A Tasting Tour of Upcountry

A Tasting Tour of Upcountry: Maui's Finest Craft Beverages

The rich volcanic soil and unique climate of Upcountry Maui not only produce incredible produce and flowers but also provide the foundation for a sophisticated craft beverage scene. From an elegant winery on a historic ranch to innovative distilleries transforming local crops into world-class spirits, you can spend a delightful afternoon on a tasting tour that showcases the terroir of Haleakalā's slopes.

MauiWine

The journey to MauiWine is a destination in itself, taking you through the rolling green hills of Kula to the historic ʻUlupalakua Ranch. Established in 1974, the winery is a pioneer in Maui's agricultural scene. The experience feels like stepping back in time. The tasting room is housed in the King's Cottage, a charming building constructed in the 1870s to host King David Kalākaua, Hawaii's "Merrie Monarch". Sipping wine on the lanai, under the shade of 150-year-old trees, you can feel the deep history of hospitality that permeates this special place.

The drive to the winery takes you through some of the most beautiful ranch land on Maui. Ancient stone walls line the roadway, built by early Portuguese settlers who knew how to work with the volcanic rock that dots the landscape. Cattle graze peacefully in fields that stretch toward the ocean, and the air carries the sweet scent of grass and wildflowers.

MauiWine's portfolio is a celebration of its unique island location, offering three distinct collections that cater to every palate:

The tasting experience is relaxed and welcoming. You can choose from several tasting flights, which range from $13 to $30, or enjoy wine by the glass, accompanied by light food pairings like cheese and charcuterie boards. The staff here are passionate about their craft and love sharing stories about the winery's history and the unique challenges of growing grapes in a tropical climate.

What many people don't realize is that grape growing in Hawaii requires special techniques. The vines don't go dormant like they do in traditional wine regions, so the vintners have developed innovative methods to encourage the grapes to rest and produce quality fruit. The result is wines that are truly unique to this place.

I highly recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends, to secure a table on the lanai and give yourself plenty of time to savor the drive and the destination. The sunset views from the winery are spectacular, and many visitors time their visit to coincide with golden hour.

Upcountry's Craft Distilleries

Beyond wine, Upcountry is home to a burgeoning craft spirits movement, with two exceptional distilleries that transform Maui's agricultural bounty into liquid aloha.

Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery

Perched on a stunning 80-acre, entirely solar-powered organic farm, Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery is a testament to sustainable agriculture. Their mission is to create exceptional spirits while nurturing the land. Their flagship product, OCEAN Organic Vodka, is truly one-of-a-kind. It is the only vodka in the world crafted with mineral-rich deep ocean water sourced from a depth of 3,000 feet off the Kona Coast of Hawaiʻi Island. This unique ingredient, combined with organic sugar cane grown on-site, gives the vodka an exceptionally smooth and clean taste.

The distillery also produces Kula Organic Rum, Fy Organic Gin, and Brum Solera Rum. Each spirit reflects the terroir of its island home, incorporating local ingredients and traditional distillation methods with modern innovation.

A visit here is as much about the views as it is about the spirits. The property offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Maui's central valley and the West Maui Mountains. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Big Island and Molokai. The contrast between the deep blue ocean and the green slopes of Haleakalā creates a view that's impossible to forget.

Their Farm Cafe is a fantastic spot for lunch or an early dinner, serving fresh, locally sourced dishes that pair perfectly with their craft cocktails. They often have live music from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, making it one of my favorite places to watch the sunset with a perfectly crafted cocktail and a delicious pizza. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with outdoor seating that takes full advantage of the spectacular setting.

The distillery tour offers fascinating insights into their sustainable practices. Everything from the solar panels that power the operation to the composting systems that turn waste into fertilizer reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship. They even use the spent grain from distillation to feed local cattle, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste.

Haliʻimaile Distilling Company

Located in the heart of Maui's pineapple region near the charming town of Makawao, Haliʻimaile Distilling Company was founded with the goal of creating "Hawaiʻi in a Bottle". They are a true craft distillery, producing authentic Hawaiian spirits in small batches using locally sourced ingredients.

Their signature spirit is PAU Maui Vodka, which is distilled using Maui Gold® pineapples, resulting in a remarkably clean and crisp final product. The process of distilling pineapple is complex and requires careful attention to temperature and timing to avoid the fruit's natural sugars from overwhelming the final product. The result is a vodka with subtle tropical notes that make it perfect for tropical cocktails or sipping neat.

Their portfolio also includes Fid Street Hawaiian Gin and Mahina Premium Rum. The gin incorporates local botanicals like kukui nut and Hawaiian ginger, creating a spirit that's both familiar and exotic. The rum is aged in American oak barrels and finished with a touch of local honey, giving it a smooth, complex flavor profile.

You can get a behind-the-scenes look at their process by taking a guided distillery tour, which are offered Monday through Friday. It's a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and science of distillation, and a great way to appreciate the local ingredients that make their spirits so unique. The tours are intimate and personal, often led by the distillers themselves who can answer detailed questions about their craft.