Story & Lesson Highlights with Teresa Spellman Gamble of Seattle WA

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Teresa Spellman Gamble. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Teresa, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in my art practice. Spending time in the studio, playing with color, texture, and layers, has become both a grounding and energizing outlet. It allows me to step away from the busy pace of work, focus on creativity, and tap into a sense of flow and possibility that really recharges me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Teresa Spellman Gamble, co-founder of Tinte Cellars, a family-owned Washington winery built on the belief that great wine can do great good. Alongside my husband, Tim, we produce award-winning wines from our estate vineyards while also dedicating a significant portion of our time and resources to strengthening the community we love. Since opening in 2018, Tinte Cellars has contributed more than $1.4 million in cash and in-kind support to over 230 Washington nonprofits.

What makes Tinte Cellars unique is our “Great Wine for the Greater Good” mission—every glass poured carries with it a commitment to making a difference. We host meaningful events, partner with local organizations, and create spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and give back. Right now, we’re especially excited about harvest season and our upcoming community campaigns, continuing to blend craftsmanship with purpose in everything we do.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my dad. For the first two-plus decades of my life, he served as an elected public servant, and I had a front-row seat to what true dedication looks like. I watched him pour himself into his role with quiet determination, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. He showed me that work isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about showing up with honesty, keeping your word, and treating people with respect. Some of my earliest memories are of him reminding me that even the smallest task matters if you do it well. Those lessons have stayed with me through every chapter of my life—from leading organizations, to building Tinte Cellars, to finding my voice as an artist. My father’s example is still my guide.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
Less than two years ago, I changed my mind in a way that’s reshaped my life. I had always admired art but never thought of myself as someone who could create it. I believed painting was something other people did—people with formal training or decades of practice. Then I picked up a brush, and everything shifted. I discovered a deep joy and sense of expression that had been waiting for me all along. Changing my mind about what was possible opened the door to becoming an artist, and today, painting is not only a creative outlet but an essential part of who I am.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In Washington wine, one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that our quality and value speak for themselves. The truth is, they don’t—at least not loudly enough. We consistently produce wines that rival the best in the world, often at a fraction of the price, yet too often we hesitate to boast about it. There’s a tendency toward humility that, while admirable, can also hold us back. Another misconception is that consumers will automatically understand the diversity of our regions and varietals without us telling the story in a compelling way. We have to own our excellence, communicate our value, and confidently share what makes Washington wine unique—our innovative spirit, collaborative community, and incredible vineyards.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For much of my life, I followed the path I felt I was supposed to take—working hard, leading organizations, building a career that made sense on paper. And while I found meaning in that work, it wasn’t until more recently that I tapped into what I feel I was born to do: creating, connecting, and building community through both wine and art. Co-founding Tinte Cellars allowed me to blend business with purpose, giving back in tangible ways. And stepping into painting—something I never imagined for myself until less than two years ago—unlocked a part of me that feels authentic and essential. Today, I see my life as a blend: honoring the skills and responsibilities I was taught to carry, while finally embracing the creativity and expression I was born to share.

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