Faces of Elkin: Dustin Gentry

As the winemaker at Piccione Vineyards, Dustin Gentry has a hand in one of the industries that helps make the Yadkin Valley special. But his connection to Elkin goes much deeper than his work in local wine. For Dustin, Elkin has always been home.

Born and raised here, Dustin spent 15 years away before finding his way back to the town where he grew up, this time to raise a family of his own.

After years away, he returned to a community that had grown and evolved while still holding onto the qualities that made it special in the first place.

Coming Home to Elkin

Dustin’s connection to Elkin began long before he made the decision to move back. Growing up here gave him an appreciation for the small-town atmosphere and close-knit community that he would eventually choose for his own family.

“I’ve lived here most of my life, and I’ve watched us evolve, but that core spirit never changes,” Dustin said.

Today, he describes Elkin as a welcoming, peaceful place to raise a family, where people look out for one another and take pride in the town they call home.

A Community That Shows Up

For Dustin, what truly sets Elkin apart is its people. He sees a community that cares deeply about its neighbors and local history while continuing to welcome newcomers.

That community spirit is especially visible when there is work to be done or something worth celebrating. From volunteers building miles of local hiking trails and rallying around the restoration of the historic Reeves Theater to crowds filling downtown for festivals, Dustin says people in Elkin genuinely show up for one another.

“The second you show up, whether you’re a new face or just visiting, people instantly treat you like an old friend,” he said. “It’s just that kind of place where everyone is genuinely in it together.”

Growing Up and Making Memories

Many of Dustin’s favorite Elkin memories are tied to places that have remained part of his life through different seasons.

As a child, he remembers going to the Reeves to watch movies. Years later, Elkin became the backdrop for another special memory when he took his now-wife to Fruition for their first date.

Today, some of his favorite local spots include Harry’s Place for a burger and Embers Electric Pub and The Railyard for food, live music and good company.

Celebrating Elkin

Local events are another big part of what Dustin loves about his hometown. Among his favorites are the Big Elkin Brrrfest, Milltown Get Down, West Side Revival and the annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival.

These events showcase many of the things he believes make Elkin unique: nature, local arts, wine culture and a community that genuinely cares about making the town a better place.

The Heart of Elkin

After growing up here, spending 15 years away and ultimately choosing to return, Dustin has watched Elkin change while maintaining the sense of community he remembers.

He describes the people of Elkin as “deeply community-minded, progressive and fiercely proud” of their town. That shared pride, along with a willingness to get involved and keep moving the community forward, is what he believes keeps Elkin vibrant.

And after everything Dustin has experienced here, how would he describe Elkin in just one word?

“Fabulous.”