By Vanessa Wolf

Ko’s Makai catch is also offered as part of the restaurant week options. Courtesy photo

Every night this month, Kō in the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea will be offering a special winemaker pairing dinner featuring selections from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has a long and distinguished wine reputation and is considered a Napa Valley first-growth estate.

Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, there were fewer than 20 wineries in the valley at the time. The first vintage produced from the new vineyard was in 1972 and was produced in a rented facility.

The second vintage in 1973 – the first that was produced at the estate and in commercial quantities—was entered into and subsequently rated the top red wine at the now historic Judgment of Paris in 1976, launching the winery into the international spotlight.

Breaking with vertical tasting traditions, the meal starts with American Kobe beef poke seared with Hawaiian steak rub, cucumber, tomato and Maui onion and paired with the 2010 Napa Valley Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon.

The main course features a wok-seared makai catch with black bean sauce and steamed jasmine rice.

This will be served with the 2011 Napa Valley Stag’s Leap Karia Chardonnay.

Dessert, a lilikoi chiffon cheesecake on a macadamia nut linzer crust with a Kula raspberry and strawberry salsa is accompanied by a 2009 Napa Valley Stag’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc.

The dinner is $99 plus tax including wine or $59 plus tax for food only.

In addition, every Sunday night Kō is offering laulua, a traditional Hawaiian dish.

The special seafood laulau includes Maui fresh catch fish, shrimp, scallops, spinach, mushrooms and baby bok choy, all wrapped in ti leaf, steamed, and served with jasmine rice.

Consider arriving early the laulau special is first come, first served and does sell out.

For more information or to make reservations for either event, call 808-875-2210.

We welcome your feedback. Please let us know if you hear of any new restaurants opening or reopening, total menu overhauls, or simply know of a hidden treasure you want to share. Have a restaurant you want reviewed (or re-reviewed)? Drop us a line – Vanessa(@mauinow.com)