I remember when I was working in the wine industry in Napa and there was word of a new winery opening in Maui. Everyone was appalled, “What, Pineapple wine!?” Having tried wines made from all sorts of things from all over the world…I must say I found it interesting and wished them the very best of luck. Over the years I have had the opportunity to visit the winery and enjoy some of the wines produced in Hawaii. To me, they are indicative of all that is of the islands... fresh, light, refreshing and fun!

When thinking of wine making regions, the hot, tropical Hawaiian Islands do not spring quickly to mind. Typically, most of the world's grape growing is done in moderate climates, between the 30th and 50th parallels. However, skiing, a seemingly far less likely activity than viticulture, also takes place in Hawaii . Both pursuits are made possible this far south because of the higher elevations of volcanic mountains and ridges.

Saddle Vineyards is a new company that is using advances in biotechnology to grow vinifera (noble, wine) grapes and make fine wines in Waimea on the Big Island. For the first time in the history of Hawaii, they are successfully growing and ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes and have recently added Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz (Syrah) grapes to their experimental vineyards. Before their efforts, only hybrid wine grapes that are less widely accepted in the marketplace had been successfully grown in Hawaii. Saddle Vineyards will be making their first experimental wines from Hawaii-grown vinifera grapes this year.

A theory exists that there are conditions on the high saddles between Hawaii's volcanic mountains that will support optimal growth of such great Vitis vinifera wine grape cultivars as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The goal is to identify well-adapted clones (of scions and rootstocks) and develop cultural techniques that would allow the growing of noble grapes in the higher elevations (2,500-5,000 ft) on all the islands. The hope is this, in turn, will generate many skilled agricultural jobs that will pay agricultural workers a living wage.

VINEYARDS IN HAWAII

Over the years, many people have tried to establish vineyards and wineries on all the islands:

Hawaii (Big Island)

Kaumana Winery--a commercial vineyard and winery was located on the slopes of Mauna Loa at about the 1,100 ft elevation (upslope from Hilo ) that grew Isabelle grapes. The operation was shut down at the beginning of Prohibition.

Kukaiau Ranch--Rudy Hirata and David De Luz Jr. (owner of Big Island Toyota) have reported planting grapevines on Mauna Kea Ranch (Kukaiau Ranch) which ranges in elevation from 3,000-8,000 feet in elevation. They have planted five different varieties, some at the 5,600-foot level, and some at the 6,500-ft. level.

Parker Ranch--Dr. Charlie Campbell planted an experimental vineyard on Parker Ranch lands the slopes of Mauna Kea at about the 6,000 ft level with the permission of the owner at that time, Richard Smart. A large variety of cultivars were planted. The grapes did not ripen and the experiment was terminated.

Saddle Vineyards--Are experimenting with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes at an elevation of about 2,600 ft. But there are some challenges.

Volcano Winery-This winery grows Symphony grapes at an elevation of about 4,000 ft where winter dormancy does occur. The winery is reported experimenting with a variety of other grapes.

Kauai

Darrin Deperalta grows Isabella grapes as a perennial on a 10-acre parcel near Poipu Beach on Kauai for sale for the production of jellies and jams.

Maui

Maui 's Winery/Tedeschi Vineyards, Ltd.--This winery grew 23 acres of Carnelian grapes at an elevation of about 2,000 ft. These grapes began to suffer pronounce losses which gave them the opportunity to plant new varietals, such as Syrah, Syrah Noir, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and two types of Chardonnay. Tedeschi released a "Hawaiian grape sparkling wine" in 1983.

Oahu

Honolulu's “ Vineyard Avenue ” is just one reminder that grapes were grown and wines were made on Oahu historically. Don Fransisco de Paula y Marin grew grapes and made brandy for King Kamehameha I. His is said to be the first vineyard in the islands.

GRAPE VARIETIES CULTIVATED IN HAWAII

Although there are no reports of noble red varieties and noble white varieties successfully being grown in Hawaii for commercial wine production, a number of other grape varieties have and are being cultivated in Hawaii. Descriptions of some of them are presented below.

Carnelian
The Carnelian grape is a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane and Grenache. Wines produced from this grape are medium red in color, and light in body with good balance; they can be enjoyed young but mature well.

Symphony
In this Pacific paradise, Symphony, a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris, yields wines that are very fruity, off dry to sweet, and great for quaffing on the beach

Isabella
The Isabella grape has been grown in Hawaii for a very long time and is considered by some the grape most appropriate for Hawaii . Isabella is a vinifera/American grape ( Vitis labrusca ) hybrid that was introduced by the Long Island, New York , nurseryman, William Prince. Due to its remarkable adaptability, Isabella has since spread far and wide (from the Balkans to Brazil ) and is reportedly used as a rootstock in South Africa .

