Tagaris Winery & Taverna Tagaris

Petit verdot meets heirloom-tomato-and-pancetta tart at Tagaris Winery and Taverna Tagaris.

Located on Tulip Lane in Richland, next to Barnard Griffin, both Tagaris Winery and Taverna Tagaris restaurant are the brainchild of Michael Taggares, who started the winery in 1987. The spelling of the winery and the restaurant honors the correct spelling of the family’s last name, Tagaris. The original name changed when Michael’s grandfather, Pete, immigrated to America through Ellis Island. Eventually moving west and settling in Prosser, Pete Taggares became very successful in both farming and business. Today, the Taggares family is responsible for a number of successful enterprises, including Michael’s 1,400-acre farm; 700 of those acres dedicated to varietal grapes. The Taggares grow 18 different varietals, including petit verdot, counoise, malbec, mouvedre, grenache, and tempranillo to name a few. These grapes are the primary source of fruit used by winemakers Michael Taggares and Frank Roth for Tagaris Winery.

For centuries, Greek villages have had their tavernas, popular watering holes where friends gather to enjoy wine, hearty fare, and music. To that end, Michael established Taverna Tagaris restaurant at the winery. Elegance is the word that comes to mind upon entering the restaurant. A full Mediterranean-influenced menu offers small to large plates designed to match any appetite. In warmer weather, the 9,000-square-foot Patio Kouzina provides bistro-style fare and is a perfect accompaniment to cold wine served up sangria-style. The young restaurant staff is smartly dressed and can readily suggest which wine to pair with, for example, the goat cheese tortelli.

Taverna Tagaris also features live music from Northwest bands. During most summer weekends, visitors to the winery/restaurant enjoy contemporary-style music, jazz, and blues from a variety of popular bands. The taverna is a ménage à trois of wine, music, and food with a distinct Mediterranean flair.

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  Tagaris Winery & Taverna Tagaris was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Tri-Cities WineTrail on page 406!