Teresa Spellman Gamble

Meet Teresa Spellman Gamble

Co-Owner, Tinte Cellars

Hang out on the Grapevine with Suman and Teresa Spellman Gamble, Co-Owner of Tinte Cellars, as they talk about good will and great wine for the greater good.

Suman Kumar: Brands should stand for something, and consumers should use their consumer dollars to purchase from brands that stand for something good. At Tinte you stand by “Great Wine for the Greater Good”, to drive change and progress. How do you and your team at Tinte Cellars maintain that authentic voice?

Teresa Spellman Gamble: We wouldn’t be in this business if it weren’t for our mission of “Great Wine for the Greater Good!” With our staff, we stress the balance of producing the greatest possible Washington wine, with our commitment to giving back and supporting our community. Everyone who works at Tinte is invested in our mission, and truly supports these ‘dual’ efforts. We attract employees who want to know that what they do every day is making a difference in the lives of others. We walk the talk and lead by example, by volunteering, engaging with nonprofits, and working to improve the community we call home.

SK: The consumers of wines by Tinte Cellars definitely attracts a more thoughtful consumer, you can clearly see that from the comments you get on social media. Of course, they drink the wines because it tastes and looks nice but when you engage them at the br and, you’re engaging with them at the core of what the brand stands for. How do you strive to continually engage your consumers with what your brand represents? 

TSG: Our wine stands on its own, as authentic examples of Washington wine. And whether guests or club members are visiting us in person, or on-line via social media, it’s our goal to continually highlight a cause or a nonprofit and make it easy for customers to donate, volunteer or support these causes. For example, we regularly organize volunteer opportunities for staff and customers.  In January and April, we volunteered working outdoors, shoulder to shoulder to support the environment via the Delridge Nature Consortium and the Mid-Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group. In February we collected diapers, baby wipes and donations for farm workers’ families in Eastern Washington. In March & April we conducted a humanitarian collection drive to support Ukrainian citizens. In May we are shifting our focus to Mental Health Awareness month, taking donations for Seattle Children’s Behavioral Health Crisis Care Clinic, as well as encouraging folks to join our walk team for the NAMI Walk (National Alliance on Mental Illness). We strive to have our social mission be a living and breathing part of our business.

SK: When the wine industry talks to itself, we talk about very technical things but when you’re talking to your drinkers, the people who like the experience of Tinte Cellars, you have to be creative, think sideways if you will. I was at your event in your Georgetown Tasting Room, where you were celebrating your own Irish heritage, it was definitely an experience! How do you keep creativity a value of your winery?

TSG: As a relatively new brand, it’s important that we allow our wine stand on its own, but also find unique ways to attract new customers into our tasting rooms. Our team is incredibly innovative, and creativity is a key attribute we look for when bringing new staff on board. Whether celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Pride Month, or Mental Health Awareness Month, we strive to create authentic events and experiences that resonate with our staff and our customers, and neighborhoods, but do not draw attention away from the wine.

SK: How has your upbringing influenced your dedication to community and philanthropy?

TSG: My mother told me about Margaret Mead when I was in grade school, and I wanted to do a book report on an influential woman. From that point on, I kept this quote by Mead taped inside my school folder: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” 

I am blessed to have been raised by parents who instilled a deep commitment to public and community service in each of their six children. My father was a public servant and served as King County Commissioner, King County Executive, and Governor of Washington State – always advocating for the underserved, the environment, and efforts to improve the quality of life in the community we have called home for generations. I have cherished memories working side by side with my mom at food banks when I was quite young; in fact, she lobbied the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for surplus commodities and worked with the Restaurant Association to collect leftovers to distribute to food banks back in the early 1980s. I think my mother’s commitment to eradicating food insecurity has greatly influenced Tinte Cellars’ support of Northwest Harvest.

SK: What are some things that have surprised you by becoming a winery owner? 

TSG: The wine business is ever changing. At its core, it is the blending of farming and winemaking, each with their unique challenges, some of which are completely uncontrollable, but ultimately dictate the outcome of the final product. It has been daunting and exciting all at the same time. Tinte Cellars is fortunate however, to work with an amazing collection of growers, farmers, farm workers, viticulturists, and a committed and talented winemaker to bring our wine to life, vintage after vintage, and then a team of committed professionals in our tasting rooms to share the wine and our social mission with our members and guests.

SK: You are a mother, wife, and business owner who is deeply involved in relief efforts both within your community and abroad, how do you find balance in your life?

TSG: Balance – what’s that?! I am a doer, and I prefer to be busy; but honestly, I am truly energized by the social mission of our winery. Interacting with charities, recipients of our donations, and customers inspires me. Being a very organized individual, perhaps to a fault, I can juggle a lot of balls at once but most importantly I try to surround myself with smart people and trust them to do their jobs. It also helps to have sons who are 18 and 20 – a bit easier than the years when parenting was a lot more hands-on!

SK: Mentorship is very important in this industry and you have dedicated so much of your professional life in mentoring young professionals. What is some advice you can give to women who would like to enter the wine industry?

TSG: I have served as a mentor since I was a young professional, particularly to working moms, and it’s been one of most inspiring and rewarding parts of my career. I don’t have much advice to share specific to the wine industry – since I am such a newbie – but I would give every woman the same advice, regardless of their profession: Be quiet, and listen to your heart and to your gut. What is it telling you? Do what you love, and success will follow. Life is precious and too often we don’t listen to our instincts.

SK: Tell me about your favorite wine at Tinte Cellars, without telling me about the wine?

TSG: Relaxing beach-side on a warm summer evening, watching the sun go down, laughing and enjoying the company of family and friends. Drinking charitably and raising a glass of thanks for all that we have.