 

Maui 's Winery/Tedeschi Vineyards, Ltd.

The 20,000 - acre tract that is 'Ulupalakua Ranch has a history as full bodied as the wine now produced by Maui's Winery/Tedeschi Vineyards:

Tiny, rural communities, rolling green pastureland, great distinguished trees, majestic mountain vistas, numerous farms of coffee, strawberry, avocado, tropical flowers, lavender and persimmon, with sublime seascapes below. You will see it all on the road to Tedeschi Vineyards. And when you arrive, you will feel the history of the place. The name of the area - 'Ulupalakua - is most often translated as "breadfruit ripened on the back." Legend has it that an ancient Hawaiian chief would send his messengers to Hana for breadfruit. By the time they resumed, on foot of course, their precious cargo would have ripened.

1845 - King Kamehameha III leases Honua'ula - an approximately 2000 acre portion of the great district we know as 'Ulupalakua - to L. L. Torbert for the purpose of growing and processing sugar cane.

1856 - Captain James Makee acquires the "Torbert Plantation at Honua'ula" which includes the land, sugar mill, buildings, implements, and more than 1600 head of livestock. The Captain moves to Maui and names his new home "Rose Ranch" after his wife Catherine's favorite flower, Maui 's Lokelani Rose. The ranch quickly becomes one of Maui 's showplaces - famed for its hospitality as well as its agricultural prowess.

1874 - King Kalakaua and his Queen Kapi'olani visit Rose Ranch. The King becomes so frequent a visitor; a cottage is built for him on the property. Known for good reason as Hawai'i 's "Merry Monarch," the King's poker games, and his taste for champagne, are legendary.  His cottage still stands and is currently the Winery's Tasting Room.

1879 - Captain James Makee dies.

1883 - The last sugar crop is processed at 'Ulupalakua Mill and the area becomes a working cattle ranch. Much of its 20,000 acres remains such to this day. The ranch is home to the Hawaiian cowboys (paniolo) who perfected their trade as serious cattlemen long before their American counterparts.

1963 - 1963 - After having changed hands several times during the preceding eight decades, current owner C. Pardee Erdman purchases the property and names it "'Ulupalakua Ranch."

1974 - Tedeschi Vineyards is established.

1977 - Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine is released.

1980 - The first grapes are harvested at Tedeschi Vineyards.

1984 - Tedeschi's first grape product, Maui Brut - Blanc de Noirs is released.

1985 - Maui Blush is introduced and the first issue of Maui Nouveau is released.

1989 - Rose Ranch Cuvee is released.

1992 - Maui Splash - is released as a light, fruity, pineapple passion fruit wine.

1993 - 'Ulupalakua Red is released.

1994 - Plantation Red is released.

August 1994 - Tedeschi Vineyard's celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

Now after over 30 years, Maui 's Winery is still an innovator and the Valley Isle's only commercial winery.

Ulupalakua Red
It is easy to enjoy this smooth, medium-dry red wine with Hawaiian-style cuisine.  This table red made from Cabernet and Syrah grapes has ripe berry and spicy flavors, yet is easy on the palate.

Maui Blush
This pale pink table wine is a blend of our Carnelian and Chenin Blanc grapes. It has a pleasant fruity bouquet and is a lovely accompaniment for pasta, poultry and seafood.

Maui Splash!
Light and fruity, this pineapple and passion fruit wine is our biggest seller. Sweet like a dessert wine, but with good acidity and a clean finish

Maui Blanc
A soft, semi-dry wine made from the juice of Maui grown pineapples. Its pineapple flavor is subtle with a lingering finish. This wine can be served for all occasions and is a great compliment to Pacific Rim cuisine.

Hula O Maui Sparkling Wine
A crisp, sparkling pineapple wine, this specialty fruit wine is made by creating a natural second fermentation in each bottle. The Hula o Maui is fragrant with ripe pineapple and tropical fruit aromas.

Maui Brut Sparkling Wine
Made the traditional way-methode champenoise-this wine is bottled aged for a minimum of three years before releasing. This award winning sparkling wine was served at the inauguration of President Reagan. 

The Volcano Winery

Volcano Winery was originally started in 1986 by retired Oahu veterinarian, Lynn “Doc” McKinney . Having made wine and beer as a hobby for years, Doc planned to open a winery on the Big Island after leaving Oahu . He chose Volcano for its unusual climate at 4000 feet above sea level, and planted 20 Symphony grape vines in the lava-covered land. Encouraged by the Symphony's ability to grow in the Volcano's climate, 20 vines soon expanded into 14 acres.

