Ulupalakua Inspires with Jazz and Wine Event

By Wendy Osher

Ulupalakua, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui’s Winery and Ulupalakua Ranch Store invite the public to take a Sunday Drive to beautiful Upcountry Maui for a quarterly event honoring the area’s unique history.

The Spring edition of the Sunday Drive is entitled “Ulupalakua Inspires.”   It celebrates the beauty that has captivated artists for generations.  From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, 2011, guests will enjoy live music on the beautiful grounds of Maui’s Winery, lunch specials at Ulupalakua Ranch Store, free wine tasting and winery tours, and opportunities to learn more about the history and culture of Ulupalakua.

A Day of Inspirational Jazz Entertainment:

This free community event will showcase the musical “artwork” of jazz with a live performance by Grammy-winning saxophone legend Tom Scott and his trio from 3-3:45 p.m. on the winery grounds.  Scott has dozens of solo albums to his credit, and also has soundtrack work on TV shows like “Starsky and Hutch.”  Over the years, he has collaborated with artists from Joni Mitchell to George Harrison.

Entertainment also includes a full lineup of Maui’s finest jazz musicians who will perform throughout the day.

• From 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Hawaiian-style jazz guitarist Benny Uyetake will entertain on the lanai of the Ulupalakua Ranch Store.
• Robbie Ray will bring his Cocoland Jazz show to the winery grounds from 12-12:45 p.m.
• Brittni Paiva will demonstrate her diverse musical talents with jazz ‘ukulele from 1-1:45 p.m.
• Living legend Henry Kaleaialoha Allen and his trademark “tropical swing and a touch of cool jazz” will perform from 2-2:45 p.m.

Deep Purple Syrah Adds to the Color of Ulupalakua:

Adding to the inspiration of the day will be the new 2009 Plantation Red Maui County Syrah. First released in 1994, this limited estate wine features a blend of 90 percent Syrah and 10 percent Carnelian handpicked from the slopes of Haleakala. There were only 300 cases of the wine produced, and will be available for purchase and tasting during the event.  (Purchases will be limited to six bottles per customer.) Visitors to “Ulupalakua Inspires” are also invited to enjoy exclusive samples of this dark purple wine.

A Picnic-Perfect Setting Fit for a King’s Cottage:

Visitors will be surrounded by “picnic-perfect” setting beneath the shade of 100-year-old trees, early summer blossoms, and abundant purple splashes of color from jacaranda and agapanthus.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Ulupalakua Ranch Store Deli & Grill will offer lunch specials like Maui Cattle Company burgers (featuring 100% natural, premium Angus beef raised on Maui), Ulupalakua Elk Burgers, the ranch’s famous Ulupalakua Steak Chili, Ranch-Style Brisket and more.

Free wine tasting is offered throughout the day in the historic King’s Cottage Tasting Room, with a complimentary winery tour at 10:30 a.m.

A Season to Remember, Care and Sparkle:

“Since the early days of Rose Ranch, Ulupalakua has had a history of welcoming guests with music and hospitality,” says Paula Hegele, president of Maui’s Winery. “We hope you’ll come on up and be inspired by the wonderful live jazz and the beautiful surroundings,” said Hegele.

Other Sunday Drive events included “Ulupalakua Remembers,” in the spring that celebrated the rich heritage of the area’s historic ranchland.

The Fall event,  “Ulupalakua Cares,” will celebrate the area’s commitment to agriculture and open space. And winter is “Ulupalakua Sparkles,” celebrating the arrival of the holidays with Maui-style gifts and festivities.

For more information about Sunday Drive events, call toll-free (877) 878- 6058.