Wes Hagen, J Wilkes winemaker, will be featured at Sansei dinner on June 6, 2018.

Sansei Kīhei welcomes Wes Hagen, winemaker of J. Wilkes on Wednesday, June 6, to share his insights, experience and the oenological magic in some of the most highly-acclaimed wines from Santa Barbara and Paso Robles, California.

J. Wilkes is a brand dedicated to producing wines from the greatest AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) on the Central Coast of California. Jeff Wilkes was a winegrower and grape salesman for more than 20 years before becoming the icon for sourcing and producing quality vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley and Paso Robles. Although he passed away in 2001, the winery remains dedicated to Jeff’s tireless commitment to value, quality, and showcasing the best of the Central Coast’s diversity of meso-climates in their wines. They call it a project of passion!

Starting at 6 p.m. on June 6, the restaurant will be pairing the wines with a contemporary menu created by Sansei Kīhei Executive Chef Byung Jeong and Vino Executive Chef Keith Endo.  Here’s a look:

APPETIZER – Vino Executive Chef Keith Endo
PAN SEARED BRISTOL BAY SCALLOP WITH
TRUFFLED CAULIFLOWER PUREE
ginger scallion pesto and micro shiso

2015 J. Wilkes Pinot Blanc, Santa Maria Valley

DEMI ENTRÉE – Sansei Kīhei Executive Chef Byung Jeoung
ANNATO YUZU RUBBLED PORK BELLY “TONKATSU”
with smoked tomato sauce with red wine and butter, crispy fried rice

2015 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

INTERMEZZO – Sansei Kīhei Executive Chef Byung Jeoung
CAJUN WHITE TUNA SASHIMI
with shaved Maui onions, cilantro, local jalapeños in a yukke sauce

MAIN ENTRÉE – Vino Executive Chef Keith Endo
KOJI CURED KING NATURAL STRIPLOIN
with Frankie’s peppercorn, Black Diamond cheddar gratin, roasted root vegetables

2015 J. Wilkes Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Highlands District

DESSERT – DK Restaurants Pastry Chef Cherie Pascual
MOCHA AFFOGATO WITH COFFEE CHANTILLY CAKE
finished with a Choco-Mocha Anglaise

Coffee or Japanese Green Tea

The dinner costs $75 per person with three, 4-oz. wine pairings (not including tax and gratuity). Please call 808-879-0004 for reservations.