Are there wineries in Maui? Believe it or not, there is serious wine-making happening on the islands! The spot for winemaking in Maui we highlight in this post dates back to the 19th century, when King Kalakaua, the last king of Hawaii, used to visit his friend and Maui resident James Makee. The area was known as Rose Ranch back then. Today’s Maui Wines tasting room is located at the King’s Cottage, which housed royalty and hosted many unforgettable parties that went on into the wee hours of the morning, earning the king the nickname of “merrie monarch”. However luxurious the parties, the wine-making industry did not truly take off until the 1970s, when C. Pardee Erdman planted a vineyard on what became Maui’s Ulupalakua Ranch and partnered with Emil Tedeschi to produce wines from Tedeschi vineyards in the rich volcanic soil of the island.
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A wine enthusiast can create an entire road trip or vacation to wine destinations found in famous spots like Tuscany and Napa Valley. Hawaii does not immediately come to mind when thinking of wine. So the fact that the Hawaiian islands are able to produce their own showcases the islands’ ability to use their unique environment to create distinctive and delicious wines. Additionally, it reduces the need for importing wine from the mainland United States or other countries, contributing to a more sustainable local economy. And for us island fans who travel there to enjoy the beautiful tropical environment, it offers us a chance to experience a unique facet of Hawaiian culture and history.
Maui Wines
There are not multiple wineries in Maui. In fact, there are three wineries total in all of Hawaii, including Volcano Winery on the Big Island of Hawaii and Oeno Winemaking on Oahu. Maui Wines is the only Maui winery, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. A winery tour highlights the rich history that dates back to 1974, which I don’t want to say was a long time ago but if I’m being honest, it was. It was in the early 70s when C. Pardee Erdman planted a vineyard on the slopes of Maui’s Haleakala volcano. In partnership with Emil Tedeschi, the two began producing wine using the volcanic soil of the island. And in the spirit of “No time like the present,” they didn’t waste a second and honed their wine-making skills with the materials they had. While they waited for the grapes to mature, they used a local fruit that was plentiful and at their disposal, pineapple, to make wine.
Today, Maui Wines, less than 30 minutes drive from Kahului, offers visitors a full tasting experience that includes multiple wine offerings, a tasting menu, and the option to enjoy a self-guided and free tour of the historic estate. Many of the original buildings still exist and have been repurposed to complement the practical production area of Maui Wines. The winery is most famous for its pineapple wines, including Maui Blanc, a dry white wine, Maui Splash, a sweeter wine, and O Hula Maui, a sparkling wine. A unique fruit wine, no matter which you choose, captures the essence of Maui’s tropical environment and offers a refreshing taste of the islands.
In addition to pineapple wines, Maui Wines also produces grape-based wines under the label of Rose Ranch. The winery’s grape-based wines include Lokelani, a sparkling rose, Kula White, a dry white wine, and Mele Red, a medium-bodied red wine. They’ve recently added their Estate wines, like the Chenin Blanc available exclusively at their on-site store, to the tasting menu as well. With a tasting room and outdoor lanai, Maui Wines offers a beautifully relaxed setting for visitors to enjoy their wine-tasting experience in island style.
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Visitors can order a wine tasting and small plates that perfectly match their wines, in the King’s Cottage tasting room. Tours of the historic estate encourage visitors to enjoy the grounds and appreciate how modern-day and historic past have been brought together in an eclectic and purposeful mix. The renovated space compliments the history room, where you can discover the various transformations that have happened at the Ulupalakua Ranch over the years, in addition to the original mango wood wine bar and live music on the King’s Cottage lanai.
There is also the option to join a tasting at The Old Jail, a weathered stone building that literally once served as a jail on the property, which is now serving from their smaller collections of wine. Wine-tasting sessions include in-depth explanations of the history of wine production on the property and visitors get introduced to special selections that are different from those available at King’s Cottage.
As the winery has matured so has its selection. They have expanded to single varietals of Syrah, Grenache, and Voigner just to name a few.
Upcountry Maui and its Significance to Maui’s Wine Industry
Upcountry Maui is the highest-elevation farming region in the state of Hawaii and is home to a variety of crops, including the grapes used in winemaking. The region’s unique geography and climate provide the perfect location and ideal growing conditions for grapes, which thrive in the rich volcanic soil and cooler temperatures. The volcanic soil also provides the grapes with essential minerals and nutrients, giving them a distinct and flavorful taste.
Fruit wines and other unique wines
In addition to grape wines, Maui’s winemakers also produce a variety of fruit wines, including a raspberry dessert wine. Their own wines are made using locally-sourced fruit and honey, giving them a unique taste that reflects the flavors of the islands. Raspberry wine is a popular choice among visitors and pairs well with the tropical fruits and flavors found in the country’s 50th state.
The winery is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Reservations are strongly encouraged to schedule a 90-minute tasting. You can book early starting approximately 90 days before your arrival. Tasting flights cost $12 – $15 and wines by the glass vary from $6 to $20. The tasting menu changes frequently.
While wine production on the islands is not for the faint of heart, the work they are doing at Maui Wines may inspire others to add to the wineries in Maui. For those of us who appreciate a local spin on a great glass of wine, Maui Wines does not disappoint and is worth the visit.
Interested in exploring more of Maui? Do not miss out on a sunrise or sunset at Haleakala National Park. Or find out all about the variety of fish and sea life you can see snorkeling in Maui. There is no end to the fun you can have on this island!