Volcano Winery was originally started in 1986 by retired Oʻahu 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 Oʻahu. 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 vines’ ability to grow in Volcano’s climate, the 20 vines were followed by planting 14 acres of Symphony Grape Vines.

In the vast land of the Big Island and its abundance of tropical fruit, he also began experimenting with different fruit and grape blends for wine. Soon fruits like starfruit, lilikoi (passion fruit), and even papaya were blended with grapes and transformed into tropical wine. These fruit -blended wines were so original that they were given their own category by the BATF! Doc also experimented with wine made with honey from local Big Island bees.

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!