'Ulupalakua | Maui Wine

Local
Scenic coastal vineyard landscape with ocean views and scattered clouds.
Rows of grapevines in a vineyard stretching into the distance under blue skies.
Rolling green hills overlooking the ocean with dramatic cloudy skies in the distance.

The Vineyard

This is where it all starts at 'Ulupalakua Vineyards. Situated at 1,800 ft. above sea level, 'Ulupalakua Vineyard soaks in this breathtaking view overlooking South Maui. The soil, air, and sunlight all play a factor into the characteristics of flavor that come forth in the wine. The workers for Maui Wine had just finished their harvests for the year. The leaves begin to change color as they fall off the branches, leading up to the next couple months of pruning the vines once again for the new season.

Weathered wooden cross marker standing in a vineyard field with autumn colors.

Vinification

The vinification process starts with the harvesting of the grapes. After they've picked the grapes, the harvest is then transported to the winery for preparation and primary fermentation. The next steps will include racking, a process that removes leftover sediment by draining the wine into container after container which allows the wine to give off less and less sediment until it is ready to move onto the next process, fining and then filtration.

Large industrial cooking pots being prepared in a commercial kitchen.
Rustic chalkboard sign displaying 'Today Maui Splash' with colorful artwork.
Industrial brewery equipment and tanks in a dimly lit production facility.
Large stainless steel brewing vessels containing golden liquid during fermentation process.
Industrial brewing tanks with golden liquid being processed in a manufacturing facility.
Industrial brewery equipment and tanks in a manufacturing facility with turquoise walls.
Industrial stainless steel brewing tanks and equipment in a modern brewery facility.

The LAB

In this rustic, overgrown building, the workers prepare and bottle their wines in their custom laboratory called, "The Lab. Bottling wine has become more complex and high-tech throughout the years. Henry, the worker, was gracious enough to give a little sneak peek at the process they use at their winery.

Outdoor view of a brewery building with green ivy-covered walls and storage barrels.
Exterior pathway leading to a brewery warehouse with vegetation and storage equipment.
Covered walkway along the side of an industrial building with ivy growing on walls.
Panoramic view of green industrial buildings surrounded by tall pine trees.
Close-up of metallic bottling equipment showing multiple filling nozzles in a row.
Industrial bottling machinery and control panels in a beverage production facility.
Automated bottling line machinery with stainless steel components and control systems.
Detail of industrial filling machinery with multiple nozzles and mechanical components.
Close-up view of an automated bottle conveyor system with precision filling mechanisms.
Industrial bottling line with automated machinery and conveyor belts in a manufacturing facility.
Dark glass bottles with elegant labels arranged in a row on a textured surface.

The Wine

Each wine created here at the historic, former Rose Ranch Estate imbues a sense of location and a sense of fulfillment. They are primarily, famous for their three Pineapple Wines, made with handpicked Maui Gold Pineapples. Next they've got a more expansive list of Estate Wines. The Estate Wines show off the different types of grape varieties that are grown at their vineyards. Lastly, their Rose Ranch Wines celebrate the historical Rose Ranch, invoking emotions of flavor in each of their four unique blends.

Close-up of dark wine bottles with distinctive branding against a rustic background.
Collection of cream-colored ceramic containers and dark bottles arranged on a surface.
Artisanal wine bottles and labels displayed on a weathered wooden surface.

Historical Grounds

Before the winemaking era, these grounds hold a rich history of ranching and plantation life. The land passed through many different owners, and was often visited by King Kalākaua and his wife, Queen Kapi'olani. The first vineyards were planted in 1975 and their first pineapple wine debuted in 1977 and remains as their best selling wine to this day.

Panoramic view of a lush green garden landscape with mature trees.
Old stone fountain with decorative tiers surrounded by flowering ground cover in a garden.
Historic stone building with cream walls and wooden details in a garden setting.
Weathered stone planters with succulent plants arranged on outdoor steps.
Row of concrete grave markers or memorials on a grassy hillside.
Historic ranch house surrounded by lush tropical gardens and palm trees in Hawaii.
Panoramic view of sprawling green lawn with mature trees at a Hawaiian ranch.
Vintage leather saddles displayed on wooden stands with ranch signage in rustic interior.
Series of white covered pavilions and structures spread across a landscaped ranch property.
Curved concrete planter with tropical flowers and plants in a terraced garden setting.
Interior view of a rustic wooden hall with tiered seating and traditional Hawaiian design elements.

