Solid island list, no surprises, no regrets
Kuakini Highway / Inland Kona · Kailua-Kona · Contemporary American and Island-inspired seafood · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · July 24, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Jackie Rey's is short and familiar — 22 labels of California and French greatest hits wrapped in a warm, neighborhood-grill package. It's not trying to impress wine nerds, and it doesn't pretend to. What you get is a tidy, approachable list that won't embarrass anyone at the table.
California dominates, which isn't surprising for a spot catering to tourists and Kona locals who want something comfortable. You've got Rombauer and Kistler holding down the Chardonnay corner, Failla and Foxen representing Pinot Noir reasonably well, and Joseph Phelps flying the Napa Cab flag. There's a nod to France via Henri Bourgeois Sancerre and Veuve Clicquot, and a lone Italian showing up in the Zenato Ripassa — which honestly earns its spot. The gaps are real: no Rosé to speak of, minimal Old World depth beyond the token French picks, and nothing that's going to make a serious wine drinker lean forward.
We estimate 6-10 glass pours, likely anchored by the Rombauer Chardonnay and something bubbly, which is a perfectly fine if predictable lineup for this kind of room. Don't expect a rotating program — this list reads like it gets refreshed maybe once a year. What's there will be drinkable; just don't arrive expecting anything off the beaten path.
Failla Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast — Not listed
Failla is a legitimately serious producer making restrained, site-driven Pinot that punches well above its weight class. In a list full of crowd-pleasers, this one actually earns its place — and it's the kind of wine that works beautifully with fresh local fish preparations, which is exactly what Jackie Rey's does best.
Zenato Ripassa 'Baby Amarone' Valpolicella D.O.C.
Nobody walks into a Hawaii seafood grill expecting Italian. That's exactly why this one is interesting. The Ripassa's dried-grape richness and savory depth make it a left-field choice that actually works if you're going steak or the heartier menu options — and most people scroll right past it.
Kistler 'Les Noisetiers' Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
At $130 on the list, you're paying a steep premium for a wine that retails around $55–$60. Kistler is excellent, no argument there, but a 2x-plus markup in a casual grill context is a tough ask. The Rombauer gets you most of the way there for a lot less pain.
Henri Bourgeois 'Les Baronnes' Sancerre + Fresh catch of the day
Sancerre and fresh local Hawaiian fish is about as clean and correct as it gets — the Loire's bright acidity and grassy citrus cut right through the ocean-fresh flavors without stepping on them. It's the most classically sound pairing on this entire list.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Jackie Rey's is a reliable neighborhood spot with a wine list that matches its vibe: comfortable, familiar, and a little pricey for what it is. Send a friend here for a great meal — just tell them to go Sancerre on the wine and not stare too long at the Kistler price tag.
Ali'i Drive / Waterfront · Kailua-Kona · Contemporary Hawaiian Café and American
Island Lava Java is genuinely great for Kona coffee, breakfast, and that Ali'i Drive ocean view — just don't show up expecting the wine list to match the scenery. Order a pour of the Fleur de Mer rosé, enjoy the trade winds, and call it a day.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Honokohau Harbor (North Kona) · Kailua-Kona · Casual American bar & grill with Hawaiian influences
Harbor House isn't a wine destination, but it's doing more with 17 labels than most waterfront bars bother to attempt. If you're grabbing a harbor-view lunch or a casual dinner after a dive, there's a real, honest pour waiting for you here.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Kailua Pier / Ali'i Drive · Kailua-Kona · Seafood & Steak
Fish Hopper is a perfectly decent place to drink wine if you're already there for the ocean view and the clam chowder — just don't come expecting the list to impress anyone. Stick to the better California producers, avoid the house wine trap, and let the sunset do the work.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Mauna Kea Resort · Kailua-Kona · Contemporary Hawaiʻi Regional Seafood
Manta is a beautiful place to drink wine — the setting alone earns a pass on some of the list's shortcomings. But you're paying resort premiums for a 27-bottle list that plays it safe, so go in knowing the view is part of what you're buying.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Mauna Lani Resort · Kailua-Kona · Upscale American Steakhouse
Ruth's Chris Mauna Lani does exactly what it promises: a deep, California-forward wine list served in proper glassware at steep resort prices inside a flawless steakhouse setting. You won't discover anything new here, but if you're after a great bottle of Napa Cab with your Prime filet and an ocean breeze somewhere nearby, this list will not let you down.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Varietal Specific
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Pawai Place / Kailua Industrial · Kailua-Kona · Hawaiian, Seafood, Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Umekes isn't a wine destination, but the pricing is honest, the glass count is surprisingly high, and the Riesling-with-poke move alone is worth knowing about. Send your friends here for the food; the wine will take care of itself.
Crowd Pleasers
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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