Fresh flowers decorate a table on the patio at Dynamis ready for a private tasting group.
JONESVILLE — The long winding drive into Dynamis Estate, amid lush green fields, orchards and grape vines, sets the tone for a regal experience. Dynamis, the Yadkin Valley’s newest winery, located at 1004 Highland Dr., offers a wine tasting unlike anything else in the region.
“It’s a luxury brand, very Napa style experience,” said Jennie Hess, director of hospitality.
The winery first opened in June but the property itself has a lengthy history. The 1500-acre property, located at one of the highest peaks in Yadkin County, where Dynamis now sits was a thriving apple orchard from 1915 to 1975, Hess explained.
Hess said there were a few attempts to revive the farm in the 1980s but it largely remained just for recreation for the land owner. In 2013, Texas businessman Harry Crosby, who had ties to North Carolina, wanted to get roots back in the state for his family, said Hess. He built a family home as well as replanting 10 acres of apple and peach trees. In 2015 Crosby planted 30 acres of grape vines, for “esthetic reasons” with no plans to open a winery.
When two area wine makers experienced the grapes grown on the estate at 1,640 elevation, an idea began to germinate.
The higher elevation combined with rocky soil allowing for good drainage created “something special” so winemakers Matheson Worrell and Katy Kidd knew it needed to be shared. They approached Crosby, gave him a business plan and in 2019 Dynamis was established.
Dynamis currently offers five wines, a Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and two red blends that showcase different aspects of the estate.
“Alpha is the side of elegance of the property whereas The Mountain is the side of power,” explained Worrell.
Alpha is a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon and The Mountain is a blend of the ripest Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot grapes from the estate.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, nestled into the terrace tasting area, a member of a private wine tasting group could be heard to gasp an expletive at her first sip of The Mountain.
She apologized for the rude word, which was said in response to her favorable opinion of the wine, but Worrell replied, “that’s the reaction I like.”
The Mountain was among the 2022 NC Fine Wine winners.
A stone patio and terrace overlooking the vineyard is where the tastings take place at Dynamis. The atmosphere is one of sophistication and relaxation.
Tastings at Dynamis are by reservation only with a self-guided option for $45 per person or a guided wine tasting with one of the Dynamis team members for $55 per person.
Hess said that while reservations are required due to the limited space of the tasting area right now, she encouraged interested visitors to call if they were in the area.
“We want people to call, if we can accommodate visits we certainly will do that,” she said.
For more information about Dynamis Estate visit dynamisestatewines.com.