Heading out from Greensboro we stopped off at Duplin Winery and Vineyard, the oldest and largest winery in North Carolina. Traveling on I 40 South out of Raleigh, the winery is hard to miss. A series of high quality billboards point the way along I40 and the directions are well marked off the interstate as well. In addition to Duplin Wine Cellars, Rose Hill is also home to the “World’s Largest Frying Pan.”
The winery is located on the main highway running through Rose Hill and is housed in a very charming setting. Once inside it feels as though you have entered the establishment of an old friend. In addition to the tasting room,
We were greeted by a very friendly young woman who is one of the family members that owns Duplin Wine Cellars. I was then introduced to Dave Fussell, the CEO of the winery and son of one of the founders. As luck would have it, Mr. Fussell had stopped in to have lunch at the winery’s bistro and was kind enough to postpone his lunch plans to spend time speaking with me. A true family affair, the bistro’s chef is William Fussell.
http://www.duplinwinery.com/index.php?page=the-bistro
Dave’s father and uncle began the winery after planting a vineyard with muscadine grapes for a venture set up by the State to supply grapes to a large winery in the east. When the prices dropped to a point that would not produce a profit and the eastern winery’s production slowed, the two brothers decided to start a winery of their own. Unfortunately they lacked a building to house their idea. Their father, Dave’s grandfather, stepped in and sold the two a building he had available. The winery is still located in that very building, though there have been many renovations and additions over the years. As I understand, Dave’s grandfather still mentions regularly that you should never lend children money or buildings because he claims his sons have yet to pay him back. Truth of the matter is that Dave’s grandfather, at 91, is also very active in the winery.
Today the Fussell family has the ability to produce over 1 million gallons of wine, have over 43 family growers planting on over 1200 acres of vineyards that includes their own 50 some acres. Duplin’s specialty for which they are famous is sweet, primarily muscadine wines. In addition, however, they offer many more varieties including whites, specialties, fruit, and cider, alcohol free and champagne.
The tasting room is very large and seats over 10 and a similar size bar located in the Dinner Theater. Tastings are free, wine is sold by the glass, and in addition to the Bistro, some snack foods, like cheese and crackers are available.
As we departed we could truly say that Duplin might be the largest winery in the south by the operation is all family and friendly; like an old time general store. Any visit to or from the coast must include a stop at this winery. It is also a wonderful destination if you are just out for a weekend wine experience. When you stop by, please do not forget to tell them that The Weekend Winers asked you to drop in.
Visit our facebook pages for the complete Duplin Winery album.
Duplin Winery
505 N. Sycamore St.
Rose Hill, NC 28458
1-800-774-9634
Duplin Winery & Retail Room Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday & Friday
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Closed Sunday.
Free Tours
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Sunday.
Free Tastings
Monday - Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed Sunday
The Bistro at Duplin Winery
Lunch
11.30am - 2.00pm
Monday - Saturday
Dinner
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Thursday through Saturday
Reservations encouraged. Please call 910.289.4046.
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