Duplin’s roots trace back to the 1970s when Muscadine grapes were considered a “wonder crop,” and a large winery out of New York was paying $350 per ton for North Carolina’s native grapes. D.J. Fussell, Sr. and his two sons, David and Dan, decided to grow grapes. Within three years, the price fell to $150 per ton and the Fussells were looking for a way to salvage their livelihoods.duplin-winery-history-our-storyIn the early 1970s, the family decided to create a market for their grapes and started making wine. In-laws, grandchildren, aunts, and uncles all pitched in, helping to stomp grapes and bottle wine. While larger wineries flew their sales executives across the country in corporate jets, the Fussells traveled with their wines in a converted hog trailer. “We pulled up to this sophisticated wine distributor in Raleigh… It was the first time they had seen anyone bring them wine loaded in a hog trailer,” says David G. Fussell.Duplin Winery grew rapidly. By 1983, production levels reached 200,000 gallons per year. However, the rest of the decade would prove disastrous for the winery. Changes in tax laws and new legislation resulted in plummeting sales, and the banks took everything but the winery itself. In order to meet payrolls, equipment was sold off and David Sr. took a full-time job teaching. He lost his house and admits that during these years he often thought about quitting. His wife, Ann, kept saying, “We make the best Muscadine wines in America. Let’s give it one more day and see what happens.” The Fussells’ resilience and commitment sustained Duplin Winery until customers across the state discovered its delicious Muscadine wines and spread the word.DUPLIN-FussellsIn 2009, Duplin Winery proudly received honors normally reserved for the traditional West Coast wine belt. Duplin Winery received Impact’s Hot Brand Award and Beverage Information Group’s Fast Track Award. Both awards are given to a short list of wineries who have seen double-digit brand growth in the past 5 years. Duplin Winery’s success returned in 2010 and 2011, as they received both awards for a second year in a row.The third generation took the helm at Duplin Winery in the early 2000s. Jonathan became head of retail operations at Duplin Winery and Dave assumed the position of president and CEO. Both brothers are extremely involved in the day-to-day operations of Duplin Winery, including leading tours and tastings, or having a hand in the wine making process. This visibility helps create a sense of family and commitment to excellence apparent to all the guests who enter the winery.Today, Duplin winery has a tank capacity of over 1.4 million gallons, is the largest winery in the South, and produces the bestselling wine in North Carolina. Over 100,000 visitors experience our Rose Hill winery and production facility each year. Duplin’s award winning North Carolina wines include Magnolia, featured in Martha Stewart Living as a favorite summertime wine, Hatteras Red, a North Carolina favorite enjoyed with good ‘ol southern barbecue, and Scuppernong, the oldest wine in America.
