By Vanessa Wolf

Executive chef McDowell at a previous food and wine education event. Photo by Vanessa Wolf.

This Thursday, Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo will be featuring high altitude Argentinian wines as part of Makena Beach & Golf Resort’s monthly Food & Wine Education Series.

Held in the resort’s Molokini Bar & Grille; Colome Torrontes, Tilia and Catena Alta wines will be poured as part of the event.

The Mendoza Province accounts for nearly two-thirds of Argentina’s wine production and is considered the heart of the industry.

Located at 2500-5000 feet in elevation in the eastern foothills of the Andes, the high altitude wine growing region is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world.

The Mendoza region experienced an unprecedented boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries making it the first wine growing region in Latin America.

Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo. Photo by Vanessa Wolf.

Massive immigration from southern Europe brought both demand and extensive winemaking knowledge and ultimately resulted in the planting of French grapes, primarily Malbec.

Malbec continues to be the wine varietal for which the area is most celebrated today.

Makena’s Executive Chef Marc McDowell will be preparing Argentinian-inspired dish pairings made with fresh produce from Kumu Farms live at the event.

The tasting includes three wines and paired dishes including prosciutto-wrapped melon with 2011 Colome Torrontes.

They will also be offering Empanadas De Carne De Cerdo (pork) alongside the 2011 Tilia Malbec.

Carbonada Criolla, a hearty Argentinian Beef Stew, will be paired with the 2009 Catena Alta Cabernet.

All three dishes have been specially crafted to match the unique flavor profiles of the wines and Master Sommelier Okubo will also be on hand to discuss the vintages in detail.

The food and wine education event starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $40 per person.

Call 808-875-5888 for reservations.

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)