Ulupalakua Sparkles Rings in the Holidays, December 4, 2011

Posted by Wendy Osher

Nathan K. Aweau and Jeff Peterson. Courtesy photo.

Maui’s Winery and Ulupalakua Ranch Store invite the public to come on up to Upcountry Maui for “Ulupalakua Sparkles” on Sunday, December 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This festive event rings in the holidays in true Hawaiian style with entertainment by award-winning musicians; mouth-watering food; free wine tasting; and a chance to shop for only-on-Maui gifts for the whole ‘ohana.

The ranch store and winery will also offer specials on all branded merchandise, wines and locally made items.

Giving Grammy-winning sparkle to the day will be slack key guitar master Jeff Peterson, performing together with Nathan Aweau. The two will premier their brand new album “Mamo,” not yet released in the US but available for the first time at this special event.

The CD features Hawaiian music with jazz interpretations, ranging from hula classics to original songs.

Peterson is the son of an Ulupalakua Ranch paniolo, with music that reflects his passion for his heritage. Formerly a member of Hawaiian supergroup HAPA, Aweau has been named three times as Na Hōkū Hanohano “Male Vocalist of the Year.” Peterson and Aweau will perform on the winery grounds from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.

Nathan K. Aweau and Jeff Peterson. Courtesy photo.

More Maui talent will shine with respected Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero and Gale Wisehart leading Maui’s Community Choir, Na Leo Lani O Maui, in concert from 1 to 2 p.m.  Guerrero’s Halau Hula Kauluokala will also be on hand to perform.

Christmas carols by keiki, featuring weventh- and eighth-graders from the Samuel E. Kalama Intermediate School Ukulele Band of Makawao will perform holiday favorites at 11 a.m..  There will also be a special appearance by the sixth-grade semester band. The young musicians are led by director Benny Uyetake, who will perform at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store from noon to 3 p.m.

Shoppers at “Ulupalakua Sparkles” will find uniquely Maui gift ideas like the 2009 Plantation Red Maui County Syrah, a limited estate wine made from Syrah grapes handpicked from the slopes of Haleakala, offered for a final tasting on this day. To enhance the shopping spirit, both the winery and ranch store will offer 25% off all logo wear and made-on-Maui items.

Hali‘imaile Pineapple Company will provide samples or its Maui Gold Pineapple.  They will also have sales of the product for shipping to the mainland, and information about their juicy product, which just happens to be the source of Maui’s Winery pineapple wines.

Maui Cattle Company will be serving up the Ranch’s famous Ulupalakua Steak Chili and Chow Fun. Formed in 2002 by a group of local ranchers, the company prides itself on all-natural, premium Angus beef that is raised on Maui and full of flavor.

The good grinds continue inside Ulupalakua Ranch Store Deli & Grill, with burger and sandwich specials, plate lunches, salads and more, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other treats include delicious offerings from graduates of the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows Program, a leadership program at University of Hawai‘i Maui College. Proceeds benefit the program.

“We look forward to sharing the Ulupalakua holiday spirit with everyone at this very special event,” said Paula Hegele, president of Maui’s Winery.

The Ulupalakua Sparkles event is one of four seasonal Sunday Drive presentations honoring the different aspects of this unique historic area.

In the spring, it’s “Ulupalakua Remembers,” celebrating the rich heritage of this historic ranchland; Summertime is “Ulupalakua Inspires,” celebrating the beauty that has captivated artists for generations; Fall is “Ulupalakua Cares,” celebrating the commitment to agriculture and open space in our community; and winter is “Ulupalakua Sparkles,” celebrating the arrival of the holidays with Maui-style gifts and festivities.

***Supporting information courtesy Ulupalakua Drive.