Volcano Winery | Kailua Kona

Volcano Winery: A Comprehensive Guide

Location:
Volcano Winery is located in the Volcano Village on the Big Island of Hawaii, near the entrance to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The winery is nestled in the lush rainforests at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. This unique location provides an ideal climate for growing grapes and producing wines with distinct flavors, influenced by the volcanic soils and the island’s tropical environment.

Why Volcano Winery Is Special

Volcano Winery is one of the most unique wineries in the world, offering an intriguing combination of local wines, scenic surroundings, and volcanic influence. It is the only winery on the island of Hawaii and stands out for its volcanic soil and tropical climate, which contribute to the distinct flavors of its wines. The winery offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to explore wine production in a tropical paradise and sample wines made from local and unusual ingredients like tropical fruits and Hawaiian-grown grapes.

Key Features

1. Unique Wine Production

• Volcanic Terroir:
  • The wines produced at Volcano Winery are made using grapes that are grown in volcanic soil, a rare feature that influences the taste and texture of the wines. The soil composition and the island’s climate contribute to a flavor profile that is distinctly different from wines produced on mainland vineyards.
  • The winery uses a combination of European-style grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, along with locally grown Hawaiian fruits, including passionfruit, guava, and pineapple, to create unique, tropical blends.

2. Wine Tasting and Tours

Wine Tasting Experience:

• Volcano Winery offers a tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of wines made on-site. The tasting room is open to the public, and wine enthusiasts can taste the winery’s signature wines, including both grape-based and fruit-infused varieties.
• Visitors can choose from tasting flights, which include a selection of the winery's best wines, allowing guests to experience the full range of flavors produced at the winery.

Wine Tours:

• The winery offers guided tours of the vineyard and winery, where guests can learn about the wine production process, the influence of the local environment, and the history of the winery. These tours provide insight into the winemaking process, from the grape harvest to fermentation and bottling.
• The knowledgeable staff explains how the winery uses the unique Hawaiian climate to cultivate grapes and fruits that thrive in volcanic soil.

3. Scenic Setting and Atmosphere

• Rainforest Location:
  • The winery is located in the Volcano Village, surrounded by lush rainforest. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the tropical forest, which provides a serene backdrop for wine tasting and relaxation.
  • The grounds offer lovely views of the surrounding Hawaiian landscape, with verdant hills and distant glimpses of the Kīlauea Volcano in the background. The setting is peaceful, with an atmosphere of quiet relaxation and natural beauty.

4. Signature Wines

• Volcano Winery produces a variety of unique wines, including both traditional grape wines and wines made from tropical fruits. Some of the signature wines include:
  • Volcano Red Wine: A blend of local grapes with notes of fruit and earthy volcanic undertones.
  • Hawaiian Guava Wine: Made from Hawaiian guava, this wine offers a tropical and slightly tangy flavor.
  • Pineapple Wine: A sweet and refreshing wine made from pineapples grown in the area.
  • Passionfruit Wine: This wine has a tropical, tangy flavor profile that reflects the sweetness of passionfruit.
  • Chardonnay: A traditional white wine with a hint of tropical fruit flavor influenced by the local climate.

The wines are often praised for their smooth textures and fruit-forward flavors, which are distinctive and different from those made in more traditional wine regions.

Things to Do at Volcano Winery

1. Wine Tasting and Pairing

• The most popular activity at Volcano Winery is, of course, the wine tasting. Visitors can sample a selection of wines and pair them with local snacks or dishes. The winery also offers small bottles of wine for purchase, making it easy to take home a souvenir of your visit.
• Consider trying a wine and chocolate pairing or a cheese plate to enhance the tasting experience and discover how the wines interact with different flavors.

2. Take a Guided Tour

• Guided tours provide a deeper dive into the winemaking process. A tour will explain the vineyard’s unique conditions, the impact of volcanic soil, and how the tropical climate contributes to the flavor profiles of the wines. It’s a great way to understand how the land and environment shape the wines.

3. Shop for Wines and Souvenirs

• The winery has a shop where visitors can purchase bottles of the wines they sampled during their visit. It’s a great place to buy a bottle (or several) of the winery’s signature wines to take home as a souvenir.
• The shop also offers wine-related merchandise, such as glasses, corkscrews, and other unique gifts for wine lovers.

4. Attend Special Events

• Volcano Winery hosts special events throughout the year, including wine dinners, festivals, and tasting events. These events provide an opportunity to sample exclusive wines, meet the winemakers, and enjoy an evening of fine wine and food in a beautiful setting.

5. Relax on the Grounds

• The lush setting makes it an ideal spot for relaxation. Take a moment to stroll around the winery grounds, enjoy the tropical surroundings, or simply relax on the patio with a glass of wine. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the serenity of the rainforest.

Nearby Attractions

1. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is located just a short drive from the winery. This iconic park features two active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can explore volcanic landscapes, hike through craters, and learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.
• Crater Rim Drive, Halema'uma'u Crater, and the Thurston Lava Tube are all must-see attractions within the park.

2. Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

• Located near Volcano Winery, the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is a beautiful destination for nature lovers. The gardens showcase a variety of stunning orchids in a lush tropical setting, making it a great spot to explore before or after visiting the winery.

3. Volcano Village

• The Volcano Village is a charming area near the winery, offering a range of local shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to explore after a winery visit and provides a more in-depth experience of the local culture and arts scene.

4. Lava Tree State Monument

• This unique state park features lava trees, which are formed when lava flows engulfed trees, leaving behind hollowed-out trunks. The park is an excellent spot for a short hike and photo opportunities.

Tips for Visiting Volcano Winery

Reservations:

• While walk-ins are welcome, it's a good idea to make a reservation, especially during peak seasons or weekends. This ensures you get a spot for tasting and any special events or tours.

Check the Weather:

• Volcano Village is located in a rainforest, so expect occasional rain showers. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring an umbrella if needed.

Plan for a Scenic Day:

• Volcano Winery is a great destination for a day trip. Combine your visit to the winery with time at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park or the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens for a complete experience.

Drink Responsibly:

• If you plan on sampling several wines, be sure to drink responsibly, and consider arranging for transportation or a designated driver if you’re not staying nearby.

Why Visit Volcano Winery?

Volcano Winery offers a unique wine-tasting experience set in a beautiful, tropical environment. The combination of volcanic terroir, tropical fruits, and a serene, rainforest setting makes it a standout destination for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re interested in exploring Hawaiian wine culture, enjoying a relaxing day in nature, or discovering the flavors of the Big Island, Volcano Winery provides a memorable experience for all visitors.