My first sampling of a glass from Jeremy Wine Company was from a wine dispenser.

This is a device that dispenses and preserves bottled wine, allowing for measured pours that, at the time, was featured at an upscale Stockton restaurant.

Much to my surprise, this initial tasting of a red varietal from the Lodi appellation –a federally designated American Viticultural Area located in our own Central Valley – measured up that day to one of the classic and pricier Napa wines that was also available on the wine dispenser.

Not long after, I drove out in search of this boutique winery at 6 W. Pine St., Lodi.

It was a busy weekend afternoon at the Jeremy Wine Co. tasting room, which was a good sign for any business. I was there to pick up a bottle of the Barbera, a red Italian wine known for its deep color, full body, low tannins, and high levels of acidity.

It was then that a guy approached me, asking me how I heard about this place. He introduced himself as Jeremy.

“You’re THE Jeremy,” I said with a tone of excitement during that 2017 encounter.

Jeremy is Jeremy Trettevik. He started working in the wine industry at the tender age of 20 as a “cellar rat” – a wine cellar hand that scurries between barrels day after day – before moving swiftly into the lab as well as sales & marketing.

“This uniquely thorough education led him to independently create support businesses that wineries needed – mainly in the design and promotion of wine labels,” according to the official website (www.jeremywineco.com).

Trettevik spent a decade as owner of a design studio. Yet he yearned to get back to production side of winemaking.

He soon created Jeremy Wine Co. with the support of his wife, Choral, who was a teacher at one of the Manteca Unified school sites.

“Together, they began the hard work of creating a winery from the ground up. Jeremy’s previous roles working in the cellar, assisting as a winemaker, and sales & marketing all came full circle as he and Choral tasked themselves in each and every one of those roles for their tiny company,” said the Jeremy Wine Co. website.

The business has flourished over the years.

The wine selection includes Zinfandel, Sangiovese, the aforementioned Barbera, and a seasonal Chocolate Port.

The downtown Lodi tasting room has become a destination, especially during events such as the Lodi Farmer’s Market and the various street fairs.

The big feature of the tasting room is the back patio, which has expanded in recent years while occasionally offering up live music for those to sit back, relax, sample wines, or share a bottle with friends and family.

It didn’t take long before I became a club member, which is a great way to try a broad spectrum of the latest wines. As a member of the four-bottle club, I get charged every three months as part of the process of picking up my wines.

Membership also includes free tastings, discounts on additional bottles and / or refills on the Jeremiah’s Jug wine growler.

In recent years, Jeremy Wine Co. added the Lockeford Barrel Room, which is surrounded by nearly 100-year ‘Old Vine Zinfandel’ vineyard. 

Located at 16750 state Highway 88 – just past the town of Lockeford – the Barrel Room is open Friday through Sunday, from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

The outside patio seating offers up a panoramic view of the vineyards, which is part of the appeal of the Barrel Room.

Inside of the wine facility are lounge seating areas in a temperature-controlled setting.

Food options at both places to go along with a glass of wine include snacks, charcuterie, and an assortment of cheeses for purchase.

Of course, you can do what I often do – stop over at the deli counter inside Young’s Payless Market IGA in Lockeford with a choice of a freshly made sandwich or Chinese food – for lunch plans to take to the Lockeford winery.

For more information or direction, call (209) 367-3773, log on to www.jeremywineco.com, or follow Jeremy Wine Co. on Instagram or Facebook.