Jeremy Carter: Tarpon Cellars (Charleston, SC)

The Southern Fork

Jeremy Carter of Tarpon Cellars is more than just a winemaker; he is a student of taste, and he built his palate first in the South. A Georgia native, Jeremy attended Florida State University before moving to the Napa Valley in 2007 for an internship at his uncle’s winery in Rutherford. He would soon hone his winemaking acumen through various positions at Luna, Chappellet, and Duckhorn while also studying winemaking at UC Davis. We recorded this interview during the Charleston Wine + Food festival, and this week, Jeremy was named one of the VinePair 50, a big accolade from the publication that is recognizing talented individuals doing great things to make the drinks space better and more creative. As VinePair writes, “Carter’s goal is to introduce American wine lovers to grapes prominent in international regions but uncommon in California markets.” And I’d add that he is creating wine that pairs perfectly with cuisine and climate in the South. For Jeremy, it’s beyond the bottle to the sustainability, the community, and the communing around the table.