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Volcano Winery was originally started in 1986 by retired Oahu veterinarian, Lynn “Doc” McKinney. Having made wine and beer as a hobby for years, Doc planned to open a winery on the Big Island after leaving Oahu. He chose Volcano for its unusual climate at 4000 feet above sea level, and planted 20 Symphony grape vines in the lava-covered land. Encouraged by the Symphony’s ability to grow in Volcano’s climate, 20 vines soon expanded into 14 acres.
In the vast wonderland of the Big Island and its abundance of tropical fruit, he also began experimenting with different fruit and grape blends for wine. Soon exotic fruits like starfruit, lilikoi (passionfruit), and even papaya were blended with grapes and transformed into tropical Hawaiian wine. These fruit -blended wines were so original they were given their own category by the BATF! Doc also experimented with wine made with honey from the lehua blossoms of the island’s Ohia trees, and even honey from Macadamia Nut blossoms. Finally, in 1993 Volcano Winery opened its doors to the public with a selection of some of the most uniquely produced wine anyone had ever made. A lifelong hobby had become a living dream!
Several years passed, and Doc continued to experiment with new wines and winemaking. Volcano Winery had gone from a hobby into a full-time position. Ready to “retire” for real this time, Doc and his family decided to put the winery up for sale.
At the same time, wine aficionado Del Bothof had been entertaining the idea of starting his own winery. But he was on the verge of relocating to Hawaii, and the two ideas seemed mutually exclusive. While vacationing on the Big Island he came across an ad for a winery for sale. Surprised to find a winery in Hawaii at all, he contacted Doc, and soon the two were talking like long-lost friends. He was introduced to the McKinney family, and before long the sale of the winery was set into motion. Finally in 1999, with much Aloha Doc passed the torch to Del, and within a few short months what began as a far-fetched idea had truly materialized into reality.
Today the winery is still a family-owned business. Del’s son, Scott, is the winery’s General Manager, and a daughter and son-in-law have also joined the staff. One of the McKinney daughters still manages the tasting room, and even the legendary Doc drops by every once in a while to say hello.
The winery has seen many changes since it first opened its doors over 10 years ago, but the commitment to produce unique, award-winning wines made with Aloha will always remain in the heart of Volcano Winery!
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