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Cheers to Murphy: A wine honoring the best friends in our lives
We were blessed in 1991 when Dave asked Jonathan Murphy, one of his best friends, to help him at the winery for what Dave promised would be only one summer. Thank goodness, “Murphy,” as everyone knew him, stuck around for 32 years.
No matter the job, Murphy did it: wine making, bottling, tastings, hours of tending vines, meeting with distributors, taking time to help growers and traveling hundreds of miles to pour Duplin wine at events.
During harvest season, he drove forklifts carrying heavy pallets of grapes so fast and with such precision it was like watching NASCAR.
Murphy was the person you called when you had a problem. And we called him a lot. Most importantly, he was a mentor, companion and friend to the entire Duplin family and his Rose Hill, N.C., hometown.
Purpose & Love
When Duplin bottled its 100,000th case of wine, Murphy led the team. Yet, he wanted no credit. Instead, Murphy insisted the Fussell family sign the milestone package. That’s who he was. Murphy oversaw much of Duplin’s philanthropic work, including special-edition wines and organizing community service. His kindness, wisdom and many years of strong faith extended to all parts of his life. Murphy served on the Rose Hill town board, working to better the community he cherished. Especially close to Murphy’s heart was fostering children in need, including his beloved son, Javion.
All of that is why we created a blend of muscadine and Niagara grapes into a wine we named Murphy. With a whisper of Southern peach, this limited-edition red is gracious and thoughtful, with that special something extra, just like Murphy.
In honor of his memory, part of the proceeds from the sale of Murphy will go to the cause he loved so dearly, supporting foster kids and the families who care for them.
Jonathan Murphy passed in 2023, but his quiet strength and boundless generosity still resonate throughout Duplin Winery. He was the constant, steady hand and kind heart that made us all better. With every glass of "Murphy" wine, we remember a man whose life was a testament to generosity and love.
"When I think about Jonathan, I think there's no way we could have this winery, there's no way we could have done this without him," Duplin co-owner Dave Fussell Jr. said.
Murphy mentored many young people over the years.
"He made a huge, huge difference, not just in Duplin Winery but also in our community," Fussell said.
One of the lives Murphy touched was Dave's son, Gray, who suggested Duplin create a wine named Murphy. This new wine is part of the Gray Legacy Series, which has also included Gray and Maverick.
"Kindness and wisdom touched everything Murphy did, and we feel his presence at the winery every day," Gray Fussell said. "It has been a great honor to dedicate a special wine to this unforgettable man and earmark proceeds to a cause that meant so much to him."
Friendship & Flavor
There is a proverb that says "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul," and we think of Murphy red wine as a toast to all the best friends, the people who are there for each of us in good times and hard times.
Both comforting and complex, Murphy is the wine to share for those improptu moments when friends drop in and end up laughing away the afternoon over plates of cheese, crackers and charcuterie.
Ice cold, Murphy is perfect for potluck dinners full of comforting, homecooked dishes like chili, enchilada casseroles and jalapeno ranch potato salad.
Pack it for weekend getaways where everyone is OK with sandwiches and chips. Murphy also dresses up nicely for special celebrations where you're showing off your prized recipes, like bacon-wrapped stuffed pork loin or butter-basted grilled lobster.
Each bottle is a celebration of love, legacy and a generious spirit.
