While touring Edna Valley, we stumbled upon the Dunites Wine Company tasting room in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. Soon we realized that we shared a lot in common with our wine philosophy: minimal sulfur, lees ageing, neutral oak usage and no fining / filtration.
Another similarity to us: Tyler and Rachel share a love story that’s centered around wine. We won’t spoil any more, so check out our full interview below to hear their story!
Interview with Startup Winemakers, Tyler and Rachel Eck
Wine Scribes: How did you get started in wine?
Tyler Eck: We both found interest in wine that led to studying Viticulture and Enology in college: Lincoln University in New Zealand for Tyler and Cal Poly SLO for Rachel.
We love NZ! One of our favorite regions. How did you two meet?
Rachel and I met at a small party that one of our mutual friends was having. We were both working in the wine industry and hit it off right away.
You’re both actively involved in the operations; how do you split up the tasks?
The tasks that we both do kind of break down on convenience. Rachel has a Viticultural background so takes the lead on farming our vineyard.
While my day job is at the winery where we make our wines, so it is easier for me to manage the daily winery tasks. We help each other out as much as possible, discuss the decisions we are making, and make final blends together. Sales are split between us.
Tell us about how you decided to start your own label?
We wanted to pursue our own vision for wines in our region. We love Rhone wines, particularly Syrah and Grenache. The varietals we work with emphasize what we feel to be the strength of the cool-climate SLO Coast and our marine influence.
Most of our favorite wines are made by vignerons who are involved in the farming and making of their wines. We feel that these wines often have personalities that are unique and singular to the place and people from where they come.
Where do you produce the wine?
Tyler’s day job is at Fess Parker Winery. We make all of our wines at their facility.
What’s your ten-year goal for Dunites Wine Company?
Hopefully we will find another vineyard or two that we can farm ourselves and continue to explore the amazing potential of the SLO Coast.
Dunites Wine Co, San Luis Obispo Coast, CA
Vintages: 9 released
Cases produced: 100 in year 1; 3,000 in 2023
Varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Albariño, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
How can people get in contact, taste or purchase bottles?
We have a tasting room in downtown SLO and also sell wine through our website, www.duniteswineco.com
Out of curiosity, what’s your favorite unique wine pairing?
Light bodied Pinot Noir and Sushi, especially any rolls or nigiri with tuna or salmon.
Besides where you are, what’s your favorite wine region?
The Northern Rhone. We love Syrah, especially the styles from the crazy terraced hillsides of this region. Tyler worked here for 1.5 years and we both visited together early in our relationship.
What are some of the biggest challenges in the wine world?
Managing cash flow, the 3-tier distribution system, insurance… There are a lot of challenges for a small winery. Growing and making wine is much more fun and simple compared to all of the computer work involved.
On the flip side, what’s the most rewarding part?
Working with my wife. I love our brainstorming sessions and think we balance each other out to become more thoughtful and proactive.
When not drinking wine, what’s your go-to beverage?
A cold beer after working hard all day is pretty great. We also enjoy a Negroni for a nightcap when we can get a sitter and go out for a date.
