Get free shipping plus a huge discount on fall's best wine party kit
The countdown to cool, crisp fall days has begun. Fall officially starts September 22 in 2024. And there's no better way to survive August's scorching days than planning your leaf-peeping, s'mores-making and pumpkin patch visits right now while you get free shipping and $30 off the new Fall into Autumn Duplin Winery party kit full of 8 must-have sweet wines and fixings for mulled wine.
We put every essential fall wine in this package delivered to your door for free. You get the cozy, subtle spice of Pum'kin, which is only available in autumn. We also included premium Queen Anne's Revenge, our best red, rich with a complex finish. Fizzy Orange Blossom is perfect for Halloween parties, another way to take advantage of this kit. Duplin Mulling Spices, Muscadine Cider and various red wines, like our Top 5 fan-favorite wine Black River Red and earthy Blackberry are in there, too.
Gather around the firepit and host a first day of fall wine tasting. The first day of fall is on a Sunday this year. This kit also works for tailgating fun, even if you're watching the game in your living room. Outdoor movie nights, friendly pumpkin-carving contents, Friendsgiving, pie-tastings and wreath-making parties are all good reasons to stock up on this kit, which includes a tasting sheet so everyone can score their favorite wines. Stashing one of these kits away for Thanksgiving or Black Friday is not a bad idea either. Hurry! This sale ends September 23, the day after fall begins.
How to taste wine like a Duplin pro
See. Swirl. Sniff. Sip. Savor. Use this 5-step system for each wine on the tasting sheet included in your kit. Here's how.
See: First, hold a glass of wine up to a light and look at the color. It will allude to the variety of grapes used and what the wine will taste like. Is it Scuppernong? Nobel? Carlos? Another? Color also indicates flavor. A bright, saturated hue often means a more intense flavor. See if you can guess the grape and flavor before you sip.
Swirl: Consider the wine's body next. Swirl the wine in your glass to determine if it is light or heavy. You're looking for the viscous streaks running down the side of the glass after you swirl. They're called "legs." Sweeter wines will leave streaks to cling or move slowly. That means a heavier body.
Sniff: After you swirl, really dip your nose into the glass and inhale the aroma, which wine pros call the "bouquet" or "nose." Pausing to experience the bouquet heightens your senses and anticipation of the first sip. Think about what you are smelling. Is it fruity? What kind of fruit? Berries? Ripe banana? Musky honeydew melon? Pure grape? Are you getting floral notes like honeysuckle or gardenia? See if you pick up unexpected smells like pine or fall leaves. Describe the bouquet and discuss it.
Sip: Take a sip slightly larger than normal and hold the wine in your mouth for 3-5 seconds. Let the wine coat the tongue and the inside of your mouth. Wine releases more flavors as it warms on your taste buds. Before swallowing, purse your lips and breathe in gently, allowing the air to travel across the wine in your mouth to get the full flavor profile.
Do the flavors you're experiencing match the wine's nose? When and where are you tasting those flavors? Are you getting, say, banana bread on the first sip and then astringency or acidity at the end, which is called "the finish." Where do flavors hit you? On the tongue? On the side of your mouth.
Think back to the wine's body. Compare the texture of different wines, how they feel in your mouth. Light as water or heavier, like the texture of sweet iced tea? If you're sampling a sparkling wine, do the bubbles feel fine or medium in size. Compare your experience to the wine's description and see if it matches.
Savor: As you continue sipping, note how the sensation is slightly different from what you experienced when the wine was resting in your mouth on the first sip. This is the point when you taste and feel the wine's finish. As you continue tasting, note how the wine pairs with the Duplin Gourmet crackers and Muscadine Pineapple Habenero dip. See which wine you like best with those snacks and others you may be enjoying during your at-home or virtual tasting. Cheers!
Gather your friends and either follow along with the wine tasting video or take on the role of bartender for your own tasting experience using the notes provided below.
Mothervine
Mothervine wine is a tribute to America’s oldest cultivated grapevine, the Mother Vine, which has roots dating back to the 1500s on Roanoke Island. This sweet, muscadine wine offers a rich and fruity flavor profile, marked by notes of ripe berries and a hint of wild grapes. The Mothervine wine celebrates the heritage and tradition of North Carolina winemaking, capturing the essence of its historic vineyard with each sip. Perfect for those who appreciate a sweet and flavorful wine with a touch of history.
