MAY 11-16

NAPA MAGIC

For wine lovers, the words "Napa Valley" hold magic: It was the first wine-growing region in the U.S. to gain serious respect. It's beautiful. And it's home to some of the country's most popular restaurants and inns. Now Kim Karalovich and Liane Fu, of Honolulu's The Wine Stop, both certified sommeliers, are planning a Napa Valley tour May 11 to 16 that includes winery luncheons, tastings behind the scenes with winemakers, an interactive cooking demonstration at Copia and a private tour of Chateau Montelena, followed by lunch in its lakeside garden. Cost (including all events, meals and accommodations but not airfare)
is $2,495 double occupancy, and it's limited to 12 people. Information: 946-3707 or www.thewinestophawaii.com.

SEPT. 20-22, 27-29

SPIRITS OF STOCKHOLM

The annual Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival is becoming a must-do for beer lovers, drawing more than 25,000 visitors over its two-weekend run. This year, the dates are Sept. 20 to 22 and Sept. 27 to 29. The event takes places at Factory Nacka Strand in Stockholm and involves tastings, seminars and an awards program naming the best Swedish beers in a variety of categories. Information: www.stockholmbeer.se/2007.

NOV. 10-11

NORTH SHORE FESTIVAL

This year's North Shore Festival, signalling the start of the big-wave season with its series of prestigious surfing competitions, is set for Nov. 10 and 11 at Hale'iwa Beach Park. The event includes feature films, live music and cultural performances plus food vendors, arts and crafts booths, community displays and a Keiki Village. It runs from noon to 10 p.m. each day, and admission is free. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing kicks off the next day (Nov. 12). Information: 499-8383; www.northshorefestival.com.