Merriman’s Kapalua will set the scenic stage for Sand & Fog Santa Maria Valley Wine Seminar & Tasting on June 8. The famous restaurant will be among other venues that include Montage Kapalua Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and the new Steeple House. -- Kapalua Wine & Food Festival photo

The 37th annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival will return June 7 though 10 for a magical weekend on the shores of the Kapalua Resort.

This annual “migration” of celeb chefs and winemakers attracts wine and food lovers and oenophiles to celebrate and experience the finest culinary and viticultural trends of the moment.

Highlights of the weekend include interactive wine-tasting seminars with regional slants on the Santa Maria Valley of California along with Hungary, Italy and Romania.

Varietal-focused seminars include “World-famous Pinot Noir” and “Let’s Be Franc” on New World Cabernet Franc. A historical focus will take place once again with “Scions of the Vine” with second and third generation winemakers from the same families.

This year, confirmed scions are David and Laura Long of David Arthur Vineyards and Ryan and Doug Hill of Hill Family Vineyards.

Featured celebrity chefs will include Hubert Keller of the Food Network; Nancy Oakes, a pioneer of haute American cuisine; and Nancy Silverton, co-owner of several Italian-inspired restaurants in the LA area.

“The Two Nancys” cooking demo-luncheon will have a fun touch presented by event host Michael Jordan as he pairs fine wines by “The Two Jeffs,” Jeff Steward of Hartford Court and Jeff Mangahas of Williams Selyem. The sought-after event will be on June 9.

A classically trained French chef, Keller is no stranger to Maui as he loves the island and attends many events here. His healthful, French-inspired fare will be paired with wines from Luc Morlet of Morlet Wines and James Hall of Patz & Hall Winery on June 10.

Many of these wines are rare and hard to find and will take the lunch experiences over the top.

Signature evening galas are always popular and include The Grand Tasting at Montage Kapalua Bay and the Seafood Festival at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, showcasing culinary dishes from many of Maui’s top restaurants.

Host Jordan is also a master sommelier who will lead the charge for all of the weekend festivities.

“The 37th annual festival is a tribute to international wines and foods and a celebration of this longest running food and wine festival in the country,” he says. “We have invited top winemakers and chefs from throughout the globe, and here on Maui, to feature their most revered vintages and dishes and share their love for food and wine.”

Besides the resorts to date, sponsors for the 2018 event are Troon Golf/Kapalua, Maui Visitors Bureau, the County of Maui, Hawaii.com, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card & mileage program, FIJI water, Bacardi and Crazy Shirts.

Tickets are on sale now with a limited number of early-bird discounted four-day passes available through March 1. Grand Tasting and Seafood Festival early-bird discounts apply through April 30. For details on accommodations or to purchase your tickets online, visit www.kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com.