In the vast wonderland of the Big Island and its abundance of tropical fruit, he also began experimenting with different fruit and grape blends for wine. Soon exotic fruits like starfruit, lilikoi (passionfruit), and even papaya were blended with grapes and transformed into tropical Hawaiian wine. These fruit -blended wines were so original they were given their own category by the BATF! Doc also experimented with wine made with honey from the lehua blossoms of the island's Ohia trees, and even honey from Macadamia Nut blossoms. Finally, in 1993 Volcano Winery opened its doors to the public with a selection of some of the most uniquely produced wine anyone had ever made. A lifelong hobby had become a living dream!

Several years passed, and Doc continued to experiment with new wines and winemaking. Volcano Winery had gone from a hobby into a full-time position. Ready to “retire” for real this time, Doc and his family decided to put the winery up for sale.

At the same time, wine aficionado Del Bothof had been entertaining the idea of starting his own winery. But he was on the verge of relocating to Hawaii , and the two ideas seemed mutually exclusive. While vacationing on the Big Island he came across an ad for a winery for sale. Surprised to find a winery in Hawaii at all, he contacted Doc, and soon the two were talking like long-lost friends. He was introduced to the McKinney family, and before long the sale of the winery was set into motion. Finally in 1999, with much Aloha Doc passed the torch to Del , and within a few short months what began as a far-fetched idea had truly materialized into reality.

Today the winery is still a family-owned business. Del 's son, Scott, is the winery's General Manager, and a daughter and son-in-law have also joined the staff. One of the McKinney daughters still manages the tasting room, and even the legendary Doc drops by every once in a while to say hello.

The winery has seen many changes since it first opened its doors over 10 years ago, but the commitment to produce unique, award-winning wines made with Aloha will always remain in the heart of Volcano Winery!

Symphony Dry
Sip into Hawaiian Time with this award-winning dry white dinner wine, and bring the island of Hawaii to your table with Symphony Dry. The notes of the Symphony grape come together in a fragrant bouquet of peach, apricot, and lychee that whispers the secret language of our island. The light fruity finish bends into soft floral notes that are reminiscent of the unparalleled beauty of Hawaii . (Winner of the Bronze medal at the 2004 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.)

Symphony Mele
Open your heart to the music of Volcano with award-winning Symphony Mele, our love song to Hawaii. The aromatic notes of peach, apricot, and lychee erupt from the Symphony grape into a crescendo of full ripened fruits, graced with delicate sweetness and a lasting finish. “Mele” means “song” in Hawaiian, and this award-winning wine is truly a melody of delight. Winner of the Gold medal at the 2004 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Volcano Red
The Hawaiians have long honored Pele, fiery goddess of the volcano. Known for her tempestuous, passionate spirit we have created a wine in her honor and call it simply Volcano Red, or Pele's Delight. Blended with exotic island jaboticaba berries, it boasts ripe black cherry and cranberry notes; then ends with a light-bodied, fruity finish, cooling her smoldering heart. Imagine what it will do to yours.








Volcano Blush
Like the trade winds of Hawaii, Volcano Blush brings tranquility and refreshment to your table. White grapes and exotic jaboticaba berries from the Big Island are blended together to offer hints of cherries and cranberries bathed in a pink hue, then kissed with sweetness. Serve well chilled, and let the taste of Hawaii sweep over your taste buds like the gentle leeward breeze.

Hawaiian Guava Wine
The Hawaiians are well-known for throwing a festive luau or two, and we've captured their inspired spirit in award-winning Hawaiian Guava Wine. Succulent yellow guava fruit and white grapes are blended to perfection in a sweet golden colored wine that's half-wild, half-tame, and 100% paradise. Serve well chilled, for all your reasons to celebrate. Winner of the Bronze medal at the 2001 Atlanta International Wine Summit.

Macadamia Nut Honey Wine
The sweet delights of the Hawaiian Islands can be found in our own award-winning Macadamia Nut Honey Wine. This light, clear wine is created from luxurious honey taken from the blossoms of our island's macadamia nut trees, and transformed into an after dinner treat that is sure to drench the senses in the sweetness of honey. Serve this specialty wine well-chilled with your favorite dessert, and enjoy your luscious evening. Winner of the Bronze medal for at the 2003 Riverside International Wine Competition.

Where to buy Maui's Winery/Tedeschi Vineyards, Ltd., and Volcano Wines on Kauai Or order direct online at: www.mauiswinery.com, www.volcanowinery.com
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