Mala sommelier feature wine selections
outdoor lanai
At Māla Ocean Tavern, our wine program is an essential part of the dining experience. Located on Front Street in Lahaina, we bring together Pacific Rim cuisine and a thoughtfully curated wine list that complements every dish, from fresh island seafood to locally inspired entrées.
Our wines are chosen with care and intention. Whether you’re sipping a crisp rosé as the sun sets or enjoying a bold red alongside dinner, our sommelier team focuses on creating a balanced and exciting collection that reflects both global influence and local spirit. Each bottle is selected to pair beautifully with our ingredients and the natural rhythms of Maui’s coast.
The wine list at Māla is constantly evolving, highlighting boutique producers, sustainable vineyards, and labels with stories worth sharing. From easygoing afternoon sips to rare vintages, every glass served here is meant to enhance the moment.
We believe wine is not just part of the meal, it is part of the experience. Come for the view, stay for the wine, and discover how each pairing tells a story of place, passion, and connection.
SEMI-PRIVATE DINING ON THE MALA LANAI - MAX CAPACITY 30 GUESTS
OCEAN ROOM
SEMI-PRIVATE DINING IN THE MALA OCEAN ROOM - MAX CAPACITY 14 GUESTS
DINING ROOM
Meet Mala’s Wine Experts
Caleb Hopkins - Owner & Wine Director
Caleb Hopkins’ journey into wine began far from the vineyards of Europe — in a small Southern town where wine was rarely on the table. His curiosity was sparked after moving to Atlanta, where he managed a fine dining French bistro and quickly took on the role of beverage manager. Immersing himself in study, he devoured everything from French Wine for Dummies to Wine and War, discovering not only the art of tasting but the deep history and human stories behind every bottle.
In 2010, Caleb became a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, transforming his passion into a lifelong pursuit. What drives him most is wine’s power to bring people together — the way a shared bottle can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable connection.
When it comes to favorites, Caleb gravitates toward wines that capture a sense of place. He’s a self-proclaimed sparkling wine devotee, with Krug at the top of his list and a soft spot for the value-driven bubbles of Raventós and the elegance of Italian Franciacorta. Living in a tropical climate, he often reaches for crisp, refreshing whites like Albariño and Soave Classico — wines that embody both his palate and his island surroundings.
Sergio Baltazar - Assistant Wine Director
A lifelong hospitality professional, Sergio Baltazar has been immersed in the service industry since the age of 17. His journey with wine began in earnest in 2020, when he joined the team at Māla Ocean Tavern and helped manage the restaurant’s wine program – a role that transformed a curiosity into a calling. Today, Sergio is pursuing his Sommelier certification through The Court of Master Sommeliers, further refining his expertise and deepening his appreciation for the craft.
Originally from Tuxpan, Jalisco – a region steeped in the traditions of Tequila and Mezcal – Sergio’s roots inspire his approach to wine. He’s endlessly fascinated by its diversity and depth, finding joy in connecting each bottle to a moment, a flavor, or a guest’s personal story. For him, nothing compares to witnessing a guest’s delight when a pairing lands perfectly: that instant spark of “Whoa, I love this wine!” is why he does what he does.
Sergio believes there’s a perfect wine for every occasion, but he has a soft spot for certain varietals. He’s drawn to the elegance and complexity of Nebbiolo, especially aged Barolos, as well as expressive versions from Ghemme, Italy, and Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. He also gravitates toward crisp Vermentinos from Sardinia, bright Spanish Albariños from Rías Baixas, and sparkling wines from Champagne, Franciacorta, and Germany.
At Māla, Sergio continues to grow as both a student of wine and a curator of unforgettable dining experiences, sharing his knowledge, warmth, and passion, one glass at a time.

