This old truck attracts thousands of people to Duplin Winery-Panama City Beach
One of the best things to do in Panama City Beach is stop for a selfie by the cool, vintage pick-up truck in front of Duplin Winery-Panama City Beach.
The early '60s Chevy’s matte black paint catches the Florida sun just right. Throwback houndstooth upholstery snaps tight across a bench seat where so many behinds probably bounced along bumpy, country roads, keeping pace with tic-tac riffs on Johnny Cash’s “Big River” crackling from the AM radio.
Glistening chrome hubcaps on five-slot, Rallye-style wheels clearly say someone lovingly restored this truck.
That someone is Doug Teachy, a go-to guy for projects that would normally require several artists, craftspeople and engineers.
“He Does Everything” is the job title that best describes Doug, Duplin co-owner Dave Fussell Jr. said.
Doug just shrugs and chuckles. “Jack of all trades and a professional at none.”
When Dave and team gave Doug the old truck that now draws thousands of visitors holding up cell phone cameras, Doug went right to work. He scoured his networks and the internet for parts and pieces. He polished and buffed, even hand-finishing the cab right down to sewing the bench-seat cover. Hunting down components, making them work and telling a story with his creations is nothing new to Doug.
Doug’s projects are Duplin landmarks. A fountain magically changes water into wine on Duplin’s Rose Hill, N.C., patio. Nearby, a bench for two and table were once wine barrels. Come holiday time, light twinkles through some 500 green wine bottles transformed into Christmas trees outside all Duplin Wineries.
What does Doug do in his spare time? “Tinkering,” as he humbly calls his craftsmanship. Doug turned a '78 Corvette into a dream classic for his son. Even a 108-year-old .32 revolver was not too big a job. After tirelessly seeking parts and rebuilding, Doug got the antique shooting again. He once built a 19-foot tall, eight-sided lighthouse, custom painted and equipped with a dusk-to-dawn sensor that still illuminates the light every night.
How did Doug bring the ideas, materials and construction together for all these projects? “I just thought about it and then did it,” he says.
Years of working myriad jobs — painter, mechanic and mill loader operator to name a few — combined with observing everything along the way expanded Doug’s resume. His endless curiosity reads like life inspiration.
“I love to tear stuff apart to see how it’s made and see how it works,” Doug said. “I’m not scared to do that, and I think that’s got me to where I am today.”
Duplin Winery-Panama City Beach is open Monday-Saturday. Tastings serve various wines while expert tasting guides share notes about the flavors and history of each wine.
Tastings include our famous Duplin Gourmet Muscadine Pineapple Habanero Cheese Dip, Duplin Gourmet Homemade Crackers and a full glass of wine to enjoy after your tasting.
We also offer wine flights featuring four different Duplin wines. Wine-and-cheese flights are available too! We also serve charcuterie and cheese, our famous Chef Tabatha's cheesecake, homemade fudge, and our signature Sweetzer wine slushies in lots of flavors.
