Fun Facts

MAUI'S WINERY TOP 10
Interesting facts about this historic spot.

1) The name of the area – Ulupalakua – is most often translated as “breadfruit ripened on the back.” According to legend, an ancient Hawaiian chief would send his messengers to bring breadfruit from Hana. During the long journey home, the fruit would ripen to perfection.

2) Maui’s Winery, also known as Tedeschi Vineyards, is the Valley Isle’s only commercial winery, hosting more than 180,000 visitors a year.  The Winery started growing grapes in 1974 on the slopes of Haleakala.

3) Famous historic visitors to Ulupalakua include author Robert Louis Stevenson and World War II hero General George S. Patton (who was said to have ridden through the ranch house on horseback as a party trick!)

4) Of the 150,000 trees on the property, many are more than 150 years old. Former whaling Captain James Makee brought home his favorite species from his world travels and planted them at Rose Ranch in “Catherine’s Garden.”

5) Our wines’ secret of success is the rich volcanic soil on the slopes of Haleakala. Without a traditional dormant season, we rely on the soil – along with patience and slow ripening – to produce grapes that showcase our regional characteristics: fresh, floral, tropical fruits and warm spices.

6) At one time, Tedeschi Vineyards produced four different wines from the same grape: carnelian. Today, the vineyard grows multiple varieties, including syrah, carnelian, chenin blanc, chardonnay, malbec and viognier.

7) Maui’s Winery sparkling wines are all produced in the century-old French process of “methode champenoise,” requiring years of aging and delicate handling to create the famous tiny bubbles.

8) The winery’s prized Maui Brut was served at the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

9) The raspberry lees (byproducts) from the popular Framboise Raspberry Wine are donated to culinary students at University of Hawai'i Maui College; they use it to produce their own gourmet raspberry jam.

10) All of the beautiful artwork on our wine labels is created by local Maui artists, many of whom have been coming up to Ulupalakua for years to gain inspiration!