HASR Wine

Very nice wine selection, knowledge staff, and sadly rude and unhelpful if you don’t describe a wine the same way they would.
Tastes can be very subjective, as can the words used to describe them — and isn’t it their job to listen to what you want/​like and then pleasantly make suggestions? Instead I was scoffed at and told I would need to learn how to describe the wine I wanted better or he couldn’t help me. I even gave him two examples of wine I had bought there that I liked — no help.
I will stick to The Wine Stop.

Went there again this past Tuesday evening and had a nice time. As usual, they featured six different wines, white to red, sweet to dry. This time Spanish, Italian and French wines. Person presenting is really knowledgeable, sure makes it sound good … but when tasting the wine, it is pretty close or exactly like how he described it! Continues to be one of my fave place to go wine tasting on Tues or Friday evenings. On Tues, parking at the corner of Pauahi/​Smith is cheaper than Fridays ($ 5.00 evening special). Then afterwards, if you feel up to it, just take some of the bottles you purchase over to Little Village Chinese restaurant… and they usually don’t charge corkage… and you can have nice wine with great food and great company!

I had a private event in June for a party of 20 that grew to 30 at the last minute. This was a dinner for people with multiple schlerosis, and the event was set up as a buffet. Unfortunately, many of the people were using walkers or in wheel chairs and a buffet was impossible. The owner, along with the waiter assigned to our party were kind enough to go around and serve each of the customers for several courses, even offering seconds. The food was wonderful and they were very accommodating for a vegan and a gluten allergy. I also had an unexpected incident which required a trip to the pharmacy, and the waiter ran a couple of blocks to the pharmacy to help me out, without me even knowing. Amazing, friendly and professional staff! I will defineltly be returning for dinner on my next trip out.

Dinner we had at This restaurant was everything great! Me and my husband will definitely come back again soon;)

Bought a bottle of wine, which ended up being sour and having too much acidity… Not acceptable for a $ 20+ bottle of wine. This has NEVER happened to me at any other wine place before, and we have lived in 10+ States over the past few years. This place obviously does not store it’s wine properly! Sorry to say that we will not be purchasing wine from this store again. Even Longs and Safeway have better quality wine!

Hands down my favorite place to buy wine! You can find GREAT wine for great prices. I love coming here for their free wine tastings – they definitely have wine tastings at every first Friday, but there have been random days of the week I’d walk in and they’d have samples of wine to try.
Whenever I don’t have any luck finding my wine of choice at Times or Tamuras, it’s almost a guarantee that I’ll find it here. They also have a small selection of sakes located in the front of the store that I’ve heard many sake fans rave about. I definitely recommend checking HASR out if you’re in the area.

A friend told me that HASR had a small collection of elite sakes. Soooo took a stroll during my lunch break to check it out…
Their entire sake collection is limited to about a dozen and a half to two dozen sakes or so, but they do have an impressive offering of top shelf sake.
I eyed out the Kubota Tokugetsu (Harvest Moon) which has the same milling rate as Kubota Manjyu but is only produced during one of the three brewing periods in a year, hence the name Harvest Moon… I love my Niigata sakes!
Also added Born (approx. $ 250/​bottle) to my wish list…
Their sake collection rates about 4 stars – 5 stars if their inventory was larger…
HASR Wine Co gets 5 stars from me because of the awesome service I received from the owner Mike. Mike sensed I took a liking to sake and went into thorough detail about their sakes. He is a wealth of information! Perhaps the most knowledgeable of any I have met in Hawaii when it comes to sake! I want to return and buy a bottle from here so I can tap Mike’s brain for more sake info!
Knowledgeable and great customer service, good inventory, good restaurant next door… what’s not to like?

