The Auswine Forum

I'm having a holiday in Hawaii soonish, and was wanting to try some US made wines. Ideally I'd like to try those that are good examples of what US makers are capable of, without breaking the bank too badly even with the nice exchange rate.

So to set some parameters, I'm after reds only, probably $20-$40 (unless something sub-20 is a true QPR bargain or 40-plus is a mind blowing experience), and of course likely to be available in Hawaii, which I suspect sadly may mean somewhat more mass market. I've got a pretty broad enjoyment range but I do tend to favour full bodied wines.

I know there are some US members on this forum so hopefully I can avoid drinking too much rubbish whilst I'm there.

Never tried any US wines but from what I've read those that are good are rather expensive and suspect that in Hawaii the prices would be at maximum. Good Luck

haha i once had a pink zin bought back to me from hawaii. "interesting" is about the most flatering comment i cold make

there must be some real wines there too, ask the shop owner could be the best approach

I just got back from ten days in Hawaii. I didn't look too hard for any decent bottle shops but they have a large chain of shops there called ABC stores and they do have a reasonable range for what is essentially a tourist shop but no bargains. As a guide, Moet was around $50, Veuve around $60. They had quite a few american wines I recognised but they were mostly around the $80 mark. Some euro wines too like Antinori Tignanello at just over $100.

What is pretty good value are the spirits. I brought back Tequilla and rum at much better prices than I could get here even duty free. Also the range is quite good. I'm sure there are cheaper places to buy wine in Honolulu but Kmart and Walmart both stock wine and spirits and I think they are reasonably competitive.

For real bargains though, hit the Waikele outlet shopping mall off H1 about 15 minutes past the airport. Exit 7 from memory. Take your credit card though! And if you're in the market for a good watch or jewellery, it's a LOT cheaper there.