Fan favorites and staff picks for the best Duplin wines of 2024
Picking the best sweet wines of 2024 is kind of like choosing your favorite child. Or asking who do you like better, Mom or Dad. Chocolate or caramel? Tomato soup or a grilled cheese sandwich? You need them all.
With so many new Duplin wines out this year, naming the top 10 was such a dilemma that we ended up with 11.
How we came by the best sweet wines of 2024 involved asking Duplin fans and staff to nominate their favorites. Lots of votes came in, but some clear winners emerged. The assortment was so exciting, we thought, let’s put them all in one box for the holiday season.
The best of the best list is full of new wines like the extraordinary Huckleberry and holiday celebration classic Christmas Wine. A few good ol’ Duplin traditions make the cut, too, for instance Super Bowl party standby Sangria Red.
Get this exclusive collection of 11 wines at $18 off for a limited time. The Best of 2024 Tasting Kit also includes a tasting sheet to share with friends. And everyone can watch along in the video above as a Duplin tasting guide sips you through each remarkable wine. Scroll down for more party tips and tasting notes.
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!
Now, let's begin your wine tasting!
First Responders
First Responders White is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of firefighters, police officers, and medical professionals. This muscadine wine offers a generously sweet yet balanced flavor, embodying the selflessness and compassion of those who serve on the frontlines. With every sip, enjoy a taste that honors their courage and quick-thinking in life-saving moments. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a graceful reminder of their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.
Sweet Lily
Sweet Lily is an invigorating wine that dazzles with its lively and light fruit flavors. This refreshing white offers a crisp, fruity aroma that delights the senses, making it perfect for any occasion. With each sip, you’ll experience a delicate balance of sweetness and brightness, making it a wine to be savored slowly and enjoyed with good company. Its smooth and vibrant taste is best served chilled, ensuring every glass is as crisp and refreshing as the last. A perfect choice for any gathering.
Pink Magnolia
Pink Magnolia is a wonderfully balanced wine that showcases the best of both crisp red fruit and soft, smooth flavors. This moderately light-bodied wine is crafted using our carefully selected mid-harvest Magnolia grapes, which are then lightly blended with our signature Muscadines to create a harmonious and flavorful experience. Its delightful fruit-forward profile makes it a versatile choice for any occasion, with each sip offering a refreshing, well-rounded taste that’s both satisfying and elegant.
Pelican Red
Pelican Red is a medium-sweet red wine that offers a perfect balance of light sweetness and a delightful burst of fruit on the finish, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Crafted by Duplin Winery in honor of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, this wine celebrates not only its smooth, vibrant flavors but also the team’s unwavering dedication to the community. Each sip delivers a rich and refreshing experience, ideal for casual sipping or pairing with your favorite meal. Best enjoyed with friends and family!
Sweet Poppy
Sweet Poppy boasts a crisp, sprightly flavor that will delight your palate with its clean, refreshing taste and enticing fruity fragrance. This vibrant red wine is the perfect companion for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a lively gathering with friends or unwinding at home after a long day. Its light, fruity notes create a well-balanced experience that is best enjoyed chilled, ensuring each sip is as refreshing as the last. Sweet Poppy is sure to become a favorite for any wine lover!
Armed Forces
Crafted from America’s native muscadine grapes, grown with care on cherished family vineyards, Armed Forces Red wine is a heartfelt tribute to the bravery of veterans, active-duty personnel, and fallen U.S. service members. This bold, sweet wine is rich in flavor and character, reflecting the unwavering valor and dedication of those who have served. With every sip, you’ll experience a deep, fruit-forward taste that honors their sacrifice and commitment. A perfect wine for celebrating their enduring legacy.
Christmas Wine
Start a new holiday tradition with Duplin Winery’s festive Christmas Wine, a delightful blend of North Carolina Muscadines that captures the true taste of a Southern Christmas. This sweet, flavorful wine combines ripe berries with a hint of spice, creating a perfect holiday favorite. Whether enjoyed around the dinner table or as a cozy treat by the fire, Christmas Wine pairs beautifully with seasonal dishes and adds a touch of warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering. Best served chilled!
Evening Frost
No matter the frosty weather, gather together and celebrate with our exclusive, icy sweet holiday blush! This festive wine is a fruity tribute to family, the true treasure of the season. Raise a glass to cherished moments, and let its vibrant flavors add joy to every gathering. Perfect for holiday toasts and merry memories, this blush wine is a delightful way to embrace the spirit of the season. Join in the celebration and enjoy the warmth and cheer of this special holiday blend! Fa la la la la!
Sangria Red
Sangria Red is a vibrant and refreshing blend that brings the flavors of summer to life. Infused with notes of ripe berries and citrus, this sweet red wine is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re relaxing by the pool or hosting a lively gathering. Its bright and fruity profile is balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a delightful choice to enjoy on its own or with your favorite fruits. Serve chilled for a refreshing, flavorful sip every time!
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.”
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.
Jolly Juice
Duplin’s wine slushies, affectionately known as “Sweetzers,” offer a fun and easy way to enjoy a frozen treat at home. This delightful mix blends the rich flavors of frozen grapes and berries for a refreshing and delicious experience. To make your own Sweetzer, simply blend Jingle Juice mix with Duplin’s Evening Frost and a generous amount of ice. The result is a scrumptious, icy concoction where the flavors meld beautifully. Perfect for cooling down after a wine tasting or as a festive treat, Sweetzers are sure to impress and refresh.
