Winemaker Judd Finkelstein of Judd's Hill Winery, Napa Valley, is in town and is partnering with HASR Wine Co. and The Grand Cafe & Bakery for a winemaker dinner on July 26. All proceeds from the dinner will benefit Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS), (501(c)(3)), Hawai'i's only statewide orchestra program for youth. HYS is planning to use funds raised for its financial assistance program, which ensures that any interested child will be able to participate in high quality music programs. The financial assistance fund ensures that no student is turned away or discouraged to apply due to financial condition.

Judd is planning to feature an array of unique wines from his family-owned and operated winery in Napa Valley, Judd's Hill Winery, including Judd's Hill's 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Petite Sirah, 2006 Pinot Noir, and other wines not available in Hawai'i. Wines will be available for purchase as well as bottle autographs by Finkelstein and members of his winemaking family. Entertainment and winetasting in the beautiful courtyard of the HASR Wine Co.

Next door to HASR Wine Co., The Grand Cafe & Bakery will be serving the special winemaker dinner. The menu to include: Fresh Fruit Bowl, Grand Cafe Chinese Salad, Crudite, Thai Sweet Chili Chicken, Either: Pepper Seared Fish with soy mustard butter or Cola Braised Short Ribs, Steamed Rice, Coffee & Tea, Dark Chocolate Brownies.

Raffle items to includes:
Koa Ukulele: Handcrafted by Alvin Okami of KoAloha Ukulele.
Napa Valley VIP vacation: Visit Judd's Hill Winery for a complimentary tour wine tasting for up to eight people, including a barrel tasting. ($100 value) one signed magnum (1.5L) bottle of Judd's Hill Cabernet Sauvignon to be received at the winery ($100 value). Napa River Adventure Cruise for four people to be accoumpanied by Judd and his Judd's Hill wines with food provided by national barbecue champion, Pat Burke ($350 value).

Judd loves Hawaii and is known as Napa Valley's ukulele-playing winemaker. In 2005, Judd started a ukulele club in Napa Valley, The Wine Country Flea Jumpers, whose members include chefs, designers and other winemakers. In 2002, Judd also formed a Hawaiian band, The Maikai Gents. The Maikai Gents released a CD, The Wiki Wiki Grog Shop, consisting of 16 vintage Hawaiian songs. You can check out their website at www.mkgents.com.

Related Links:

• Hawaii Youth Symphony
• Judd's Hill Winery
• Grand Café & Bakery
• KoAloha Ukulele

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