Kapalua Wine & Food Festival Testimonials

“We feel very fortunate to have participated in the Kapalua Food and Wine event for the past 3 years. The four-day event is perfectly executed with a balance of seminars on wine education and cooking demonstrations from some of the top folks in their industries!  The Welcome Reception is a great way to kick off the event and we are thrilled at not only the number of consumers, but also from the trade that we could present our wines to. The organizers handle everything beautifully and having participated in 3 different panels, we know how much goes into great execution. We will keep coming back as many times as we are invited!”

Philippe & Cherie Melka

Melka Wines

“Kapalua Food & Wine Festival was a blast. The culinary staff was incredibly organized and made everything easy for our events and demos.  Attendees were excited to be there and were eager to learn. I would highly recommend this to any chefs thinking of participating and can’t wait for next year!” 

Chef Charlie Palmer

Charlie Palmer Group

“I have been to several wine and food festivals around the world, and the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival is one of the very best. They have stayed true to their roots of keeping the festival intimate, informative and friendly. Master Sommeliers and co-hosts Michael Jordan and Rob Bigelow bring an energy and insight which combines fun and learning in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, the stunning Kapalua Resort.”

Kim Carpenter

4-day attendee

“The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and HILuxury Magazine are proud to have been a sponsor for the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. The quality of food and wines were outstanding with each event extremely well executed. We look forward continuing to be a major sponsor for the coming year but we are most excited to be the title sponsor for the Grand Tasting.”

Linda Woo

Director of Sales & Marketing/Group Publisher, Honolulu Star-Advertiser & Publisher, HILuxury

“Being a first-time exhibitor at Kapalua, we were extremely pleased with the attention and organization that Kapalua’s staff gave to our brand. Beyond the great exhibitions opportunities, the staff was always willing to give us contacts and suggestions about Maui, which has given us even more mileage after the event. We look forward to coming back!”

Paul Imbesi

National Brand Manager, Barritt’s Ginger Beer

“Thank you so much for putting on such an amazing event. I know the other winemakers felt the exact same. I really loved how casual, but also serious, the whole event was. Bumping into guests at the beach or elevator and talking wine was definitely a great component of the event. It really is the best event we do every year. ”

Gavin Chanin

Winemaker, Chanin Wine Company

“An absolutely world-class melding of sophisticated wine education and tasting combined with a dream vacation; what more could a wine lover ask?”

David Ramey

Winemaker/Owner, Ramey Wine Cellars

“I know of no other event of this kind that matches this experience. One has access to experienced wine professionals with knowledge about farming, winemaking and most importantly, wine and food pairing. The setting is truly paradise, and sets the tone for a low-key, accessible approach to sharing.”

Fred Scherrer

National Brand Manager, Scherrer Winery

“The Kapalua Food & Wine Fest is my favorite event all year. Not only is it fun and in a beautiful setting but the opportunity to have close interactions with the Master Sommelier group and consumers at a very high level is unmatched. I’ve come for the past 5 years and would love to come for the next 5, too.”

Donald Patz

Winemaker, Patz & Hall Wine Company

“For almost thirty years, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival team simply puts on one of the best events of the year. Through the wine seminars and tastings, this premier event is a great way to support our distributor partner, connect with industry colleagues and present our wines to consumers in the perfect setting. We look forward to 2011.”

Tony Lombardi

Public Relations Director, Ascentia Wine Estates

“This is one of the rarest, most amazing events of its kind. You make it about the audiences at all times, unlike a lot of the “look at the celebrity” events out there.”

Shayn Bjornholm, MS

Wine Consultant, Washington Wine Commission

“In my humble opinion this was the best food and wine event I have EVER attended as a presenter or guest! And it was great to see the hotel full. I am grateful to have been a part of it. Thank you so much for your hospitality. While many talk about it, you are a true model of the aloha spirit. You embody that. I was honored to be invited to participate with you and enjoyed every minute!”

Michael Jordan, MS, CWE

Owner, Word Vineyards, President, Beachcombers Restaurants

“The pleasure was truly all mine. It was so wonderful to once again gather in paradise with all of you. The cuisine, the wines, and the hospitality never cease to amaze me. I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future, Mai Tai in hand or not!”

Emily Wines, MS

Wine Director, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

“On what might have been a somewhat more limited budget than usual, I thought this was the best yet in my six festivals. More emphasis on wine, and having a local chef featured (DK) was great. The guests seemed very satisfied, and were the most well attended seminars yet. I would be honored to be invited to the 30th if it happens.”

Tim Meinken

Winemaker/Owner, Sapphire Hill Vineyards

“One of the highlights of my summer and wonderful folks such as you make it even more special.”

Ron Lachini

Winemaker/Owner, Lachini Vineyards