Ulupalakua Vineyards isn’t just a winery – it’s a portal to Maui’s vibrant past. Nestled on the slopes of Haleakala, the dormant volcano that dominates the island, this haven for wine lovers boasts a history as rich and complex as the flavors it produces. The story here begins in the mid-1800s, when the land was gifted to the Baldwin Family as Rose Ranch.
Fast forward to 1974, and a new chapter unfolds. C. Pardee Erdman, owner of the land that has now been renamed Ulupalakua Ranch, envisioned a unique venture: a vineyard on a tropical island. Partnering with Napa Valley winemaker Emil Tedeschi, they embarked on a daring experiment, defying expectations and embracing the land’s potential. The historic buildings of Rose Ranch found new life – the old dairy now houses the winery’s lab and bottling room, while the weathered stone facade of the former jail serves as a private tasting room. Each sip becomes a conversation with the past, a delightful reminder of the estate’s evolution.
But Maui Wine’s story doesn’t stop there. Holding the distinction of being the only winery on the island of Maui, they turned to Maui’s other agricultural treasure: the pineapple. Pioneering spirit led them to craft sparkling pineapple wine, a first for Hawaii. This innovation not only filled the gap while the grapes matured but also established a legacy of embracing local ingredients.
Their dedication to quality even garnered national recognition. In a remarkable twist, one of their early creations, the Maui Brut, Blanc de Noir, was served during a White House dinner – a testament to the unique flavors born from Maui’s volcanic soil and sunny skies.
Today, Maui Wine stands as a testament to agricultural ingenuity and a deep respect for history. As you explore the grounds and savor their unique wines, raise a glass to the visionaries who dared to dream of vineyards on volcanic slopes, transformed a historic estate into a beloved island destination, and became the sole standard-bearer for Maui’s winemaking legacy.
About Maui Wine at Ulupalakua Vineyards
Location
Upcountry Maui
Tasting Fee
$15 per person
Sustainability
Traditional sustainable practices, water conservation
Accessibility
Step free, paved surfaces from the parking lot to the tasting area
In Three Words…
historic, scenic, unexpected
Our Visit to Maui Wine at Ulupalakua Vineyards
Paradise isn’t always about basking on the beach under relentless sunshine. Sometimes, on a picture-perfect Hawaiian island like Maui, a touch of cloud cover can present an unexpected opportunity. Such was the case on our recent visit to Maui Wine, a Kula-based winery offering a delightful change of pace from the usual tourist itinerary.
Walking into the tasting room, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who, upon learning we hadn’t made reservations (a non-issue here!), warmly encouraged us to explore their beautifully manicured historic gardens, boasting breathtaking views over the south shore. Ancient trees swayed gently in the breeze, and fragrant flowers filled the air as we wandered the grounds, anticipation building for our upcoming tasting. A text message finally arrived, letting us know our table was ready, and we eagerly made our way inside.
Maui Wine’s tasting experience is largely self-guided. We opted for the full experience – indulging in both the sparkling and the traditional flight. The tasting sheets offered detailed notes on each varietal, allowing us to explore at our own pace.
Sipping on a glass of their Ulupalakua Estate Chenin Blanc while gazing out at the rolling estate, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of serenity wash over us. But the true surprise came when we tried the sparkling flight. The Hula o Maui, their sparkling pineapple wine, was by far the crowd favorite. With its vibrant aromas and refreshing bubbles, it perfectly captured the essence of Maui in a glass.
The TLDR
Maui Wine offered a unique opportunity to unwind and savor the island’s bounty, all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Here, the tasting experience itself becomes an extension of the island’s laid-back charm, allowing you to explore at your own pace and truly appreciate the unique flavors Maui has to offer – and is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting Maui, rain or shine!
