Randy Ching, wine manager at Halekulani's La Mer, a AAA Five Diamond restaurant, is a recipient of the 2008 Passionate Wine Service Award. The nomination was made earlier this month by a panel of distinguished wine enthusiasts on behalf of the Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa Valley.

"For nearly 20 years, patrons of Halekulani have come to entrust their wine selections to the knowledgeable expertise of Randy Ching," Sabine Glissmann, director of food and beverage at Halekulani, said in a news release.

More than 100 top wine managers and sommeliers from around the country were considered for their defining and impassioned contribution to the wine industry, and in keeping with the vineyard's 40th anniversary, 40 industry professionals were honored with the Passionate Wine Service Award.

— Advertiser Staff

STARBUCKS BLEND

NEW KOPELANI INCLUDES KONA-GROWN COFFEE

Island-grown Kona coffee is being featured nationwide this summer in a new blend released by Starbucks.

Kopelani ("heavenly coffee") blend includes coffees from eastern Africa, Latin America and, of course, Hawai'i — 10 percent Kona-grown coffee. It's a medium-bodied coffee, meaning it won't blast you like espresso but has more character than the average cuppa joe. In the words of Starbucks' blenders: "It has good acidity and a medium body highlighted by juicy tropical fruit flavors, a crisp mouth feel, mild floral complexities and a soft sweetness."

And to emphasize the Island connection, it's got both a volcano and a stylized nene (the state bird) on the package. Available as whole beans or pre-ground for about $13.50 a pound.

— Advertiser Staff