Solid island list, no surprises, no regrets
Kuakini Highway / Inland Kona · Kailua-Kona · Contemporary American and Island-inspired seafood · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed July 24, 2026 · How we review
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 →
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.
· Kailua-Kona · Pop-up Wine Bar / Events
Kona Wine Nights earns its Wild Card badge precisely because it defies the normal restaurant wine calculus — you're buying into an experience led by a sommelier, scored by local musicians, and framed by a Hawaiian sunset. We can't verify the specific bottles or pricing, so we're not going to pretend otherwise, but the concept is genuinely compelling for anyone who wants something more than a Caymus pour at a hotel bar. If you're in Kailua-Kona and want a wine night that feels like it was designed with intention, this is worth the ticket.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Occasional
Acceptable
· Kailua-Kona · Modern Hawaiian / Tasting-Style
CanoeHouse is a beautiful place to drink wine — the setting, the seafood, and the overall experience justify the splurge on a special night. But the wine program itself appears to be resort-standard: solid, Champagne-and-Burgundy-leaning, and priced for the zip code rather than the quality in the glass. Come for the view and the lobster tempura; don't come expecting a list that surprises you.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Hilton Waikoloa Village · Kailua-Kona · Steak & Seafood
Kamuela Provision Company has a stunning setting and almost certainly a strong kitchen, but its documented wine program is barely a program at all. If you're here for the view and the fresh catch, order something off the cocktail menu instead — one Chardonnay at a 3x markup isn't worth building a dinner around.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Kailua-Kona · New American / Hawaiian
Magics Beach Grill earns its reputation on atmosphere, not its wine program — and there's nothing wrong with that, as long as you know what you're walking into. If the sunset and the fresh fish are the draw, go for it; just don't expect the list to keep pace with the view. A happy hour window from 2–5 pm and again at 8 pm to close gives you a reason to order a glass without overthinking it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
· Kailua-Kona · Italian-Inspired / Casual
Kai is a great place to watch the sun drop into the Pacific with something cold in your hand — just don't expect the wine list to be the reason you went. The program is serviceable for the setting, but with resort-level markups likely baked in, the cocktail menu might be a smarter play. If wine is your priority, lower your expectations before you sit down; if the view is your priority, you're exactly where you should be.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Kailua-Kona · Seafood / Steakhouse
Huggo's is a reliable enough place to drink wine if you're already there for the view and the fresh fish — just don't come expecting value or discovery. The regional mix is competent, the setting is genuinely spectacular, and the list will get you through dinner without incident. If you're a wine-first traveler, this probably isn't your destination, but it's a perfectly reasonable stop if the ahi tuna is calling your name.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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