Our Story is Your Story

Since 1976, the Fussell family has grown America’s native muscadine grapes to craft award-winning sweet wines. Our journey is defined by the incredible people who have enjoyed every sip and the many friends we’ve been blessed to work with along the way. Everything we do is truly a celebration of the community building this legacy with us. Grab a glass and take a look back...

Grit, Grapes, And Relentless Passion

Our story begins with historic Muscadine grapes that launched America’s wine industry in the 1500s. Early wines won awards in Paris. These same grapes even crafted the country’s first commercially produced champagne. That legacy inspired every defining moment on the path to creating the nation’s oldest and largest Muscadine winery. 

1972

Hope

David Fussell Sr. and his brother, Dan, pour their savings into planting Muscadines as a cash crop to secure their families’ future. At harvest, grape prices nose-dive, forcing the men toward a daring pivot — reviving America’s first wines.

David Fussell Sr. crushes grapes

1976

Vision

With an investment from their father, D.J. “Big D” Fussell, the brothers open Duplin Winery in Rose Hill, N.C. David recreates North Carolina's forgotten sparkling wine, described in 1853 as “the oldest and best champagne produced in America.” Duplin wines win national and international awards.

Dan Fussell uses a hydrometer to check the sugar levels of fermenting wine

1983

Crisis

Just as Duplin production explodes to 47,000 gallons, Americans begin shunning sweet wines. State taxes on wineries soar. Duplin’s fortunes collapse. The family loses their home. David sells wine for just 25 cents a gallon to make payroll.

Dan and David Fussell Sr. inspect an early grape harvest.

1996

Blessings

Sales rebound as scientists discover the superior antioxidant levels of Muscadines, empowering the next Fussell generation to spearhead unprecedented growth.

Dave Jr. and Jonathan Fussell proudly standing in the Vineyard Chapel location.

Today

A Thriving Family Legacy

David’s sons, Dave Jr. and Jonathan, realize their father’s dream. Wine production skyrockets to nearly 3 million gallons. New Duplin locations open in Florida and South Carolina. The family acquires Gatlinburg Winery in Tennessee. The fourth Fussell generation joins, continuing the Fussells’ enduring passion since the beginning.

Our Values

These timeless principles have guided us for five decades and will continue to shape our future as we share the Duplin story with the world.

  • Family

    We honor the passion and purpose passed down through generations, knowing that unity is the strength behind every bottle and every homecoming we share with you.

  • Faith

    Our faith in God fills us with a spirit of service and gratitude, guiding the Duplin team to pour honesty, respect, and integrity into everything we do.

  • Community

    Building relationships is a commitment that embraces all those who share our story — from farmers and employees to distributors, community partners and you. We foster a spirit of mutual respect and recognize all the people who help write our story.

Our Legacy, Bottled For You

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