This is a little bit of a drive, but a very beautiful one at that. This historic winery sits high on the mountain and you get to sample some of the local wines. From the pineapple splash to the wonderful sparkling Rose Ranch Cuvée (which we had on our wedding dinner and every anniversary since), the wines have a very fresh Hawaiian flair.

"Oh yeah, that thing's coming up again!" "What thing?" "That thing up at Ulupalakua." And so it got its name, so they say. The Ulupalakua Thing takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Tedeschi vineyard. The vineyard, located about 3,000 feet above Wailea in the area known as Ulupalakua, is open year-round for tours and wine-tasting. Though the wines are questionable, it's definitely worth the visit. Come march the grounds that host "The Thing," a food and craft festival showcasing some of the island's local artists and businesses.

When Haleakala is in the clouds, there are other places to check out in the Upcountry/Kula area. Our two favorite low-key places to visit are the Tedeschi Winery and the Kula Botanical Gardens.

The Tedeschi Winery is actually located in the Ulupalakua area past Kula. The drive to the winery features many terrific views and a landscape very different from other areas of Maui. The winery grounds are beautiful and have a wonderful history. You can read about it at click here or hear about it on the winery tour. The free tours are given daily at 10:30 and 1:30. The tours end, of course, at the tasting room where you can sample their variety of wines. OK, now don't expect wine that compares to a Mondavi Cabernet or Chardonnay, but the Maui Blanc pineapple wine is an excellent picnic wine. These are not wines for the cellar. Buy them and drink them! They will also package them for you for the trip home. The wines cost about the same as you'd pay for them in the grocery stores.

As you head back towards Kula, look for a sign for the Kula Botanical Gardens located on Upper Kula Road, a k a Kekaulike Avenue, a k a Highway 377. It's easy to miss. But if you find it, you won't be disappointed. For $5 ($1 for kids), you can wander this beautiful 5 acre garden that features thousand of plants and flowers, pools, a gazebo, a Koa tree, and even some caged lizards. One of the owner's cats followed us around as well. Umbrellas are available at the beginning of the garden path, which we took advantage of as there was a light mist falling when we first toured the grounds. The rain didn't detract from our enjoyment -- if anything it added to the ambiance.

For an interesting article on the Botanical Gardens from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, see: click here.

We ended this low-key day with a late lunch at the Kula Lodge which has excellent homemade sandwiches and salads and a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Take a few minutes and stroll their grounds as well.

For something different and relaxing, don't miss this part of Maui.