Holotype wine uniquely embodies the essence of the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). With a focus on sourcing local grapes that represent the region and showcasing native flora and fauna on its labels, wine grower Scott Albert has created a one-of-a-kind wine experence which truly captures the spirit of the Shawnee Hills.

THE HOLOTYPE PROJECT

Founded in 2016, The Holotype Wine Co. aims to fill a void within the midwest wine and restaurant industry by vinting serious, food-driven wines. These wines are 100% grown in the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area, a remnant extension of the Ozark plateau in southern Illinois. Dominated by national forest, rocky canyons, and dry ridgelines; wines grown here express subtleties which are not so common east of the Rockies. Holotype wine is a liquid projection of this landscape.

Mission

The Holotype Wine Co. aims to craft exceptional, terroir driven wines which reflect the biodiversity of the Shawnee Hills AVA. Through sustainable practices and deep respect for nature, we strive to create an authentic and incomparable wine experience.

Vision

Wine is an expression of a place, and place is a key factor in growing captivating wines. Every drop of juice extracted has filtered through our limestone soils and ripened in our sunlight. The concept of Holotype is to take this breathtaking landscape and put it in wine glasses near and far. To highlight our place, each wine template is represented by a species native to the Shawnee Hills.

People

  • Owner, founder, wine grower

    Scott is passionate about crafting wines that reflect the unique character of their terroir. He spent years exploring the Shawnee Hills, studying the regional geology, climate, and native flora and fauna. Today, he sources grapes from carefully selected vineyards that exemplify terroir. Scott employs sustainable farming practices to ensure his wines are a true expressions of the land. With a deep respect for nature and a commitment to quality, Scott is dedicated to capturing the beauty of the Shawnee Hills through exceptional wines.

    In addition to his work at The Holotype Wine Co, Scott is also the head winemaker for Kite Hill Vineyards and a sought-after collaborator with other local and regional wineries. He brings his expertise and passion for viticulture and expressive winemaking to each project he undertakes. Outside of winemaking, Scott is an avid hiker and observer of the natural world, always seeking inspiration and insight from the landscape around him. This deep connection to nature informs his winemaking philosophy and drives his commitment to creating wines that reflect the uncommon aspects and matchless wonder of the Shawnee Hills.

  • Gena Albert, co-owner of The Holotype Wine Co., is a dedicated and passionate individual who is deeply interested in both nature and wine. In addition to working full-time at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Gena enjoys spending her free time reading, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors with her family and their beloved dog, Bigfoot. Her love of nature has informed her work at Holotype, where she and her husband Scott have crafted exceptional wines that express the unique terroir of the Shawnee Hills. With her keen eye for detail and deep appreciation for the natural world, Gena is a key contributor to the success of Holotype.