In my never-ending quest to bring you, the great folks of Bakersfield, fresh and vibrant wines that over-deliver for the price I stumbled across Dunites Wine Company.

The San Luis Obispo based operation draw their inspiration from an eclectic group of 1930s metropolitan refugees, who settled in the beach dunes of Oceano. This eclectic group of Bohemians philosophized, lived, and expressed themselves freely setting the basis for what Dunites translates into their winemaking process.

Sourcing from premier vineyards nestled within the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA, Dunites goal is to produce pure and elegant wines that respect the coastal influence.

These are wines that tell a story, and I am extremely excited about what more is to come from this invigorating winery. For those who are fans of Santa Barbara County, I would implore you to start trying the wines from SLO Coast. Their delicate styles and fresh fruit resonate with those being produced in the SBC right now.

For those used to the traditional Paso Robles wines this may be step in a different direction, but one I think you should make. The Central Coast is a hot bed of incredibly talented winemakers, new wineries, and a rise in the quality being produced out there. Just 5-years-ago this region was seen just as ‘Paso Robles.’ As time has gone by the consumer is beginning to take in the sub-regions that make the Central Coast California’s most unique wine growing region.

I am incredibly passionate about the wines from SLO Coast as I feel they have a local connection to all of us in the Valley due to the beach towns like Avila and Pismo that neighbor the vineyards of the SLO Coast AVA. For the time being the two wines highlighted below are the sole ‘SLO Coast’ wines I have in house, but expect that to be changing soon.

2023 Dunites Wine Company Dune Song San Luis Obispo County Grenache: $29.99

“A cooler-climate example of this variety, which is often described as “heat loving.” Grenache thrives in the shallow soils that are abundant in granite rocks at this hillside site. The cooling influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean contributes to an extended hang time where the grapes ripen slowly while developing complex flavors without producing wines of excessive alcohol. Partial whole cluster vinification, native yeasts, and aging in 500-liter neutral French oak puncheon were all employed to ensure purity and balance. The finished wine is juicy with ripe berry and plum flavors and brightened by lively acidity and a saline finish with subtle, firm tannins.”

2022 Dunites Wine Company Syrah-Grenache: $34.91

“Juicy blue fruit, damp earth, and floral aromatics are lent to this wine from the Syrah. While Grenache contributes red plum flavors and a fleshiness to the mid palate, adding brightness to the brooding character of Syrah. Subtle, but firm tannins and cool-climate acidity lead to a mouth-watering finish.”