A visit to Tedeschi Vineyards, Maui’s only winery, is a trip to cattle country where Hawaiian cowboys (paniolos) roam along with cattle, merino sheep and Rocky Mountain Elk. Located on the 25,000-acre spread called Ulupalakua Ranch, the winery contains about 22 acres of grapes, a historical tasting room as well as attractive grounds perfect for a picnic. Free guided tours of the grounds and the winery operation are offered daily from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30p.m. Founded in 1974 by Napa vintner Emil Tedeschi, the winery now produces three sparking wines and five still wines. The sparkling wines include Maui Brut Champagne, a pineapple sparkling wine and Rose Ranch Cuvee. The two red wines produced at Tedeschi are Ulupalakua Red and Plantation Red and the whites include Maui Blush, Maui Blanc (made from pineapple) and Maui Splash (made from pineapple and passionfruit). The tasting room is the center of attraction at the winery and flows with rich history as well as unique wines. Built in 1874, the building that houses the tasting room, was created specifically for the visit of Hawaii’s reigning monarch David Kalakaua and his Queen Kapi`olani. During his turbulent reign, King Kalakaua and his Queen would frequent the estate to find peace of mind. Known as the “Merrie Monarch,” the King’s poker games and tastes for champagne are legendary. The centerpiece of the Tasting Room is an eighteen-foot-long bar cut from the trunk of a single mango tree. Besides wine for sale, the shelves are also stocked with Hawaiian-made products and specialty foods and wines. There is also a “booknook” which features of the Maui’s best selections of books about the island, its history and its landscape. Make sure you make all of your wine purchases on site as it is against Hawaii state law to sell and send wine. The Tasting Room can also package your wine purchase to make it easier to carry home, either as carry on or checked luggage. Tedeschi Vineyards is located in Upcountry Maui about an hour’s drive from the resort areas of Wailea and Ka`anapali and about 2,000 feet up the slopes of Maui’s dormant volcano. From central Maui take Hana Highway (Route 36) to Haleakala Highway (Route 37). Heading up the mountain, stay on 37 all the way to the little community of Keokea. Pass Henry Fong Store on the right and continue on the narrow road for 5.1 miles to Ulupalakua. The winery is just past ranch headquarters and the Ulupalakua Ranch Store.