The three-city Joy of Sake, the largest sake-tasting event outside of Japan, is always a sell-out in its Honolulu stop. This rare opportunity to experience the top three grades of sake, including the gold and silver award winners for the 2006 United States National Sake Appraisal, has moved into the roomy quarters of the Hawai'i Convention Center and is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 27.

Fifteen restaurants will provide appetizers designed to pair with sake, including Chai's Island Bistro, Gyotaku, Hakkei, Kyo-ya, L'Uraku, Musashi, Orchids at Halekulani and Tavola Tavola. Tickets are $65 and available at Fujioka's Wine & Spirits and Marukai Wholesale Mart or online at www.joyofsake.com.

WINE FESTIVAL

EAT, DRINK AND HELP LUPUS HAWAI'I

The 17th annual Honolulu Wine Festival this year is looking south with the theme "From the Vineyard to the Sea Down Under," featuring Australian seafood, cheeses and wines. Barramundi, lobster legs, Moreton Bay "bugs," blue swimmer crabs, spotted prawns and Tasmanian salmon are on the menu, along with Roaring Forties blue cheese from King Island, according to wine merchant Lyle Fujioka who, with master sommelier Chuck Furuya and United Fishing Agency's Brooks Takenaka, is helping plan the event.

The grazing and tasting party takes place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. July 29 at Dole Ballrooms with a live wine auction hosted by Dennis Foley, as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $95 in advance, $120 at the door. Information and tickets: 538-1522 or www.lupushawaii.org.