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

A gust of coastal California vitality, the Dunites ‘Hi Kite’ Syrah-Grenache captures the essence of wind, sea, and creative freedom in every glass. Born from the rugged, windswept dunes of San Luis Obispo County, this wine channels the spirit of the 1930s Dunites, artists, philosophers, and free-thinkers who lived simply amid the sand and sea. Tyler and Rachel Eck translate that same untamed beauty into a red blend that’s unmanipulated, expressive, and unmistakably of its place: vibrant, soulful, and effortlessly graceful.

Product Details:

• Blend: 75% Syrah, 25% Grenache
• Fermentation: Native yeast
• Whole Cluster Inclusion: 25%
• Aging: 10 months in neutral French oak puncheons
• Fining/Filtration: Unfined & unfiltered
• SO₂ Use: Minimal effective SO₂ at bottling
• Farming: Sustainably farmed vineyards
• ABV: 13.5%

Sensory Description:

Brilliant ruby in color, Hi Kite opens with aromas of blue fruits, cracked pepper, and a hint of wild herbs lifted by ocean air. The Syrah imparts earthy undertones and floral nuance, while the Grenache adds a burst of ripe red plum and a silky, mid-palate elegance. Bright acidity and finely woven tannins create a seamless balance, finishing with coastal minerality and a whisper of spice. Each sip feels like standing atop sun-warmed dunes after the rain, fresh, invigorating, and alive with texture and tension.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Tyler and Rachel Eck, Dunites Wine Company honors both the past and the evolving identity of California’s Central Coast. Their inspiration stems from the original Dunites, San Luis Obispo’s bohemian visionaries of the 1930s, whose philosophy of simplicity, community, and self-expression mirrors the couple’s winemaking ethos. Tyler, a UCSB graduate and now winemaker at Fess Parker Winery, brings global expertise and precision, while Rachel, a Cal Poly SLO alum and vineyard manager, ensures each site thrives through sustainable and organic practices. Together, they produce wines that celebrate purity of fruit, native fermentations, and a deep respect for nature’s rhythm.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled at 58–62°F to highlight its aromatic lift and coastal freshness. Decant for 30 minutes to open the savory depth of the Syrah and the floral brightness of the Grenache. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb skewers, roast duck with plum glaze, or mushroom risotto. For a lighter match, enjoy it alongside Mediterranean mezze, charcuterie, or aged cheeses, dishes that complement its energy and elegance.

Radiant, soulful, and effortlessly balanced, the Dunites ‘Hi Kite’ Syrah-Grenache is a testament to coastal terroir and creative harmony, a red wine that soars as high as its name suggests.