King's Cottage

"In front of the main store, a ring of Cypress Trees were planted in the 1870s for King Kalākaua, the “merrie monarch”, in which he could watch hula troupes perform in his honor -a favorite pastime during his visits to Rose Ranch. The trees stood tall for almost 150 years until winter winds in 2012 brought down two of the 145-foot trunks. To preserve the circle’s deep meaning, MauiWine asked a local artist, Tim Garcia to carve the remaining trunks in a way that told their profound story." - MauiWine

White plantation-style building with covered porch and red umbrellas along the walkway.
Historic informational plaques and signs displayed on white wooden porch railings.
Covered walkway with wooden columns and traditional Hawaiian architectural details.
Panoramic view of ranch buildings with tropical landscaping and covered porches.
White cottage-style buildings nestled among trees with wooden sculptures in the landscaped yard.
Wooden carved sculptures displayed in a grassy garden setting with trees in the background.

Store & Museum

As you ascend up the steps and enter the main store, you are boldly greeted with a back wall of MauiWine's own featured products. Comfortable pull up a seat at the bar and speak with any of the knowledgeable workers while sampling a suggested wine or one of your own choosing. Enjoy pairing it with the meat and cheese platters available. Choose to enjoy your wine experience by sipping a glass outside and looking out at the beautiful views of the gardens. Or take a small tour of the historical story of Rose Ranch through a room with pictures and captions highlighting James Makee and King Kalākaua's visits. Before leaving, pick out some merchandise displayed for sale from featured vendors.

Wine being poured into a glass at a rustic wooden bar counter.
Long wooden bar counter with wine bottles and chalkboard menus displayed on shelves.
Bartender pouring drinks behind a polished wooden bar with extensive wine bottle display.
Beer being poured into glasses on a live-edge wooden bar counter.
Retail space with wooden barrel displays and clothing racks in a bright white interior.
Wine being poured into stemmed glasses on a wooden bar counter.
Elegant wine glasses on a wooden bar counter with ambient lighting.
Wine glass and charcuterie board displayed on rustic wooden bar counter.
Customers seated at a rustic bar counter with wooden shelving and wine bottles displayed on the back wall.
Long wooden bar counter with bottles displayed on shelves and chalkboard menus on the wall.
Dark interior of wine bar with chalkboard menu and extensive bottle display.
Panoramic view of wine bar interior showing long counter and wall-mounted wine bottle displays.
Dimly lit wine bar interior with track lighting and casual dining atmosphere.
Modern restaurant interior with large windows and tropical plants creating an airy atmosphere.
Outdoor deck seating area with red umbrellas and wooden railings surrounded by lush trees.
Gray metal chairs arranged on wooden deck with wicker baskets on tables.

The Tasting Room

This historic "Old Jail" once served as Captain James Makee's office. It now serves as a private, 40-minute tasting experience that allow it's guests to experience four select wines with a private host. The wines frequently change and feature unreleased wines, specialties and exclusives, not found in the King's Cottage Tasting Room.

Read more.

Stone and wood building exterior with rustic architectural details and wooden door.
Rustic interior of a wine tasting room with exposed wooden beams and warm lighting.
Wine bottles displayed on wooden coasters along a bar counter.
Cozy wine tasting room interior with natural light streaming through windows.
Wine tasting menu and glasses set on a weathered wooden table.
Panoramic view of a wine tasting room with vaulted ceiling and rustic decor.
Intimate dining area with wooden tables and red leather seating against yellow walls.
Bar area of a wine tasting room with glass displays and wooden accents.
Table setting with wine glasses and menu in natural daylight.
Modern wine bar interior with glass racks and counter seating.

Visit MauiWine

Tucked away on the slopes of Haleakalā, MauiWine is a location that cannot be easily missed. Once a destination fit for a King, it is now a winery that produces wine fit for a King's banquet. You need to visit MauiWine.

MauiWine is open Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm.

Winery entrance signs and driveway surrounded by lush greenery.
Stone entrance gate with wooden sign at a rustic winery or vineyard entrance.
Rural road winding uphill with utility poles and yellow lines under cloudy skies.
Stone wall with tasting room signage at an upscale winery.
Green wooden fence with decorative details in a garden setting.
Climbing roses on a green lattice trellis in a lush garden setting.
Green wooden pergola structure creating a shaded walkway in a garden.
Scenic vineyard landscape with wooden structures and rolling hills in the background.

14815 Piilani Hwy, Kula, HI 96790

local business, upcounty, kula

Related Posts

Maui Helicopter Academy

Local

Maui's Culinary Gem Transformed: Discover Da Kitchen's Stunning Remodel and Local Favorites

Local

Marching Towards Unity: Kapu Aloha Movement Takes Center Stage on Maui

Local