The Cellar
Frank Roth
Frank Roth was born into winemaking as his father, Coke Roth, operated a large wine and beer distributorship, and has been a respected international wine judge for the past 30 years. Frank started winemaking right out of school when he worked for Harry McWatters at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in Summerland, British Columbia and Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards in Okanogan Falls. For the past 10 years he was Cellar Master for legendary winemaker Rob Griffin of Barnard Griffin Winery, one of Washington State’s first accomplished winemakers.
Roth’s goal at Tagaris is to “become the premiere authority for making wine using as little oak as possible so the vibrant fruit flavors of the wine are predominant”.
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His first efforts are proving that his art is noteworthy as the 2005 Alice Vineyard Counoise that he crafted recently received an “Outstanding” rating from the Wine Press Northwest.
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“The civility and pleasure associated with wine and food represent a unique human experience,” says Roth of his love for both. I look forward to further developing my craft for the enjoyment of the many loyal Tagaris patrons”.
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.
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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 talent in creating wines to complement food will be a truly enjoyable experience for those frequenting Taverna Tagaris and Tagaris Winery!”