Bald Head Red
Bald Head Red wine is a delightful, semi-sweet blend crafted from native North Carolina muscadine grapes. Known for its vibrant hue, this wine offers a lush, floral and fruity profile with notes of ripe berries. Named after the scenic Bald Head Island, this wine embodies the coastal charm and relaxed atmosphere of its namesake. The Bald Head Red is perfect for casual sipping or pairing with a variety of dishes, celebrating the rich winemaking tradition of Duplin Winery with each refreshing glass.
Orange Blossom
This finely carbonated wine dazzles with refreshingly juicy citrus notes and a light marmalade sweetness. Its elegance makes it perfect for special seafood dinners, such as grilled snapper or crab-stuffed shrimp, while its playful nature also complements casual fare like cold, leftover pizza and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The versatility of this wine allows it to shine in both sophisticated and relaxed settings, offering a delightful experience regardless of the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a refined dinner or indulging in a laid-back snack, this wine provides a sparkling and enjoyable pairing that elevates any meal.
Queen Anne's Revenge
Blackbeard, the notorious pirate of the Carolina shores, left an indelible mark on history. As you pour a glass of Duplin Winery’s Queen Anne’s Revenge, you can almost hear the creaking timbers of his legendary flagship. This bold, semi-sweet red wine, crafted from the muscadine grape variety Nobel, offers a slightly tart finish. Produced just once a year through a unique process where grapes are fermented on the skins in outdoor tanks, exposed to Mother Nature’s fluctuating temperatures, this wine’s complexity is truly unparalleled.
Black River Red
Black River Red is a sweet and mellow red wine crafted from a delightful blend of late-harvest muscadines. Released in 2007, it quickly gained popularity among Duplin wine enthusiasts for its smooth, approachable flavor and lower alcohol content, reminiscent of an adult version of grape juice. This charming wine offers a rich taste that appeals to a wide range of palates. Named after the picturesque Black River, which begins in Sampson County and flows through Bladen County to Wilmington, Black River Red captures the essence of North Carolina’s natural beauty, making it a perfect choice for relaxed gatherings and special occasions.
Sweet Caroline
The ruby-hued Sweet Caroline is the sweetest of our sweet wines, blending Pink Catawba and Niagara grapes for a velvety start and a floral finish. This wine embodies the essence of Southern hospitality, making it perfect for lingering after dinner. Its smooth and luscious profile makes it an ideal companion for desserts. Try it with a slice of Chef Tabatha’s Famous Cheesecake for an unforgettable pairing. The sweet and floral notes of Sweet Caroline complement the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake, creating a delightful end to any meal. Enjoy the warmth and charm of the South in every sip.
Huckleberry
So bright-berry extraordinary. Sweet like late summer’s precious, fleeting days. Sips and slow dances shared at sunset. Spontaneous top-down drives to weekend adventures. That last family cookout in September. Then easing smoothly into fall’s cool embrace. Iced down and refreshingly ripe for tailgate fun. A trusty companion tucked away in your leaf-peeping backpack. Always ready for cozy fire pit snuggles and indulging in holiday dreams. Pick the place. Name the time. This wine will be there for you. Every juicy sip whispers, “I’m your Huckleberry.”
Pum'kin
Pum’kin wine features a crisp start that seamlessly transitions into a smooth, cozy spice, instantly invoking the essence of fall. This exceptional blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg pairs beautifully with tailgate snack platters filled with smoked meats, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers. It’s also delightful alongside nut-coated cheese balls or tender short ribs served over creamy whipped sweet potatoes. For a flavorful twist, pull a sizzling steak off the heat and deglaze the skillet with a splash of Pum’kin, creating a rich pan sauce that your family will request time and again, perfect for memorable meals.
Muscadine Cider
Muscadine Cider is a unique, alcohol-free beverage that stands out as it does not undergo fermentation. Instead, this delightful cider is crafted from fresh noble grapes that are cold-treated and pasteurized, preserving their natural flavors. With its refreshing taste, Duplin’s Muscadine Cider delivers an old-fashioned cider experience without the alcohol. This charming drink is perfect for all ages and occasions, making it a great choice for family gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on a warm day. Experience the rich, fruity essence of muscadine grapes with every sip of this delicious and invigorating cider.
Mulling Spices
This expertly crafted spice kit is designed to pair beautifully with a sweet Muscadine red wine and Muscadine Cider, enhancing their flavors for a delightful experience. Or take your spiced with a new level and substitute the red wine with Pum'kin! Each kit comes with a recipe printed on the front of the spice packet, guiding you to create a warm, seasonal treat that will impress your guests and elevate your gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this spice kit adds a touch of warmth and festivity to your favorite Duplin wines. Discover the perfect blend of spices and flavors that will make your drinks truly memorable!
