At The Grand Tasting-Kapalua Style, the Kapalua family of restaurants — Kai Sushi, Merriman’s, Pineapple Grill, The Plantation House and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar — will showcase Kapalua’s premier culinary venues.

KAPALUA – Oenophiles, gourmands and enthusiasts of the good life will once again reconvene in beautiful West Maui in celebration of the 32nd annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, presented by Visa.

Homegrown Host Master Sommelier Michael A. Jordan, co-host Chuck Furuya, renowned winemakers, star-power celebrity chefs and Maui’s own celebrated contingent of culinary stars will lead panels and journey guests with world-class varietals and fine cuisine over the weekend.

“The Kapalua Resort is once again proud to offer a stunning backdrop for such a high-caliber connoisseur’s event,” stated Tom Donovan, vice president and general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, host hotel property of the event.

“This year’s unique collaboration of a Kapalua-centric chef showcase on Friday night is going to be an outstanding demonstration of innovative talent within Kapalua Resort.”

Maui’s farm-to-table movement and globe-trotting gastronomy, gourmet demonstrations, festive functions and impressive, interactive seminars will tempt discerning palates.

Throughout the weekend, participants can select from an array of interactive wine seminars, including a Sparkling Wines & Cheese Tasting Seminar, In Pursuit of Balance Wine Tasting Seminar, Heroes of Pinot & Chardonnay Wine Tasting Seminar, Pritchard Hill Gang Rides at Kapalua Tasting Seminar, Napa Cabernet Brain Trust Wine Tasting Seminar and “Que Sera Syrah Sera (What will be Syrah, will be)” Tasting Seminar.

Celebrity chefs Gary Danko of Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco and Nancy Oakes of Boulevard in San Francisco will lead interactive cooking demonstrations of their specialty cuisines. Cooking demonstrations include a full menu sampling and wine pairings.

Perennial favorites such as the Festival Golf Tournament, Festival Winemakers’ Dinners and the signature finishing event, the Kapalua Seafood Festival featuring 15 of Maui’s finest restaurants, will make an encore appearance.

Kama’aina tickets will be offered through May 31. For information, visit www.kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com.