Newcomer Dunn & Sons Wine is bringing exciting new varietals to Cape Cod.
by Jennifer Sperry
Photographs by Derrick Zellmann
The idea started during the pandemic, when the governor’s executive order allowed restaurants to sell beer, wine, and cocktails to go. Dealing with staffing shortages, Erica and Adam Dunn were forced to reduce the in-person dining capacity of their restaurant, The Pheasant, on Route 6A in Dennis Village. They decided to put their extra floor space to good use by filling it with wine for takeout orders.
“We marketed wines to pair with to-go meals, and the back of the restaurant transformed into a makeshift wine shop,” recalls Adam. “Wine is a hobby of mine, and we were enjoying the process of seeking out exciting natural wines—wines from classic benchmark producers as well as from small importers and distributors, particularly organic and biodynamic producers.”
“Customers were telling us that they couldn’t find wine like ours anywhere on the Cape; sales were going really well,” continues Erica of the quick success. With the executive order set to expire, the Dunns didn’t want to give up their newly burgeoning side gig and decided to launch a dedicated wine shop.
For their retail location-to-be, they settled on the original Christmas Tree Shop building on Willow Street in Yarmouth Port, just off Route 6A. Its façade of red clapboards matches The Pheasant’s easy-to-spot look. Naming the venture Dunn & Sons—in honor of their two young boys, Leo, age 5, and Charlie, age 2—the couple opened their doors in December 2022.
The rustic-chic wood-paneled interior feels open and spacious, with display racks holding carefully curated wines from around the world. Dunn & Sons has something for everyone, from a $13 bottle of rosé for poolside sipping to a collectible Bordeaux for an expanding wine cellar. If someone comes in looking for their favorite big-name label, the staff is happy to recommend something similar based on that preference.
According to Adam, natural wines have a variety of benefits ranging from flavor to lower environmental impact to price value. Wines made in a low-intervention style tend to have a unique freshness that comes from using fewer (if any) additives and preservatives. “Wines from small producers often offer tremendous value in comparison to many of the big brands that line most package store shelves,” says the entrepreneur.
“There’s something special about knowing that the same people who grew the grapes also cared for the wine during every step of the process,” continues Adam. “They decide on pruning choices over the winter and the exact moment to pick the grapes—every decision up to and including when the wine is put in the bottle.
“It’s really rewarding to support a husband-and-wife winemaking team, for example, versus a large corporate producer,” he adds. “My favorite part is learning about the people who make our wine and following their stories.”
With two certified sommeliers on staff, Dunn & Sons always has someone knowledgeable on hand to chat about varietals and make recommendations based on personal taste or an upcoming dinner menu. Complimentary Saturday tastings, a monthly wine-themed book club, rosé parties to benefit breast cancer research, and other ticketed events round out the shop’s offerings.
“We also have a wine club, where customers receive two bottles a month curated by our sommeliers,” notes Erica. “It’s a great way to try something new and expand your wine horizons.”
Erica wanted Dunn & Sons to feel welcoming—not intimidating in any way. She enjoys seeing multiple generations come together to sample and learn about different wines. “Summers on Cape Cod are all about spending time with family,” she asserts, adding that the shop can also arrange a private tasting or private sommelier-taught class for any special occasion.
The Dunns’ enthusiasm for elevating Cape Cod’s wine options is contagious. Anyone who stops in is sure to find a new favorite to sip, with the feel-good bonus of knowing they are supporting makers who are serious about sustainable farming practices.
Dunn & Sons Fine Wine
13 Willow Street, Yarmouth Port, MA
Open daily 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
508-744-7635