I needed to pickup 2 bottles of Oregon wine to donate to a wine auction held later this month. After a long day I didn’t feel like driving to Tamura’s in Kaimuki. So I searched on Unilocal and HASR Wine Co. popped up. Located in Chinatown? Close to my home so I hopped in my car and drove here.
Located on Pauahi St. (about ½ block away from Char Hung Sut), HASR Wine Co. is tucked away behind a small patio that is next door to the main restaurant, HASR Bistro. It was First Friday so Chinatown had a lot of foot traffic and both restaurant and wine store was PACKED! As I walked into the store, there was a table that was collecting $$$ for the weekly wine tasting that they have here.
As I walked into the store immediately to the right is the cashier area. There were 2 staff standing there and I did NOT receive any greeting or smile. There were a whole bunch of people in the middle of the store with wine glasses in hand sampling so I was a bit overwhelmed. I am not a wine connoisseur so I was somewhat clueless on where to start. I just wanted 2 bottles of Oregon wine instead of looking around I ended up walking to the cashier area asking for help.
When I advised to the young man helping me what I needed, he immediately escorted me to the section of Oregon wines. I was asked how much I wanted to spend as the price ranged from $ 18 to $ 80 per bottle. It wasn’t for personal consumption or a special gift so I was looking to spend between $ 20 — $ 30 per bottle of 1 red and 1 white wine.
The young man seemed very knowledgeable of Oregon wines so he muttered something that I didn’t pay attention to as I don’t know my wines! Because the 2 bottles of red wine met my budget, I ended up getting 2 reds instead.
Overall, an average shopping experience but they could have been better with customer service here. Staff came out as snooty which I didn’t really care for.

Made a reservation for my work people for lunch. It was a cute little place which was perfect for this occasion.
Our dishes:
Shrimp spring roll crispy outside like Chinese mochi crust
Tangy eggplant soufflés melting but leaving that stingy eggplant aftermath. Crunchy cheese bite on top was interesting.
Caesar salad is mild. It looked like it was only the middles of the romaine. Nothing really green more yellow leaves. The croutons were interesting and super flakey.
Escargot with Hamakua mushrooms in a lovely cream very mild and not overwhelming garlic flavor. Not an overwhelming flavor at all. I loved the mushrooms more than the escargot.
I ordered the cioppino. Red hot crab gams hanging out beckoning to be cracked open and devoured.
Crab sandwich salty but yummy
Opah special so perfect!!!
We didn’t do drinking (work function) but I have been in the wine shop many times for BYOB at Little Village around the corner and love this little place.
The food was good and the service was nice so I would go back. Give this place another go again. :)

BEWARE OF THE SNOOTY SERVICE HERE.
I’ve been a customer here for awhile, and have always been happy with their selection of quality adult beverages. As far as the actual stuff they sell, I give them 5-​stars.
But you should be aware that when shopping here, you may have to occasionally deal with worker (s) who exude an incredibly unwelcome sense of snobbish oenophile elitism, should you happen to ask for the «wrong» type of wine.
I was in here last week with someone who asked one of the workers if they carried a particular type of wine that he particularly liked (with the intention of drinking it with our meal at HASR Bistro, next door). With a surprisingly dismissive tone of voice – that would only have been appropriate if he was donning a monocle and a handlebar mustache – he informed my friend that «we don’t stock /​supermarket/​wines».
I don’t even remember what wine he had asked for, but he wasn’t asking for a bottle of Two-​Buck Chuck or anything of similarly pedestrian quality.
Being a «geek» who is personally obsessed with finding and appreciating The Best™ things in almost all aspects of life, I can totally relate to the need for a store like HASR to uphold a standard of quality that excludes «Supermarket» quality wines. But there is a clear distinction between being a sincere connoisseur who is genuinely excited to share their discoveries with people who don’t already know about them, and a being a douchey SNOB whose first reflex is to make unenlightened people feel like idiots.
The fact that the HASR worker in question looked like he was fresh out of high-​school or college was the added insult to this proverbial injury. My friend had probably consumed more great wines in his lifetime by the time that this kid had just discovered how awesome 7 – 11 Slurpees were.
Having high standards is one thing. Being a total snob about it is quite another. Your mileage may vary at HASR Wine Co.

Never disappointed with a wine I’ve bought here.
Love the fact that you can take a bottle of wine ought here next door to HASR Bistro and they will serve it with no corkage fee.

HASR, you are so amazing.
You provide access to affordable wines and the opportunity to expand your horizons beyond the normal budget.
Of course I’m talking about the wine tastings. I have been to both the Tuesday and Friday tastings where they showcase about 6 bottles of wine with a theme. From price range to region, the presenter comes prepared with an ipad and a wealth of knowledge about each wine.
Usually the wines that are showcased are affordable, and the tasting doesn’t cost you anything if you don’t want to keep the glass. The showcased wines are also offered at a discount for that evening. My colleagues have also purchased the regularly priced wines and have told me that they have a selection that few possess.
Enjoy your newly purchased drug next door with no corkage fee at HASR bistro.
Hopefully I’ll see you there soon!

