Tagaris Wines’ Pinot Gris took the spotlight at the USA Wine Ratings 2024, winning the prestigious title of Best White Wine in the World. This victory reflects the passion, dedication, and expertise that drive Tagaris Wines, a family-owned winery in Washington State. In this interview, Frank Roth, Head Winemaker at Tagaris Wines, shares the story behind their success and what it takes to produce a world-class white wine.

The Best White Wine in the World: Tagaris Wines’ Pinot Gris

When asked about Tagaris Wines’ Pinot Gris being named the White Wine of the Year at the USA Wine Ratings 2024, Heather Harris couldn't contain her excitement:

“Wow! We are through the roof excited, honored, and humbled that our Pinot Gris was so well received by the judges. We are also very thankful to our vineyard team, led by Owner/Founder Mike Taggares, his son Walker Taggares, Ranch Manager Eliseo Silva, and ‘Mother Nature’ for providing the premium fruit. I'm incredibly proud of our winemaking team for the winemaking skills developed over my 30 years in wine production."

The Legacy of Tagaris Wines

Tagaris Wines is no stranger to hard work and dedication. Founded by Mike Taggares in 1984, the winery's roots stretch back to the Taggares family's Greek heritage, where farming and winemaking have been part of their culture for centuries. Mike’s inspiration came from family traditions, with a vision of passing the land down to future generations, continuing the legacy that built their heritage.

Looking ahead, Heather sees a bright future for the brand:

“We have been pioneers in organic and sustainable farming from the beginning. Over the next five years, we will continue to build on that legacy, expanding our production and reaching new markets while staying true to our commitment to quality and sustainability.”

Passion for Aromatic Whites and Blending Creativity

Frank Roth’s’ winemaking philosophy is shaped by his passion for aromatic white wines and the artistry of blending. With 33 grape varieties to work with, it’s difficult for him to choose a favorite.

“I have a passion for aromatic whites, stemming from my training in British Columbia when I was a teenager. It’s also my parents and wife Michaela’s favorite style of wine. I love creating blends because that’s where the artistry of the winemaker truly shines.”

Heather believes that Washington State grows some of the finest grapes in the world. The region’s versatile climate allows for a wide range of premium wines, “from delicate aromatic whites to knock your socks off Cabernet Sauvignon, rich bold Merlot, smooth silky Syrah, bright crisp bubbles, and many more! he adds”

Image: Winemaker Frank Roth

The Balance of Science and Art in Winemaking

For Frank, winemaking is a delicate balance between science and art, with each aspect taking precedence at different stages of the process.

“During pre-harvest grape analysis, we rely on data, but the final decision to harvest is based on the flavor of the juice. Similarly, blending involves considering logistical aspects like cellaring, but ultimately, it’s about using our talents in wine evaluation and staying in touch with consumer trends.”

This balance allows Tagaris Wines to craft exceptional wines that resonate with both connoisseurs and casual wine lovers alike.

Innovations and Experimentation at Tagaris

Tagaris Wines is continuously evolving, with a strong focus on organic production and innovation.

“We are growing our organic wine production because clean grapes produce ultra-premium quality wines. We’re also expanding our sparkling wine production, and our pilot launch has been incredibly well-received in retail and on-premise accounts,” Heather shared.

This commitment to quality and innovation ensures that Tagaris Wines stays at the forefront of the industry, delivering exceptional products year after year.

The Story Behind the Award-Winning Pinot Gris

The success of Tagaris Wines’ Pinot Gris starts in the vineyard. Grown at Alice Vineyard at King Fuji Ranch, named after Mike’s mother, this Pinot Gris is a product of careful planning and meticulous execution.

“Pinot Gris was planted in 2004 at 1,300 feet in elevation on the south slope of the Saddle Mountains in the Wahluke Slope AVA, part of the renowned Columbia Valley in southeastern Washington State. We hand-pick this fruit to preserve its delicate aromatics and cool ferment it, a process that can take a month or more,” Heather explained.

The result is a wine with bright, crisp acidity and a bouquet of fresh pear, peach, and hints of jasmine, making it a standout in the world of white wines.

Image: 2024 USA Wine Ratings: Tagaris Winery Pinot Gris, 95 Points - White Wine Of The Year

Differentiating Tagaris Wines in a Competitive Industry

In a competitive wine industry, Tagaris Wines sets itself apart through its commitment to organic farming and a world-class dining experience.

“Our organic commitment definitely sets us apart from many wineries. We also have an award-winning restaurant, Taverna Tagaris, at our winery in Richland, WA. We create authentic wines to complement and enhance the culinary experience, which has been valuable for both our restaurant and dining across the Northwest,” Heather said.

This combination of sustainable practices, winemaking creativity, and culinary excellence has solidified Tagaris Wines’ reputation as a leader in premium wine production.

Expanding into International Markets

Tagaris Wines isn’t just focused on the U.S. market; they are also working to expand internationally.

“We’re always looking to grow our footprint. We’re targeting the monopolies in Quebec, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. We currently export to Mexico, Taiwan, and Japan, and we’re excited to grow those relationships,” Heather revealed.

This international expansion is part of Tagaris Wines’ strategy to bring their premium, world-class wines to a broader audience.

Where to Find Tagaris Wines

For those in the U.S., Tagaris Wines are available through Total Wines, their website, and various retail and on-premise locations throughout Washington State. Their partnership with Total Wines has made their wines easily accessible and affordable.

“If anyone is interested in carrying our wines in Washington State, they can contact King Distribution in Spokane, WA. For inquiries outside of Washington, I can be reached at heather@tagariswines.com,” Heather added.

A Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of everything Tagaris Wines does. From water conservation to organic farming, the winery takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.

“We focus on water conservation, reusing organic wastes, and power conservation. We practice clean farming without the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides, and we only use certified organic additions in wine production. This not only protects the environment but ensures that our wines are of the highest quality,” Heather explained.

Tagaris Wines’ dedication to sustainability is a key factor in their success and ensures that they will continue to thrive for generations to come.

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Conclusion:

Tagaris Wines’ Pinot Gris stands out as the Best White Wine in the World as per USA Wine Ratings, reflecting the Taggares family’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. As Tagaris continues to expand its organic offerings and reach new markets, the winery’s future looks bright. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a connoisseur, Tagaris Wines is a name to watch in the world of premium wines.