Michael Taggares founded Tagaris Winery in 1987. The winery honors the proper Greek spelling of the family name whose members descended from the royal family and first began growing wine grapes in the 15th century. Tagaris Winery is the modern day result of three generations of grape growers in Washington's Columbia Valley, where the climate and soil reminded Michael's grandfather of his Greek homeland.

Here at Tagaris, we truly believe that our primary focus should be sustainability. From dirt to bottle, we practice to protect our soil, air and water (elements that breathe life, and ultimately flavor, into our grapes and wines). Being good stewards of the land and good neighbors are principles we live by each and every day. Adopting environmentally and socially responsible practices and making them an integral part of how we do business is our way of ensuring the health of our land, our communities, employees and our industry for generations to come.

Tagaris Winery moved into its new winery facility in time for Crush 2005, turning 140 tons of grapes into wine. Although Tagaris has been growing grapes since 1983 and producing wine since 1987, the 2005 vintage will be the first from its new winery facility located on Tulip Lane in Richland, WA, neighboring Barnard-Griffin and Bookwalter wineries. The winery is attached to the Taverna (Greek for small, intimate restaurant serving wine and playing music). That connection to the Taggares family's roots in food and wine made it a natural for the new winery to include a taverna. “The Tagaris taverna offers both a place to talk and drink with friends along with an affordable destination for those seeking tasty cuisine away from home”, says Mike Taggares. “Frank Roth's (Tagaris' Wine Maker) talent in creating wines to complement Head Chef DuQuists' food will be a truly enjoyable experience for those frequenting Taverna Tagaris and Tagaris Winery!”