Dunites 'Hi Kite' Syrah - Grenache, San Luis Obispo County, California

A bright gust of coastal California energy, Dunites 'Hi Kite' Syrah-Grenache feels like the kind of wine that could only be born from wild landscapes and free-thinking minds. Crafted along the windswept San Luis Obispo coast, this is a red that moves with lifted freshness, ocean-kissed fruit, and the kind of quiet confidence that comes from being truly rooted in place. Tyler and Rachel Eck channel the renegade spirit of the 1930s Dunites—artists, philosophers, and nonconformists who lived simply in the dunes of SLO—into wines that are unmanipulated, terroir-driven, and above all, deeply delicious. 'Hi Kite' captures this ethos in a bottle: energetic, graceful, and untethered.

Product Details

• 75% Syrah, 25% Grenache
• San Luis Obispo County, California
• Native yeast fermentation
• 25% whole cluster inclusion
• Aged 10 months in neutral French oak puncheon
• Unfined & unfiltered
• Minimal effective SO2 at bottling
• Sustainably farmed vineyards
• 13.5% ABV

Sensory Experience

A shimmering ruby core leads into lifted aromatics of juicy blue fruits, cracked pepper, and a whisper of wild herbs carried on coastal breezes. The Syrah lends its earthy depth and floral top notes, while the Grenache brightens the mid-palate with fleshy red plum and a supple, almost airy texture. The balance is striking — subtle but structured tannins meet cool-climate acidity, guiding this wine to a mouthwatering, mineral-driven finish. Every sip feels like a walk through wind-swept dunes after a rain — fresh, clean, and brimming with life.

Winemaker Background

Founded by husband-and-wife team Tyler and Rachel Eck, Dunites Wine Company is rooted in both reverence for the past and a progressive vision for California’s Central Coast. Inspired by the free-spirited Dunites of San Luis Obispo—artists and nonconformists of the 1930s—Tyler and Rachel apply a traditional, minimal-intervention approach in the cellar. Tyler, a UCSB graduate turned globe-trotting winemaker, now also helms winemaking at Fess Parker Winery. Rachel, a Cal Poly SLO alum, works as a vineyard manager and pest control advisor, ensuring sustainable farming practices in all vineyard sites. Together, their work champions organic farming, native yeast fermentations, whole-cluster inclusion, and neutral oak aging — producing wines that are honest reflections of their coastal origins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled, around 58-62°F, to amplify its refreshing acidity and floral aromatics. Decant for 30 minutes to allow the subtle earthy tones to unfurl. This is an incredibly versatile food wine — pair it with grilled lamb skewers, roasted duck with plum sauce, or mushroom risotto. Its vibrant acidity and textural grace also shine alongside Mediterranean mezze spreads or charcuterie boards featuring aged cheeses and savory tapenade.