Maui's Winery and Ulupalakua Ranch Store invite you to beautiful Upcountry Maui for the quarterly Sunday Drive event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This time around, the theme is Ulupalakua Inspires, to celebrate the area's beauty that has captivated artists for generations.
This free community event will showcase Grammy-winning saxophone legend Tom Scott and his trio, on the winery grounds from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Other top musicians will also play during the event.
In addition, adults 21 and older may enjoy free wine tastings throughout the day in the historic King's Cottage Tasting Room as well as a complimentary tour of the winery at 10:30 a.m.
Article Photos
“Our winemaker is international wine consultant Chris Markell,” says Zarina Sakai, sales and marketing manager for Maui’s Winery.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Maui's Winery, aka Tedeschi Vineyards, first became known for its fruity pineapple wine back in the day. But it certainly has come a long way since then.
Ask for a sample of the newest member of the Maui's Winery ohana: the 2009 Plantation Red Maui County Syrah. The blend combines 90 percent syrah grapes with 10 percent Carnelian grapes - all handpicked on the slopes of Haleakala. It was first released in 1994. Now the 2009 vintage is ready for sipping.
"Normally, we always offer free tastings," says Zarina Sakai, wines sales and marketing manager. "But never this wine, because we have only 300 cases. Since it's a special event and we want to connect with the local people, we want to make sure and give them a chance to try it."
According to the tasting notes, this very limited estate wine exemplifies Maui's unique terroir. It's got a beautiful dark purple color with violet tones and hints of black plums, sour cherry, pomegranate, raspberry and cranberry, interlaced with creamy oak, vanilla and more.
Purchases will be limited to six bottles per customer Sunday.
Known for the shade of its 100-year-old trees, Ulupalakua blossoms in early summer with purple jacaranda and agapanthus. In this "picnic-perfect" setting, visitors will find all the eats they need at Ulupalakua Ranch Store Deli & Grill.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the grill will offer lunch specials such as beef burgers by Maui Cattle Co., featuring 100 percent natural, premium Angus raised on Maui, along with Ulupalakua elk burgers, the ranch's famous Ulupalakua steak chili, ranch-style brisket and more.
Can't decide? Opt for the combo slider plate with one beef and one elk slider along with baked beans and Maui Gold pineapple as accompaniments. You will also find kalua pork and cabbage plates and teriyaki beef with rice and your choice of green salad or macaroni salad.
Vegetarians may order veggie burgers, From the warmer case will come hot and ready-to-go chow fun, hot dogs and local bento boxes.
Everyone is welcome to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy jazz by Robbie Ray starting at noon, followed by Brittni Paiva at 1 p.m.; Henry Allen at 2 p.m. and topped off by the event headliner Tom Scott at 3 p.m.
After this weekend, the next Sunday Drive extravaganza will be Ulupalakua Cares on Sept. 4, followed by Ulupalakua Sparkles Dec. 4. These are designed so that you may learn about the history and the culture of the area. No coolers or pets, please.
For more information, call 878-6058 or visit www.mauiwine.com.
