Rio Jean Photography - Benton City, WA {Tapteil Winery}

You had me at hello, Argus!  Sorry Jane and Larry but, yes, one of the main reasons I came to visit was to see Argus!

Have you ever visited a winery and met the winery dog?  The dogs are one aspect I enjoy most about wineries, especially when the dogs are as awesome as Argus.  I love Argus! He is such a beautiful dog and now he has his friend Hugo, who is still a puppy, and seeing the two together is a riot! OH! And, Argus can count, he's one smart cookie.  :)

This is Hugo learning to shake, look at his cute little head. 

 

Back to the winery! Tapteil ( http://www.tapteil.com/tapteilEstateW.htm ) was named after a Sahaptin word meaning "narrow".  The river that is closest to Tapteil is "narrow" in comparison to the Columbia.  Tapteil was founded in 1984 with the first wine being produced in 1998.
  
Tapteil is an estate winery and produces about 750 cases a year.  The main wines Tapteil produces are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.  Tapteil will also be doing a harvest of Mourvedre this year and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Have you seen Tapteil's labels? Jane is an amazing artist and her paintings have been turned into some of the wine labels. When you visit the tasting room, you can see Jane's paintings throughout the room and they are beautiful!  Jane's artwork first debuted as labels in 2005 when Tapteil released their first Syrah and Syrah/Cabernet Franc blend.


Grounds/Facility

Tapteil is a super cute boutique winery, filled with beautiful paintings, great wine, and of course laughter!  There is a little fountain when you first arrive and it's the perfect place to enjoy your wine and take in the beautiful view of Red Mountain.
Rating: 5

Service
Always a rating of 5 when the owner takes time out of her busy schedule to meet with me!


Food/Wine

What other winery dog has their own label?

Balsamic vinegar

I always love trying out the assortment of balsamic vinegar and imported olive oils.  They have several tables of samples where you can taste while you enjoy your wine.  Tapteil's wines are yummy! I have to say my favorite is the 2010 E&E Shaw Vineyard Blend, Red Mountain.  You have to order the wine online or just stop by and grab yourself a bottle!
Rating 5

Ok I am a little lame for having more pictures of the dogs than of the winery, but that gives you more reason to visit and see Tapteil for yourself!  It was such a pleasure to finally meet with Jane and tour the facilities, this place is full of character.

Are you ready to try these wines? You will not be disappointed and if you are able to stop by the winery, make sure you say hi to Argus and Hugo!

Cheers,
Melanie