Open: Year Round
with two large vineyards. The 200 acre Arete Vineyards (Greek, meaning the culmination of all things good), straddles the "Top of the Hill" at Radar Hill near Othello, WA and was planted in 1983. Â Gewurztraminer, Muller-Thurgau, Chenin Blanc and Riesling are grown on the northern slopes, and Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah are grown on the south-facing slope.
The younger Alice Vineyards (named after Michael Taggares' mother, Alice) lies along the south slopes of Saddle Mountain in the newly-designated Waluke AVA. Alice is comprised of 100 acres of exotic grape varieties including Malbec, Mourvedre, Petite Verdot and Counoise grown for the Tagaris "Old World style" wines. Â Other varieties such as Grenache, Tempranillo and Pinot Gris are also grown at the Alice Vineyards, along with traditional WA State varieties of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.
Situated perfectly along the southern slopes of the Saddle Mountains and neighboring the prestigious Weinbeau and Rosebud vineyards of the highly-regarded Wahluke AVA, Michael Vineyards consists of 144 acres of organically grown vinifera grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for which the Wahluke AVA is best known and lesser-known varieties Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, Muscat Caneli, Cinsault, Barbara and Sangiovese.
Tagaris' Winemaker Frank Roth has built his reputation on single varietal wines from the winery's estate vineyards and is quickly gaining nationwide attention for his ability to capture the truest flavor profile of each variety.
Owner Michael Taggares' family background in agriculture, and specifically viticulture, has been growing grapes since 1983 for many of Washington State's most highly recognized wines made from organic grapes, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle's Snoqualmie Naked wines and Badger Mountain/Powers' organic wines.
