In an era where sommeliers are asked to balance flavour, flexibility and value—often on the same page of a wine list—Tagaris Wines stands out as a quietly compelling proposition. Rooted in Washington State’s Columbia Valley and shaped by decades of vineyard expertise, the winery has built its reputation not on excess, but on precision, restraint and an unwavering focus on the table.

Founded by Michael Taggares, a long-established Columbia Valley grower, Tagaris benefits from deep vineyard resources along the Wahluke Slope—one of the region’s most reliable sources of high-quality fruit. That grower-first mindset carries directly into the glass. Under the direction of winemaker Frank Roth, Tagaris wines are deliberately crafted with restaurants in mind: fruit-forward profiles, minimal oak influence, naturally high acidity and moderate alcohol levels. The result is wines that work with food, not against it.

This philosophy is consistently validated by competition results. At the 2025 USA Wine Ratings, Tagaris secured Gold medals across a broad stylistic spectrum—from the 2024 Organic Merlot (92 points), praised for its silky texture and savoury finish, to the 2024 Pinot Gris (91 points), a crisp, aromatic white built for versatility. The 2021 Blanc de Noirs added further appeal for by-the-glass programs, delivering freshness, fine bubbles and precision at a highly accessible level.

Tagaris’ strongest calling card, however, may be its white wine performance. The 2023 Tagaris Pinot Gris was named White Wine of the Year and Best in Show by Varietal at the 2024 USA Wine Ratings, scoring an impressive 95 points. Semillon and Riesling bottlings—both organic and conventional—continue to rack up Gold medals for their clarity, texture and food-friendly balance, reinforcing Tagaris’ strength in sommelier-relevant styles.

The reds follow the same logic. Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah show restraint, structure and savoury depth rather than excess ripeness—qualities that make them adaptable across cuisines and service formats. Recognition at the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards further underscores their suitability for on-trade programs, where drinkability and balance matter as much as scorelines.

For sommeliers seeking wines that deliver consistency, versatility and a clear culinary purpose—without inflating list prices—Tagaris offers a compelling, proven solution. These are wines built for the floor, trusted by competitions, and designed to earn their place at the table.

Header image sourced from Tagaris (Instagram).