Tucked away behind a patio of umbrella’ed patio tables belonging to their adjacent similarly named restaurant (HASR Bistro), I would have never found it if I wasn’t actively looking for it! BUT I’m glad I walked in!
They have a wine tasting every Tuesday from 5−7pm and another on Fridays. Apparently each tasting centers around different themes; for example, the night I went was a California tasting of five different wines. The bottles of the wines included in the tasting are then also offered at a discounted rate for purchase that night only, and it is definitely a good deal! I got a great light but crisp 750ml bottle of cabernet sauvignon for $ 17!
In addition to the tasting experience, the store itself offers a wide variety of wines! All of the store’s staff are completely knowledgeable about the wines they have stocked. They know what questions to ask to give you the best suggestions for wines to fit your needs!

Considering I’m literally here every week, I figure it’s about time I write a formal Unilocal review.
That’s right — every single Tuesday evening, my mom and I attend the free wine tasting. I’ve gone to the Friday night one a couple times with some friends, but I like Tuesday because it’s not as crowded.
I moved to Honolulu from San Francisco knowing full well that I had been spoiled by my close proximity to Napa/​Sonoma. I didn’t have high hopes for the wine scene on the island, but I have happily been proven very wrong. HASR Wine Co. is amazing — an incredible selection of some of the best wines around the world with a fantastic and extremely knowledgeable staff. And the prices won’t break your bank either, especially if you go on a wine tasting night — they offer discounts on the wines that you get to try. There’s usually a theme every week (my favorite was the Argentinian theme because I looooove Malbec) so get on their mailing list if you want to have a preview of what they’ll be serving.
The owner, Mike, is a truly great guy. He’s a local with a wonderful sense of humor and a very likeable personality. He will wow you with his passion for, and knowledge of, all the wines in his store. Same with Sky, he’s usually the one directing the tastings. How he manages to keep all the random details about every winery and region straight, I’ll never know. But I learn something new every week!
So yes, whether you need to pick up a bottle for a special occasion or just want something to go with dinner that night, I highly recommend this wine shop. And then you can take three steps next door and eat at the bistro, owned by Mike’s wife, Terry. But that will be my next review :)

How did I not know of this hidden gem in Chinatown?! I have seriously walked by this place a million times and live right down the street! This is easily my new favorite place!
Me and two friends were out for First Friday and happened upon HASR Wine Co. Now, for first Friday you can choose between three different cups in order tog gain entry. There is a $ 3 plastic cup, $ 5 mini wine glass or a larger more expensive glass. We chose the $ 3 glass. The best part was that we were told that we can bring the cup for future first Fridays and get in free! What?! This is amazing.
Afte opening the plastic on the glass I noticed that there is a thumb groove. Ok it doesn’t take much to make me happy so free wine and a great glass made my night.
I loved sampling the wines and we even bought one of their chocolate wines.
Just a few days after my initial visit I was back for more!
I loved all the employees at HASR they at knowledgable and super customer focused. You can really tell that they have the passion for the vino!
I can see that this place is going to be bad for my wallet but how can you resist?!

TIP: If you’re going to the wine tasting on First Friday, BYOG (bring your own glass). The cover fee is waived if you bring your own glass.
Oh HASR Wine Co., how I love you so!
Stopped by HASR a few times for their wine tastings on First Fridays. I’m no wine connoisseur, but I think they have a nice selection of wines for customers to choose from. The prices are pretty fair and reasonable; quite similar to what you’d find at any drug store.
The thing that stood out the most? The employees really know their stuff! I swear I asked a dozen questions on the best brands, which goes with what food, recommendations, etc. I highly recommend seeking their advice for any questions you might have pertaining to wine.
In addition to wine, they carry a wide selection of sake and beer. Haven’t been able to check out their sake and beer collections, but I’m saving that for my next trip. ;)

Cute wine shop. Always walked by and never went in until yesterday when I came in for their wine tasting. Yesterday’s tasting was featuring Argentinian wines. yum yum!
Our sommelier was very knowledgeable and friendly. Prices were reasonable. Wouldn’t mind coming back to find a nice bottle for a nice occasion in the future.

