Aloha, beverage enthusiasts! It’s one of the coolest places for destination wedding, but it’s also where food lovers feast and history lovers tour numerous historical landmarks. Hawaii has something for everyone and if that doesn’t call for celebration, we don’t know what does. No matter how sophisticated your palate is when it comes to tasting wine or beer, these five Hawaiian breweries and wineries are incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Cheers, aka “Ke aloha,” to that!
High-Elevation Beer and Southern Wine on the Big Island
Big Island Brewhaus is Hawaii’s highest-elevation brewery, measuring up to 2,764 feet above sea level on the rainy side of Big Island in Waimea. Just six months after launching in 2011, this 10-barrel brewery began winning national awards for their handcrafted and famous White Mountain Porter (a coffee beer), Overboard IPA and Red Giant. Themed events rotate monthly, but you can hang loose every Friday with live music and more than 15 ales, lagers and Belgian-style brews to choose from, some of which can only be found in Hawaii.
Volcano Winery is the southernmost winery in the United States, so the fact that they produce the fruitiest and most tropical varietals comes as no surprise. Home to a unique dessert wine made from 100% honey called mead wine, Volcano Winery continues to genuinely surprise every taster. The 12-acre vineyard and winery is located above Kilauea on the slopes of the active Mauna Loa volcano. They grow four different types of grapes as well as Japanese tea.
Wine and Royalty on Maui
MauiWine is Hawaii’s largest winery, and the island’s vibrant culture is infused in every bottle and sip you’ll take. At over 1,800 feet above sea level and facing the slopes of Haleakala, this 23-acre vineyard is known for its Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Viognier and Chenin Blanc grapes. Visiting this winery will take you to the southern coast of Maui to experience the historic King’s Cottage Tasting Room where Hawaiian royalty once thrived.
Travel and Taste on Oahu
When you visit Kailua on the east coast of Oahu, you’re destined to come across the only winery located on this island: Oeno. Soon enough you’ll taste bold, smooth and vibrant vino, without the headache. That’s right; Oeno winery produces their wines naturally with barely any sulfites, making this wine extravaganza an experience for everyone to enjoy. Not only is their wine natural and tasty, but it also is tailored to your preferences. From the label to your favorite varietal, when you’re at Oeno, you become the winemaker.
Wander to the Westernmost Brewery on Kauai
Chandelier lights hang from a 35-foot-high metal ceiling, creating an industrial feel in Kauai Island Brewery and Grill, a spacious microbrewery on Kauai. It’s the westernmost brewery in the United States, located downtown in Port Allen, where visitors can enjoy a craft beer accompanied by the picturesque sunset over Hanapepe Bay. If that doesn’t suit your party, a retro game room, happy hour and karaoke night every Monday ought to do the trick!
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to taste wine and beer in amazing places around the world, especially in Hawaii where wine is inspired from the depths of volcanoes and pineapple paradise. The beer scene is hopping in Hawaii and why wouldn’t it be when crisp mountain air and breathtaking views are included?
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