The Kahala Hotel Resort is preparing its second 2008 Kahala Food Wine Classic, themed "G'day Meets Aloha," on Sept. 12 and 13.

Hosted by The Kahala's executive chef, Wayne Hirabayashi, the event features Australian visiting chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, both of Bentley Restaurant and Bar, one of Sydney's most celebrated dining establishments, and winemaker Michael Twelftree of Two Hands Wines, whose wines have received numerous accolades.

Two Hands Wines were listed in the Wine Spectator Top 100 for the last five years, with two listings in the top 10, most recently the 2005 Bella's Garden Barossa Valley Shiraz at fifth. The winemaker's Ares was voted one of the 25 Benchmark Wines of Australia. Two Hands Wines have consistently received scores of 90-plus in reviews from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, James Halliday's Wine Companion, Wine Spectator and the UK Decanter magazine.

The Australian culinary stars will share the stage with visiting local chef Beverly Gannon of Hali'imaile General Store and Joe's Bar & Grill in Wailea, Maui, who is one of the 12 original founders of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement; Master of Ceremonies Fred Schrader, proprietor of Schrader Cellars; cigar aficionado Michael Herklots of Davidoff of Geneva, New York.

"One aspect that distinguishes The Kahala Food Wine Classic from other food and wine events is the level of intimate interactions participants have with the chefs, winemakers and cigar aficionados," said John Blanco, managing director of The Kahala Hotel Resort, in a statement. "All the events are very hands-on, up close and personal."

FOOD AND WINE EVENTS

Elements of the food and wine event:

• Walkabout: A Progressive Dinner, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 12; $135 per person. "Walkabout" is an Australian term for travel, to hunt food and prosper from the land. In that tradition, guests will journey between courses, and explore the best flavors of Australia's outback and Hawai'i. On the Koko Head lawn, guests will venture from one location to another at different points in the meal (hence the walkabout) and alternate between dishes from the visiting chefs. Chef Brent Savage partners with Hawai'i's Bev Gannon and the culinary team of The Kahala Hotel Resort, led by Wayne Hirabayashi. Michael Twelftree will Australian wines. After dinner, guests may sample a Davidoff cigar.

• Barbie on the Beach: A Cooking Class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 13; $75. Chef Brent Savage highlights Australian cuisine and cooking styles, using a barbecue to prepare dishes and demonstrate techniques for guests. Attendees participate in this interactive class, with the Kahala chefs assisting.

• The Art of Cigar Blending and Tasting, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sept. 13; $30. Michael Herklots, general manager of cigar-maker Davidoff of Geneva, New York, dissects the science of cigars, from the blending of the finest tobaccos to rolling and tasting. Guests will sample an assortment of cigars.

• Wine-Ology with Michael Twelftree, 2-4 p.m. Sept. 13; $50. Twelftree will discuss the diversity of Australian Shiraz by highlighting regional characteristics. At the beachfront Plumeria Beach House, guests will enjoy six wines and tapas-style pairings.

• Sinful Sydney: A Decadent Journey of Food and Wine, 6:30 -10 p.m. Sept. 13; $185. Chef Brent Savage and Chef Wayne Hirabayashi join to create for a six-course meal, paired with wines from Twelftree.

• Puff'n Out-Back, 10 p.m.-midnight Sept. 13; $45. For a relaxing after-dinner experience, guests will enjoy a smoke and a drink on the Koko Head lawn while Michael Herklots discusses cigars with the group. Fire pits, lounge seating, petit fours and robes will be available. A selection of ports, cognacs, whiskeys, rums and dessert wines will also be available for purchase.

RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION

For Classic event reservations, call 739-8760 or email foodandwineclassic@kahalaresort.com.

Special room and event packages are available: Call 1-800-367-2525 or go to http://www.kahalaresort.com.