- Attraction: Duplin Winery
- Location: 505 North Sycamore Street, Rose Hill, NC 28458
- Industry: Winery
- Website: https://www.duplinwinery.com/
Two brothers sat rocking on their porch in the early 1970s, dreaming of ways to provide for their families.
Fast-forward to today, and their wildest dreams have become North Carolina’s sweetest success story.
David and Dan Fussell started with muscadine grapes and mason jars from the local hardware store, launching what would become the South’s oldest and largest winery in 1976.
What began as a desperate attempt to salvage their grape harvest has blossomed into a destination that produces nearly 450,000 cases annually and attracts visitors from across the country to this charming small town just off I-40.
Wine Tastings & Tours That Tell A Story
Classic Wine Tasting Experience: Your $18 tasting includes sampling at least eight preselected Duplin wines while knowledgeable guides walk you through the flavors and fascinating family history behind each bottle.
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Keep Exploring →Wine Flights for Quick Sips: Short on time? The four-wine flight for $24 lets you choose your favorites, or upgrade to the wine and cheese flight for $32.
These smaller tastings give you a perfect introduction to Duplin’s award-winning varietals without the full commitment.
Behind-the-Scenes Winery Tours: Take a 30-minute journey through the largest wine production facility on the East Coast for $25.
Signature Muscadine Varieties: Duplin specializes in America’s native grape, with standouts like Hatteras Red (their bestseller with perfect sweetness and fruitiness), Scuppernong Blush (containing 74.45 parts per million of resveratrol), and their playful Cotton Candy wine series in Original, Blueberry, Lime, and Peach flavors.
The Bistro & Dining Experience
Chef’s Daily Specials: The Bistro elevates your winery visit with locally-sourced North Carolina flavors designed to pair perfectly with Duplin wines.
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Discover MoreDaily featured entrées might include Crispy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with perfectly seasoned chicken breast, Fish & Chips with fried flounder and homemade chips, or Hamburger Steak served over garlic mashed potatoes with rich brown gravy.
Sweet Endings: Chef Tabatha’s homemade cheesecakes have become legendary, with rotating flavors like Orange Cream Cheesecake Cake and Birthday Cake Cheesecake that provide the perfect sweet finish to your meal. The desserts pair beautifully with Duplin’s dessert wines.
Wine-Forward Menu: Every dish is crafted to complement Duplin’s sweet wine portfolio, creating flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere. The southern-inspired cuisine celebrates local ingredients while highlighting how food and wine can enhance each other.
Atmosphere & Southern Hospitality
Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comfort: The winery’s rustic exterior disguises one of North Carolina’s most popular wine destinations. Inside, you’ll find a sophisticated tasting room and retail store filled with wine accessories and specialty boutique items, all maintained with that genuine southern hospitality the Fussell family is known for.
Relaxing Courtyard Setting: The outdoor courtyard provides a peaceful space to savor your wine selections surrounded by the beautiful Rose Hill countryside. Live music enhances the atmosphere on weekends, creating the perfect backdrop for unwinding with friends or romantic moments.
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Keep Exploring →Family Legacy Atmosphere: You’ll feel the warmth of this multigenerational family business throughout your visit. The current generation, Dave Fussell Jr. and Jonathan Fussell, maintain the welcoming environment their fathers created while adding modern touches that enhance the experience.
Gift Shop & Boutique: Beyond wine, you’ll discover carefully curated items that capture the essence of southern living, from wine accessories to local artisan goods that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: Wine tastings at $18 offer exceptional value considering you sample eight wines, receive educational content, enjoy gourmet accompaniments, and take home a souvenir glass plus a complimentary wine. Tour packages at $25 provide behind-the-scenes access rarely offered at wineries this size.
Compared to Napa Valley or other premium wine regions, Duplin delivers outstanding quality and experience at accessible prices.
No Reservations Needed: Unlike many wineries that require advance booking, Duplin welcomes walk-ins for tastings throughout their operating hours. Large groups are encouraged to make reservations, but the casual, come-as-you-are approach reflects their southern hospitality philosophy.
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Discover MorePerfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a wine novice or connoisseur, Duplin’s sweet muscadine wines offer an approachable entry point into wine appreciation.
The educational component helps you understand what makes these native North Carolina grapes special without intimidating wine snobbery.
Health Benefits Story: Learning about muscadine grapes’ exceptional resveratrol content adds an interesting health angle to your tasting. Duplin’s wines contain significantly higher levels of heart-healthy antioxidants than traditional European varietals, making your indulgence feel almost virtuous.
Wedding & Event Venue: The Chapel and vineyard spaces accommodate 150+ guests for weddings and special events, offering southern elegance with convenient catering through The Bistro. The venue’s natural beauty requires minimal decoration.
Easy Highway Access: Located just off I-40 at Exit 380, Duplin provides convenient access for travelers exploring eastern North Carolina or heading to the coast. The location makes it an ideal stop for day trips or weekend getaways.
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Keep Exploring →Duplin Winery
📍 505 North Sycamore Street, Rose Hill, NC 28458
