Like the juicy grapes they grow and the fine wines they make at their nearby vineyard, the owners of Duplin Winery knew their family-owned operation needed room to grow and breath. In an effort to spread good cheer and great wines to new customers, the cousins and business partners decided to open a new location in North Myrtle Beach's Barefoot Landing in 2015.
The result is much more than a new place to sample and purchase wines on the Grand Strand. Duplin Winery's second location provides guests with the rare opportunity to learn about the wine-making process from grape to bottle, from the stomping of the fruit to the tasting of the final product. Patrons can even take home a bottle of their Duplin Winery favorites.
Headquartered in Rose Hill, NC, the South's largest winery now has a massive, 15,000-square foot facility in the heart of one of America's most popular vacation destinations. It's a dream come true for Duplin Winery co-presidents Dave and Jonathan Fussell, whose fathers started the winery on the family farm back in 1976 and built it into an award-winning brand.
“We have dreamed of opening a location along the Grand Strand for a long time,” said Jonathan Fussell, who has helped oversee the rapid growth and expansion of the family business into a leading label that bottles more than 1.4 million gallons of wine each year. “We’re excited about bringing the laid-back North Carolina wine country experience to the beach.”
Duplin Winery is famous for its wines made from native species of grapes called muscadines and scuppernongs. Naturally sweet and perfect for making dessert and sipping wines, these unique and distinct flavors have earned the label multiple international merits and put Duplin Winery on the map. They are among the crowd favorites at the new Barefoot location.
Situated between popular attractions Alligator Adventure and the House of Blues, Duplin Winery’s wooden, farmhouse structure blends right in with the environment. A large water tank and spacious facilities make it possible for Duplin Winery to produce their vintages on-site, and patrons can tour the winery, learn about the wine-making process and, best of all, sample the good stuff.
Tasting stations are set up in the main wine room so large parties or couples can enjoy their own private tastings. Try a wide selection of Duplin's finest and take some home in Mason jars for a souvenir or a special occasion. The facility includes a restaurant and gift shop, and special weekly events include live music and tasting parties. For more information, visit www.duplinwinery.com.
Duplin Winery is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and tours are available anytime during their regular hours of operation. The Barefoot location also hosts private events, such as wedding parties and receptions and other formal affairs. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Bistro, which features locally grown and sourced produce just like its wines, and an after dinner drink at the bar. Better yet, pick up a bottle to take back to your room at Long Bay for a nightcap on your oceanfront balcony.
Wine lovers may also visit La Belle Amie Vineyards in nearby Little River. Built on 40 acres of scenic Carolina woodlands and wetlands, La Belle Amie offers tours of the property and wine tastings, as well as biweekly festivals with live music, bonfires, food and, of course, wine. A bit farther up the coast across the Carolina border, Silver Coast Winery also offers property tours and sampling sessions. Or make the 1 ½ hour drive north and experience Duplin Winery’s main vineyard for yourself. Just make sure to get a safe ride back to Long Bay Resort.
(Posted: 10/21/15)
