Tedeschi Winery, Maui's only vineyard and one of two in the state, is located 2,000 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Its vineyards, established in 1974, are located on 'Ulupalakua Ranch, a 20,000-acre cattle ranch where cowboys still herd cattle on horseback.
Also referred to as Maui's Winery, Tedeschi Vineyards offers a wide selection of locally made wines that are available for tasting and purchase in the King's Cottage Tasting Room. The cottage dates back to 1874, when it was built for King Kalakaua and his wife Queen Kapiolani, who were frequent visitors at the ranch.
The centerpiece of the Tasting Room is an 18-foot-long bar cut from the trunk of a single mango tree. Here you can sample Tedeshi's collection of tropical wines or enjoy a picnic at a table set beneath the winery's 100-year-old trees.
Tedeschi Vineyards introduced its first wine in 1977. Called Maui Blanc, it is a pineapple wine made from Hawaii's "golden fruit." The winery now produces reds, whites, sparkling pineapple and grape wines, as well as a specialty raspberry dessert wine.
To get to the winery from Central Maui, take Hana Highway (Rte. 36) to Haleakala Highway (Rte. 37). Heading up the mountain, stay on 37 all the way to Keokea. Drive past the Henry Fong Store on the right and continue on the narrow road 5.1 miles to 'Ulupalakua. The winery is just past the 'Ulupalakua Ranch Store. The King's Cottage Tasting Room is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (expect for major holidays). Tours are available daily at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
