CNN iReport

Duplin, the largest and oldest winery in the South and producers of America’s premier Muscadine wines, has been named the official wine of the North Carolina Barbecue Society.  Duplin Winery’s wines have long been considered the perfect complement to North Carolina’s culinary staple – Barbecue!

North Carolina has a rich history in agriculture and southern tradition.  Duplin Winery has played a key role in maintaining the livelihood of both and teaching others about North Carolina wine and agriculture.  The North Carolina Barbecue Society has consistently promoted North Carolina Barbecue as the best there is and this year Duplin Winery is proud to be named the Official Eastern North Carolina Wine of the North Carolina Barbecue Society.

“It’s a natural fit.  Our wines are cool, sweet, and easy and perfectly paired with traditional Carolina barbecue.  This has been recognized by food critics, as well as the people who enjoy our southern cuisine daily.  It is great to play a positive role in promoting North Carolina and stand beside the mission and goals of the North Carolina Barbecue Society,” Jonathan Fussell, President of Retail Sales, Duplin Winery.

Duplin Winery stands alongside national brands in their official capacity for the NCBS, such as Anheuser-Busch Companies/Budweiser, Ford Motor Company, and PepsiCo.  NCBS has selected outstanding products as its official product representations and Duplin Winery stands proud among this company.  “As the largest North Carolina winery, this opportunity is a great way to represent North Carolina on the national culinary stage,” Jonathan Fussell.

The North Carolina Barbecue Society will feature all of its official sponsors at each of its events held throughout the year and each sponsor will be donating product and support.  The mission of the North Carolina Barbecue Society is to preserve North Carolina’s Barbecue history and culture and to secure North Carolina’s rightful place as the Barbecue Capital of the World.  In addition, the NCBS offers Barbecue Boot Camps for teens through adults in an effort to educate, provide a viable skill set, and provide a positive avenue for building confidence.

About Duplin Winery
Duplin Winery is the oldest and largest winery in the South and jump-started North Carolina’s burgeoning wine industry. This year Duplin Winery received two industry recognition awards, Impact Hot Brand and Beverage Information Group’s Fast Track Brand Award. Duplin Winery is the first winery to receive these awards outside of the traditional west coast and European winemaking regions. Duplin Winery offers free daily tours and tastings of their award-winning Muscadine wines. Muscadine wines, both red and white contain ten times the resveratrol found in ordinary red wines. Duplin Winery currently sees 100,000 visitors annually and has a state-of-the-art production facility with a 1,000,000 gallon tank capacity. For more information about Duplin Winery, events, news, and wine releases, please visit www.duplinwinery.com.

About the North Carolina Barbecue Society (NCBS)
North Carolina is not only First in Flight, but also the “Cradle of ’Cue.” We have long claimed the former, but have been remiss in establishing the latter. It is time we step up as a state and rightfully claim what many of us have known for a long time that North Carolina originated barbecue (it’s a Noun), we produce the BEST and we are the Barbecue Capital of the World.  For more information about NCBS, its mission, latest news, and programs, please visit http://www.ncbbqsociety.com