Four Seasons Wine & Food Classic Launches March 1

While many of us have an appreciation for both wine and food, knowing how to pair them is a delicate art.

“Depending on what the wine is, they have such characteristics that when you taste the wine against the bite of food, there needs to be harmony on the palate,” explains Four Seasons Resort Maui Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst. “Nothing that clashes too much, nothing too acidic or too rich or too robust, flavors that are too funky or out there; you have to be careful how you pair.”

Plenty of pairings will be perfected at Four Seasons Wine & Food Classic, happening for the very first time from March 1 to 3 in Wailea.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind event at Four Seasons Maui, and we’re happy to host it,” Dryhurst says.  “We have chefs coming from coast to coast, and what’s unique about these chefs is they’re young, up-and-coming talent, and they’re going to be working with our local Maui produce to create something just outstanding that pairs beautifully with the wines.”

Dryhurst will be joined by a notable lineup of guest chefs:  Michelin-starred chef Jason McLeod of CH Projects; Jason Fox of Michelin-starred Commonwealth; Top Chef star Jennifer Carroll of Spice Finch; Ryan Kluver of Wally’s Beverly Hills and Wally’s Santa Monica; and Peleg Miron of Spago Maui.

Four Seasons Resort Maui is offering kama‘āina 20% off all events and room rates starting at $349/night.

The event was developed in partnership with president and principal of globally-recognized Wally’s Wine & Spirits Christian Navarro, called “wine guru to the stars.”  Wally’s has been known as a landmark in the world of fine wine since 1968.

“This event is exciting and unique, as it brings wine and food lovers together with winery owners, winemakers and winery dignitaries from around the world to spend three days together eating, drinking, and sharing paradise at Four Seasons Resort Maui, which has become one of the world’s leading wine destinations,” says Navarro, who has curated a list of nearly 30 preeminent wine producers.

Headliners include Dom Pérignon, Krug, Opus One, Château Cos d’Estournel, Colgin, Harlan Estate, Biondi Santi, Maison Louis Jadot, Billecart-Salmon and many more. Acclaimed spirit producers Louis XIII and Casa Dragones will also join the weekend.

Here is the event schedule (details are subject to change):

Masterclasses

Friday, March 1, 2019, 5-6 p.m.

Wine tastings feature lively discussion moderated by sommeliers, rare vintages and sunset views. Guests choose from one of the following:

Brunello di Montalcino Legend Biondi Santi
Napa Valley Superstars featuring The Mascot, Realm, Dana Estates, Sinegal Estate and Opus One
Louis Roederer Champagne & Roederer Estate: France vs. California
A Discovery of Pinot Noir featuring Williams Selyem, Kistler, Peter Michael, Joseph Drouhin and Maison Louis Jadot
Louis XIII Cognac
Elite Wine Dinners

Friday, March 1, 2019, 7 p.m.

Intimate under-the-stars dinners feature one of the top wineries in the world and a visiting celebrity chef. Following dinner, guests will enjoy access to an exclusive After Party at the Resort’s famed Serenity Pool featuring spectacular desserts by Four Seasons Maui Executive Pastry Chef Bruce Trouyet and Casa Dragones after-dinner cocktails crafted by the Resort’s Master Mixologist Ben Yabrow. Guests choose from one of the following:

Colgin Dinner featuring Chef Jennifer Carroll, hosted by Colgin owners Ann Colgin and Joe Wender
Harlan Estate Dinner featuring Chef Jason Fox, hosted by Harlan Estate director Don Weaver
Pio Cesare Dinner featuring Chef Jason McLeod, hosted by Pio Cesare seventh-generation winemaker Pio Boffa
Marciano Estate Dinner featuring Chef Ryan Kluver, hosted by Marciano Estate owner Maurice Marciano and winemaker Morgan Maureze
Château Cos d’Estournel Dinner featuring Chef Peleg Miron, hosted by Château Cos d’Estournel brand director Etienne Nantes
Glassology

Saturday, March 2, 2019, 1-2 p.m.

Resort Manager Martin Dell conducts a Riedel-certified glass tasting experience, leading guests through a hands-on experience where they discover how glass shape, density and size affects taste.

200th Anniversary Celebration with Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Saturday, March 2, 2019, 5-6 p.m.

Guests will enjoy eight cuvées, including rare vintages, at family-owned champagne house Billecart-Salmon’s 200th anniversary.

Oceanfront Gala

Saturday, March 2, 2019, 6-9 p.m.

Twenty-seven world-renowned wine producers, Casa Dragones luxury artisanal tequila and innovative fresh local cuisine from Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst and all celebrity guest chefs will delight guests at the grand tasting event set on the Resort’s stunning Ocean Front Lawn. Guests will mix and mingle with visiting vintners and master sommeliers, as well as the Resort’s robust staff of more than 20 sommeliers.

Brunch & Bubbles

Sunday, March 3, 2019, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The weekend concludes with a lavish brunch featuring the best Champagne houses in the world and Italy’s top prosecco producer Bisol. Champagne producers include Dom Pérignon, Krug, Moët & Chandon, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Billecart-Salmon.

Ticket and Stay Package Information

The Resort invites guest to experience the entire schedule with tickets for two to all events and four nights in luxury room accommodations by reserving the Wine & Food Classic package. À la carte tickets are available through the Concierge. Guests must be age 21 years or older to attend all events. For reservations, tickets or inquiries, call 808-874-8000 or visit Four Seasons Resort Maui’s website.

Although this may be the first event of its kind at Four Seasons Resort Maui, Dryhurst doesn’t think it’ll be the last!!

“We’d love to make this an annual event and bring something unique to the island again,” he says. “It’s great for the island, great for the local clientele, great for our guests, great for us as chefs and winemakers to get together and explore each others’ talents and palates; it’s going to be fun!”