Frederic Grappe’s Dynamic Vines opens a new store in Dulwich, offering a unique selection of biodynamic wines to the public.
Dulwich: A few months back, some expert wine sellers from Bermondsey made the move to Dulwich, and we were there for their launch on Lordship Lane. It was pretty exciting to see what they had to offer.
You might have noticed Dynamic Vines if you’ve walked by the historic Spa Road Station. It’s not just a warehouse; they open up on Fridays and Saturdays for folks to come in and buy some great wines.
The success of their Bermondsey shop inspired Frederic Grappe to open this new spot in East Dulwich, where you can pop in six days a week. At the launch, Frederic shared stories from his time as a sommelier in some of Europe’s top restaurants, including working with Marco Pierre White.
His travels through Europe’s vineyards introduced him to biodynamic wine-making. This method avoids synthetic chemicals and creates a natural ecosystem, allowing the wine to truly reflect the soil it comes from. Sure, it’s more work, but the result is a wine with a unique flavor every season.
Frederic believes that biodynamic wines genuinely express their terroir and offer a unique experience for customers. He left his sommelier career to support passionate growers dedicated to this method, launching Dynamic Vines in 2005.
Now, they’re the leading importer of premium biodynamic wines in the UK. Frederic mentioned that customers can expect a selection of around 300 biodynamic wines from family-owned producers across Europe.
Dynamic Vines only imports wines from top-notch producers, many of which are featured on the best restaurant wine lists in the UK. Their new shop allows customers to enjoy these wines at retail prices without any corkage fees, plus they offer a selection of charcuterie and cheese from their neighbors at Mons.
During the launch, Frederic and his sommeliers shared fascinating stories about the wines, including how different soils affect the taste and how some growers overcame tough conditions to produce exceptional vintages. We even tasted some wines that were truly unique.
And there’s more! While they have current vintages on the shelves, there’s also a black book with older vintages for those looking to enjoy wines with a bit more age. Plus, you can buy wines for cellaring at their Bermondsey warehouse.
They use Zalto Glassware in the shop, which you can also buy for home use. The launch was a fantastic opportunity for Frederic and his team to showcase their classic wines and share their knowledge, all while enjoying some delicious cheese and charcuterie.
So, if you’re in the area, you can pop in, browse the shelves, chat with Bella Babbit about wine, and enjoy a bottle without any corkage fees while soaking in the atmosphere.
Dynamic Vines, 149 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HX. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 9:30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Prices range from £18 to £300, with most bottles between £18 and £50.
Check them out at https://www.dynamicvines.com
