About

About Underground Wine Merchants

Underground Wine Merchants is a small wine blog created by Karina Kahale, an Hawaiian Native.

It was established with the goal of enhancing the market with information on new, high-quality libations and accessories from small independent producers.

This site is an informational hub for all things related to fine wines, spirits, beer, food, and more!

We are not your typical wine site because we offer you an alternative to the same old things that everyone else does.

About our Founder, Karina Kahale

Honolulu-born, world-toured, sommelier-trained: Karina Kahale isn’t just your average wine enthusiast. Born and raised in the sun-kissed paradise of Honolulu, her passion for life extends far beyond the shores of Hawaii. Since 2019, Karina has channeled this insatiable curiosity into Underground Wine Merchants, a platform dedicated to unearthing hidden gems and sharing the joy of wine with fellow adventurers.

But Karina’s journey began much earlier. Years of globetrotting across 20-plus countries, from the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia to the rugged landscapes of North America, fueled her thirst for new experiences and exquisite flavors. This wanderlust wasn’t limited to sights and sounds; it encompassed the intoxicating world of wine.

Her quest for knowledge led her to the prestigious ICE Sommelier Institute in Los Angeles, where she honed her skills under the tutelage of world-renowned experts. Today, Karina puts her expertise to work as a sommelier at a renowned fine-dining restaurant in Hawaii, meticulously crafting pairings that tantalize the palate and tell stories through every sip.

Karina’s passion isn’t just about finding the “best” wines; it’s about uncovering the stories behind them, the unique terroir that shapes their character, and the joy of sharing this knowledge with others. Whether it’s a dusty, sun-drenched Sangiovese from Tuscany or a crisp, minerally Sancerre from France, each bottle holds a world waiting to be explored.

So, join Karina on this delightful adventure. Together, you’ll sip your way through hidden vineyards, discover unexpected treasures, and create memories that taste like sunshine and laughter. Welcome to the world of Underground Wine Merchants, where passion meets expertise, and every bottle holds a story waiting to be uncorked.

Any questions? Email us at Hello@undergroundwinemerchants.com

Aloha, My Name is Karina and I created this website!

From cellar sip to sommelier’s guide: Wine wasn’t just a drink for me until that fateful night in 2015, swirling a glass of bold Italian Barolo in my friend’s cellar. That sip ignited a passion, and I embarked on a journey that led me to become a certified sommelier, graduating from the prestigious ICE Sommelier Institute in Los Angeles.

Since then, I’ve honed my skills, amassing over 8 years of experience in the world of wine. My expertise lies in the sun-drenched vineyards of Italy and the storied chateaux of France. I’ve walked the dusty roads of Tuscany, tasted the minerality of Sancerre, and learned the secrets of Barolo’s aging process firsthand.

My mission? To share my love for wine and guide you, my fellow enthusiasts, towards discovering hidden gems at every price point. Join me on this adventure! Dive into the world of Italian Sangiovese, explore the elegance of French Chardonnay, and let’s create memories that taste like sunshine and laughter – one sip at a time.