production area, and enjoy a one-on-one wine tasting in one of the many historic buildings on the estate. A great way to make memories with friends, family, and those you love at MauiWine—all part of this unforgettable private experience.

Time: variable, unavailable for same day booking

Starting at $400, inquire for pricing

A Rare Vineyard Experience

A visit to our vineyard is not only a memorable adventure for the wine enthusiast, but a chance to experience the beauty of the island in an unparalleled way. Stroll between the rows of grapes and run your fingers through the rich volcanic soils that sustain our vines and give each of our varietals their distinctive character. In our 23-acre vineyard, you get away from it all and escape to a little slice of island paradise that is made available to few. At sunset, this experience offers an unbelievable perspective of the island that can’t quite be put into words. Join us outside, in the center of one of the most unique vineyards in the world. Experience a tasting of our estate wines that is designed to be as exclusive as the ground you stand on… where the flavors and aromas of our unique wines blend with the fresh mountain air and the warm glow of the majestic Maui sun disappearing behind the horizon.

*Booking requests must be received at least 7 days in advance and within 45 days of requested date.

Availability Seasonal & Extremely Limited

$850.00 Minimum – Advanced Booking Required

*See Vineyard Experiences for information on private tours and tastings in the vineyards.”

Head on up country and enjoy the spectacular views, laid back style of a bygone era and sip some delicious wines.

Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,

come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide or Maui Events Calendar!