November 21, 2024 – Hattrup Farms, home to the renowned Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf Vineyards in Washington State’s Rattlesnake Hills AVA, has been acquired by Andrew Schultz of Brothers in Farms – a vineyard management company, and Tinte Estates, owned by Tim Gamble and Teresa Spellman Gamble. Co-founders and owners Joe and Susan Hattrup are thrilled to see the legacy of Hattrup Farms continue with this new leadership.
The farm includes two unique vineyards – just three miles apart – encompassing 217 total acres, with 162 acres dedicated to vines. Both vineyards sit at elevations above 1,000 feet, offering natural frost protection and embodying the defining characteristics of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA: rich soils, extended sunlight, high elevations, and warm climates.
Elephant Mountain, reaching up to 1,460 feet, was one of Washington’s highest elevation vineyards when Hattrup began planting in the late 1990s. Starting with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1998, he soon added Syrah and other Rhône varieties. Building on this success, in 2006 Hattrup started development of the nearby Sugarloaf Vineyard, slightly lower in elevation, but with more growing-degree days due to its steeper southwest-facing slopes.
“Both vineyards have solid water rights and well-built infrastructure, so we’re able to produce exceptional fruit reliably year after year. The elevation makes a difference too—it lets the fruit hang longer without frost damage, which brings out more complexity, brighter acidity, and that signature, fruit-forward character our clients count on,” explains Hattrup.
Today, Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf Vineyards are recognized among the state’s most respected and dependable sources of premium grapes. This reputation attracted Andrew Schultz and the Gambles, who have cooperated for years and share a vision for sustaining and elevating the legacy of Washington wines and now, specifically, the vineyards of Hattrup Farms.
For Andrew Schultz, the new ownership marks a full-circle moment. A student of Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology program and now an experienced vineyard consultant and manager, Schultz joined Hattrup Farms in 2012 as General Manager where, for the next five years, he continued honing his skills. Now, he steps into a co-ownership role with a deep respect for the vineyards and the mentorship he’s received from Joe Hattrup and head foreman Emilio Garcia, who have over four decades of experience in agriculture together.
Schultz fell not only for Hattrup’s vineyards but also for the exceptional wines and the dedicated team that has spent the past 26 years bringing it to life. “Learning from Joe and Emilio has been one of the greatest opportunities of my career,” Schultz said. “Their unmatched expertise in farming inspires me, and I’m excited to carry that knowledge forward in our ongoing work together.”
Tim Gamble and Teresa Spellman Gamble, the husband-and-wife team behind Tinte Estates and Tinte Cellars in Woodinville, Washington, founded their winery with a mission to “make great wine for the greater good.” Tinte Cellars merges philanthropy and community support with a commitment to crafting world-class Washington wines. This investment adds to Tinte Estates’ stellar collection of mature premium vineyards in the highly respected Rattlesnake Hills and Red Mountain AVAs of Washington State.
“We’re excited to nurture these vines and continue producing exceptional grapes that showcase the unique terroir of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of making a positive impact through exceptional wine and will significantly expand our choices when it comes to producing premium estate wines under our Tinte Cellars label,” said the Gambles.
In this transaction, Schultz will acquire Elephant Mountain Vineyards and half of Sugarloaf Vineyards; the Gambles through Tinte Estates will acquire approximately 50 acres of Sugarloaf Vineyard. Together, the Hattrups and the new owners look forward to continuing the relationships developed with their many long-term winery clients. Additionally, any wineries interested in acquiring fruit from either vineyard should contact Andrew Schultz or Tinte Estates/Tinte Cellars for more information.
Metis LLC served as the exclusive transaction advisor.
About Tinte Estates & Tinte Cellars:
At Tinte Estates and Tinte Cellars, we honor the impressive legacy and community of Washington winemaking. Since 2018, we have focused on creating premium wines that exhibit what our superlative Washington vineyards produce. Tinte Cellars’ award-winning wines and our strong support of charitable organizations have garnered critical acclaim and recognition. Since 2018, Tinte Cellars has been responsible for over $1.3M in cash and in-kind donations for causes that support people and communities throughout our region. Our commitment to our craft and mission continues with investments like this one that will reinforce what club members, partners, employees, and industry observers have come to expect from Tinte Estates and Tinte Cellars – Great Wine for the Greater Good.
About Brother in Farms:
Brothers In Farms was started in 2016 as a consulting company by Andrew Schultz while still managing Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf vineyards. In 2017, Andrew left Hattrup Farms and transitioned the company to a full-service vineyard management company. Today, the company has 60 employees and operates in both Washington and Oregon, managing 500 acres of wine grapes on Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and the Yakima Valley. Brothers in Farms specializes in producing grapes for ultra-premium wines and have worked with many of the best producers and vineyards in Washington state.
