Maui Winery - Kula, Hawaii

Yes, wine lovers there is a genuine, real winery on Maui! It should be one of your top must see places on the island. Working with the Ulupalakua Ranch, they started growing grapes in the early 1970’s along the slopes of the mighty Haleakala.  As the vines were maturing and the wine making process was improving, they also started making wines from pineapple which turned out to be a huge hit. There are about twenty-five acres of vines currently at Tedeschi Vineyards. Varietals include: Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec and Viognier. The vineyards sit at an average elevation of 1800 feet. With the inclined slope, rows can vary in elevation significantly enough that grapes from the lower elevation can have different characteristics than those from the slightly higher elevation. The average temperature on the vineyard ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year round and they do have a very long growing season. For the pineapple wines, they have a semi-dry and sweet wine. The more unique pineapple version offered is the Pineapple Sparkling Wine called Hula O’Maui. It is quite delicious, refreshing, and well balanced. It is made using the traditional “methode champenoise”. This sparkling wine is already a gold medal winner at the Los Angeles Wine Competition. It is plane trip worthy, so save room in your luggage for a few bottles! The grape varietals include the Upcountry Gold (Viognier, Muscat, and Chardonnay blend) and the Ulupalakua (Red Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec blend). If available, you should also check out the 2011 Plantation Red (Syrah). The grape wines are all fermented in steel tanks and are easy on the palate for all. They have good aromas and color. Not a bad wine to have in paradise. About 25,000 cases of pineapple wines are produced yearly and about 2000 cases of grape wines. Take notice at some of the unique artwork on their labels which reflect the work of local artists. So after your Haleakala sunrise visit, head back down the mountain roads and make a stop here. Enjoy their wines and hospitality along with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the islands of Lanai, Molokini and Kahoolawe while sampling and sipping the wines of the island. There are tour times twice daily, so plan your trip accordingly and you can also enjoy some interesting information about the winery and get to see things up close, personal and behind the scenes.  Wines are currently available to ship to the US mainland as well, so if you are so inclined, you can order a case or two and have it shipped home if you cannot make it to the winery. As a side note, do check out the general store across the street, too. They have the best Elk burgers in the Pacific and super friendly staff!

www.mauiwine.com