tara vineyard & winery

First of all, there seemed to be a general air of confusion about the place. While we were tasting, we had 3 different servers. It was not really crowded. We had the restaurant chef serving us on and off as he was also cooking. He had no knowledge of which order to serve. We then had another gal (passing through?) and then finally the regular server. The wine was generally BLAH and somewhat strange. The only bottle that my wife and I bought was a SWEET Cabernet Sauvignon. I would say that this is a winery that you would either love or hate.

I bought a bottle of Moscata a few months ago from Tara Winery and saved for a special occassion. I noticed the cork had moved up a full 1/2 inch under the seal. When I opened the bottle the wine fizzed out, smell sour, and tasted sour. Needless to say I tossed the entire contents. I thought about returning to the winery but having been disappointed in the past, driving to the winery, thru the gates, and up to the tasting room several times in the past only to find no one there was not something I wanted to do since I live 40 miles away. I was greeted by large dogs lounging on chairs and sofas, but no people, even after ringing a bell.My concern, now, is that I gave a friend a bottle of the same wine and hope they don't have the same experience.

My husband and I made a day trip to Tara Vineyards and Winery and what a wonderful time we had. We were greeted by Roman the chef and he was a very likeable young man with a great sense of humor. He introduced us to a couple of very flavorful wines that we did bring home. He also made a wonderful fresh plate of tomato and basil bruschetta that was to die for. The vineyards were beautiful and the large house on the property that has rooms for over night stays was gorgeous. The outside sitting was picturesque.They have a stage for a band that I wished we could have enjoyed but Patrick the owner, was gracious to turn on some music that was very nice. We had a such a carefree and delightful time. Thank you Roman and Patrick. We will return.

Driving back home from the DFW Metroplex in the late afternoon. We live 15 miles south of Athens, Tx., 21 miles south of the little sign on US-175 pointing down a little country road with the following, Tara Winery and Dining. My wife and I had noticed the sign many times before but never checked it out. Needing a dining place for the evening, we decided to take a chance and check it out. What a find. Excellent wines and great food. We tasted several offerings, selected a bottle of the Deck Wine for dinner and purchased two selections to take home with us. We had a fantastic Arugula salad for starters and then dined on Pesto Pasta and Pork Tenderloin. Perfectly prepared and very generous portions. I highly recommend Tara Winery's Cellar Door for dining. This is not a place for low budget dining, but well worth the price.

My husband and I visited Tara Winery this past weekend and were really impressed. The owner, Patrick along with his staff (Roman & Desiree) treated us like family. Patrick also has several gorgeous dogs (Spur, Wilson, Fuzzy & Prince) that spent the day with us. The dogs really made the experience special. We were blown away by the wine. Our favorite was the Carriage House Red. This wine is spectacular! And the view is lovely! We will definitely be back.

First off, we were there on a Thursday, just after 12:00 noon. When first walking in the reception was kind of cool, like why are you here? After a few tastings and realizing we were actually going to buy some wine, they became more cordial and friendly. Dogs roaming the winery and dining area makes me not want to eat there.

Great communication with the owner, Patrick, for our Son's wedding rehearsal dinner. Fantastic setting and atmosphere. Bride and Groom were extremely happy with everything. Food was fabulous, especially the bruschetta. The wines they have are amazing, with you being able to sample them before you order what you want. Service was top-notch. I recommend this Winery/Restaurant to anyone or any party who desires a nice, calming place to enjoy quality time together. I also ordered from their on-line store weeks later and received our items and wine in perfect condition. I highly recommend the Tara Vineyard and Winery to all who want a relaxing and fabulous time and meal! Would definitely do it all over again. Tony Young via Rehearsal dinner for Jessica and Mark Young, March 2014.

My husband and I stopped in after a day outdoors and enjoyed a wine tasting. We were pleasantly surprised and purchased a few bottles to bring home and enjoy later! We decided to stick around for dinner and again, were pleasantly surprised. The real surprise was the tab at the end. It's worth the stop for the wine but just be warned of the sticker shock if you plan to stay and enjoy a meal.

I submitted a reservation for the evening of February 12 (our 37th wedding anniversary) through the website. I rec'd confirmation emails as well as confirmation texts as late as the actual day of the reservation. We drove over to Athens (30 miles) for our reservation only to be greeted by a closed gate and darkened property. We were confused and both of us got on our smart phones to make sure we'd reserved the right day, etc. Their website said they were open on Wednesdays from noon until 8:00. As we sat at their closed gate and darkened property our confusion grew. We called two numbers we found on the web site and were sent to an answering machine/service for both numbers. I left a message giving my name and the fact that we had a reservation for that evening. After sitting there for about five minutes past our reservation time we just left. (We ended up eating in a family Mexican food restaurant as by that time it was just a question of finding something to eat 'cause we were hungry!) Out of curiosity I called the same number the next morning. Someone answered! I told him our dilemma the night before. He stammered, offered profuse apologies but offered no explanation. He said he would comp us a meal if we could come on Saturday since Valentine's day and that Friday were completely booked. I said "thanks" but was thinking "thanks for nothing". I sent a follow up email after talking to this person on Valentine morning. In the email I expressed again our confusion and disappointment. I asked if we were the only reservation for that night. I have yet to hear from the folks at Tara Vineyard and Winery. I'm not sure what to think of all this. It has definitely left a very bad taste in my mouth (no pun intended). I would think if I were the owner I would try my best to make good on a ruined anniversary dinner. At the least I would have expected someone to answer my email.

been here several times, only second time to eat dinner. food was ok but not for the price. way too high for the quality.the wine on the other hand.... love it. i prefer red wines but their white is great.will be back, just not for dinner.

We stopped here foa a wine tasting and some snacks. Some of the wines were very good and the food we had was excellent. Only downside was the prices were very high.

Wandering around Athens, looking for a spot to stop and have a bite. I Yelped restaurants, and up popped Tara Winery and vineyards. Gps'ed our way out, and had a very enjoyable lunch and wine tasting. Adorable lil blonde server (I didn't get her name, but she's a doll) meet a nice couple from Dallas, had a tasty lunch, and purchased a couple of bottles of vino to take home. Amazing, tasty burger with handcut chips and Chipotle sauce, cooked to a perfectly requested medium rare. Hubby ordered shrimp Alfredo. Must have been good, cause he did all but lick the plate. Don't pay attention to the bad reviews. Check it out for yourself. Some people are more needy than others. Bon appetite!

Great wine, good food, but mostly great ambience. Dogs run loose, owner really friendly, beautiful view.

Did wine tasting. Some of the wine was decent but the bottle prices were absurd.High end menu for a restaurant on the premises; I did not try.Bed and Breakfast was also available on the property.The scenery was really special!

When is a rack of lamb = 4 chops? I guess it when you are eat in Texas near Athens. When is rare - grey all the way through the meat? I guess when you eat lamb at Tara Vineyard and Winery. Extremely disappointing, When are grilled vegetables the same as sauteed? I guess when you eat at Tara Vineyard and Winery. When are fresh mashed red potatoes fresh out of a box? I guess when you eat at Tara Vineyard and Winery.