The state of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and unique states in the entire United States. This chain of islands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and there is a deep-rooted culture and community among the locals.
Wine tasting in Hawaii offers some of the most stunning and unforgettable views anywhere in the world, and there are plenty of places around the islands to grab a fantastic glass of wine.
Where to Go For Wine Tasting in Hawaii
Oahu
Oahu is the most populated Hawaiian island and is home to lively food and wine scene. There are a number of top-tier bars and restaurants here, and the locals have been stepping up their game in a major way when it comes to wine knowledge and selection.
Amuse Wine Bar features high-tech wine dispensers that allow them to offer one-ounce tastings of wines from all over the world. There is also a deep selection of wines by the bottle, with everything from everyday wines to high-priced selections for special occasions.
Island Vintage Wine Bar was voted one of the ten best restaurants in the United States by USA Today in the year 2020. They have also received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2021. They offer a large selection of wines both by the glass and by the bottle.
They serve some of the best poke on the island, as well as a full menu complete with other Hawaiian staple foods. Their wine list is organized by body, taste, and style, and they also offer wine flights that allow customers to sample multiple wines in one sitting.
Appetito Craft Pizza and Wine Bar has a wine list that is four pages long and offers some of the best selections of Rosé and sparkling wines in the state. This semi-formal restaurant is one of the best places on the island to bring a date, as it is very scenic.
They serve a number of different Italian staples like pizza, seafood, and pasta dishes. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to their extensive wine list, and they do a great job of working with customers to find the best wine and food pairings possible.
Hawaii (Big Island)
The island of Hawaii is the largest Hawaiian island by size and the second largest by population. The island is home to the world’s largest active volcano, as well as a diverse and quickly expanding wine scene.
Aloha Wine Bar is one of the most unique places to shop and sip in the entire state of Hawaii. They offer a solid selection of different styles of wine, as well as local goods, groceries, souvenirs, and much more. They pride themselves on delivering quality goods at fair prices.
The market also serves fresh sushi and poke, which pair well with some of their white and sparkling wine selections. The staff here are committed to supporting local businesses while providing the best local produce and goods possible.
The Temple Bar markets itself as a high-end wine bar with a casual atmosphere. They source their ingredients locally, and re-craft the menu periodically to showcase seasonal ingredients. This is one of the best places in the state when it comes to specialty wines.
They serve an extensive menu with everything from tapas and flatbreads to tapas and steaks. They have a large selection of high-end wines including French Champagnes and rare Australian Shiraz. They also serve a large selection of affordable tapped wines.
While the Luana Lounge is primarily known for its high-end sushi and hand-crafted cocktails, they also serve some of the best selections of wine on the island. Their small wine list features a handful of thoughtfully chosen wines that are intended for sushi pairing.
The aesthetic inside is beautiful, as the hardwood floors are complemented by similarly colored wooden details on the walls and ceiling. The bar is covered in a striking dark marble, which pops dramatically in contrast to all of the stained wood.
Maui
Maui is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and golf courses anywhere in the entire world. Many travelers who have visited Hawaii many times tend to gravitate to Maui after a few visits, as many believe it offers the best Hawaiian experience in a lovely serene environment.
MauiWine is one of the few wine producers located in the islands of Hawaii, and they produce a number of different styles of wine. They are best known for their pineapple and sparkling pineapple wines, and they make plenty of other styles as well.
Their King’s Cottage tasting room is beautiful and quaint, and they offer a number of different wine tasting flights that cost between $12 and $15. Many visitors fall in love with the wines while traveling, and elect to send a case to themselves back home on the mainland.
The Pour House Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has grown to become one of the most popular spots on the entire island. Reservations here are strongly encouraged, as most dinner services are completely full nightly.
They offer reasonably priced house wines by the glass, as well as some of the rarest and high-end bottles available for purchase in the state of Hawaii. The Pour House offers a deep food menu, and there are plenty of different wines to pair with each entree.
Māla Tavern is one of the most beautiful and scenic restaurants on the island, as the tables are set right next to the water’s edge. They serve high-end California Cabernet Sauvignons like Opus One, as well as Italian blends like Sassicaia.
This is one of the best, most highly rated, and most talked about restaurants on the island, and their chef is world renowned for the fantastic food menu and consistent execution. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as the place is almost always packed full.
Kauai
Is the fourth largest island in Hawaii in terms of population, and is home to a young and exciting wine scene. There is enough variety for every different type of wine enthusiast, as the island is home to a variety of different bars and restaurants with great wine choices.
Palate Wine Bar and Restaurant markets itself as “A Wine and Tapas Tasting Room,” and selects its wines from smaller artisanal wineries. The wine is on full display here, and wine pairings are a major focus of the menu.
The wine list is well thought out and offers plenty of variety in terms of body, taste, and style. They also serve wine flights in both red and white varieties. The entire space is available for rent, making it one of the best spots for celebrations and business meetings.
The Tasting Room is beautifully decorated, and they serve a fantastic variety of wines, small plates, and charcuterie. The wine list includes detailed descriptions of each wine selection, and there are plenty of different types of wine for all palates to enjoy.
Bar Acuda serves a classy selection of tapas or small plates, and each plate is thoughtfully crafted with fresh local ingredients. They have been in operation for over 15 years, and they have crafts and refined the menu carefully over time.
They serve a large variety of both old world and new world wine selections, with wines from all across Europe and the United States. This is one of the most popular restaurants around and has been written about in multiple magazines and newspapers.
Conclusion
Hawaii is one of the most visited states in the entire United States, and wine tasting there is one of the most exciting and scenic experiences that many wine enthusiasts have ever experienced.
Be sure to comment below with your favorite places to go wine tasting in Hawaii!