Environment: ⁵⁄₅
Employees: ⁵⁄₅
Cost: ⁴⁄₅
Variety: ⁴⁄₅
Wine-​tasting: ⁵⁄₅
Parking: ¹⁄₅
People Traffic: 2−5÷5
Total:26−29/35
Synopsis: We’re regulars due to these main factors: employees, wine-​tasting, and Walter! Typically, my visits here were only on First Fridays, where they require you to buy a glass, and the choices of wine-​tasting is twice as much. Other then First Fridays, they have wine tasting from 5:00 — 7:00 PM. And who is here. Yours truly and another elite, Jen! I find the days that are not First Friday to be more INTIMATE. The place is a hole in a wall, tucked nicely behind opened gates. The employees are jocular, hospitable, and conversational.
Environment: When you walk in, it seems like there is a romance tint of orange/​yellow feel to it. And the way the store uses spacing makes the place look bigger than it really is. The next thing you notice is a very woody environment as the shelves holding the bottles are all made out of a nice finish wood. It even gives an earthy smell. This place can only hold 20 people without feeling claustrophobic. The bottles are nicely displayed, offering features of it such as points and where it comes from. If you come on days that are not First Friday, they offer you a wine glass to drink from.
Employees: This is my favorite part! I remember missing my ID, during a First Friday and the lady in the front told me, «Oh.I know you! You can just go right in through, but your friends. I need to see their ID.» Talk about V.I.P. I went even as far as to have my other friend get in too, without an ID. And of course when I greet the employees there, they know me by name. And I smile back. When I first started coming here on days that wasn’t First Friday, Walter (See, I remember your name) just talked to us and offered free pours! By the time the night ended, it was 10 ’til 8 PM. Oh snappp! Status: Train Wreck!
Jen: I really want to get a wine, but the choices today are out of my price range.
Me: Yea, I wouldn’t pay that much for that taste of wine. Go and find something.
Jen: *runs with Walter to find something. taking forever*
Jon 2: What is taking so long?
Me: Walter is trying to get into her Easter Basket.
Jon 2: Hahahhaha
Jen: *finally comes back*
Me: Mmhmm. HIT IT GURRLLL!
Jen: What?
Me: Oh Walter is all about your Va-​J J!
Cost: It is a really hit or miss here, depending what you want. There are times where you can get good deals, when you order 6 bottles at a time, it’s very much worth it when you find something MOUTH-​WATERING! However, Tamura’s selection is wider, and overall cheaper. So if you know your wines, I suggest the selection there.
Variety: Although they have a nice variety, overall it’s on the smaller side due to space. However, it’s location makes up for it, because there isn’t another wine store around. They switch bottles in and out, continually. I like this fact, especially since we are regulars here. However, when compared to Tamuras, it doesn’t have the variety.
Parking: We are talking about Chinatown. It is really a hit or miss. There is paid parking right around the corner, or you can find some street parking. If you do not know already, Chinatown is quite a questionable area, so if you have a nice car or a Honda Civic I would use greater discretion.
People Traffic: It really DEPENDS! On First Friday, it can be really ridiculous! Sometimes the question, «Am I in a club? Where is the music.» However, when you come on days that are no First Fridays, it is very low-​key and the attention is very, very individualized. Makes you feel quite QUEEN STATUS! Ask Jen, she knows what I am talking about!

All I can say while keeping it brief is this; what a bunch of pompous people trying to be civilized.
Customer service: zero.
Class: zero
Attitude: 10
Ego: 10+
Would I return: NOT

Ok now I have to admit I’m a wine idiot because I have no idea what’s good all I know is what I like when I taste it. But to be fair I do know I like Rieslings, Champagne, Zinfandel but that’s pretty much all I know. So when I walk in to places like this it’s great to be greeted and have a person who is so patient in helping me figure out what I want to get. and then what did I do? haha I buy some Sake but the Sake choice he helped me get was Spot On!!! it was great I loved it but of course I am no Sake expert either and all I remember is it was a Junmai Ginjo which I found is the kind I like most often.
Each time I go in to browse they are always so pleasant and helpful
I actually feel comfortable going in just to browse which this is a BIG plus to me.
Parking if you are driving to come here is typical downtown you need to find a parking lot or do a quick run in and grab which I wouldn’t recommend as it takes some time to figure out just what is good or a alternative that may be even better.