By Vanessa Wolf

Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo, whom we suspect can also diagnose your elusive health issues and give you a great haircut while he’s at it. Courtesy photo.

The Makena Beach & Golf Resort continues their Food and Wine Education series this Thursday, July 10 with a “taste of American food, wine and music.”

Once again, the event features Hawaii’s youngest Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo and his vast viticulture knowledge.

However, it would seem the man is not content to be known as just preeminent wine expert.

Organizers note that the event will “stimulate all five senses providing three all-American tasting dishes and California wines to see, touch, taste, and smell, plus hear live music to accompany each pairing played by Patrick Okubo himself.”

While Okubo enlightens you about the three California wine choices and flaunts his musical talent, Chef De Cuisine Kurt Lesmerises demonstrates how to make one of the three All-American tasting dishes.

Ribs from a previous Makena wine event. Photo by Vanessa Wolf.

Anticipate sampling and possibly learning how to make:

• Murphy-Goode Wines, The Fume Sauvignon Blanc 2012 with Spinach Artichoke Dip: A warm crock of creamy spinach, tender artichokes and four types of melted cheese, served with toasted flat bread.
• Buehler Vineyards Napa Valley Zinfandel 2011 with South Maui BBQ Baby Back Ribs, served with jalapeno corn bread, borracho baked beans, and Kula corn on the cob
• Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Late Harvest Chardonnay 2012 with Country Apple Pie. This “Old Fashioned” double-crust apple pie is made with sweet, crisp apples blended with cinnamon and delicate spices.

This exclusive tasting and Okubo talent showcase is being held in the resort’s Molokini Bar and Grill.

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and is offered at $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Call 808-875-5888 to make yours.