Press Release: A New Chapter for Hattrup Farms, Preserving a Legacy in Washington Wine Country

Hattrup Farms, the iconic home of Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf Vineyards in Washington State’s Rattlesnake Hills AVA, is entering an exciting new era. The renowned vineyards have been acquired by Andrew Schultz of Brothers in Farms, a vineyard management company, and Tinte Estates, owned by Tim and Teresa Gamble of Tinte Cellars, a Woodinville-based winery. Founders Joe and Susan Hattrup are thrilled to see their legacy carried forward by this passionate new leadership team.

This article draws inspiration from and acknowledges the original reporting by Washington Tasting Room Magazine, which first shared the story of this exciting transition.

Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf Vineyards are recognized among the state’s most respected and dependable sources of premium grapes

A Legacy in Washington Wine Rooted in Excellence

Nestled in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, Hattrup Farms boasts two distinct vineyards—Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf—spanning 217 acres, with 162 acres dedicated to premium grapevines. These vineyards, located just three miles apart, sit at elevations above 1,000 feet, offering natural frost protection and embodying the AVA’s signature characteristics: rich volcanic soils, abundant sunlight, and a warm, arid climate.

Elephant Mountain, one of Washington’s highest-elevation vineyards, reaches up to 1,460 feet. Joe Hattrup began planting here in the late 1990s, starting with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot before expanding to Rhône varieties like Syrah and Grenache. Building on this success, Hattrup developed Sugarloaf Vineyard in 2006, which, while slightly lower in elevation, benefits from steeper southwest-facing slopes that capture more growing-degree days.

“Both vineyards are equipped with solid water rights and robust infrastructure, allowing us to produce exceptional fruit year after year,” Hattrup explains. “The elevation is a game-changer—it extends the growing season, enhances complexity, and brings out the bright acidity and fruit-forward character that winemakers love.”

A Vision for the Future

Recognized as two of Washington’s most respected sources of premium grapes, Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf Vineyards have long attracted top-tier winemakers. This reputation drew the attention of Andrew Schultz and the Gambles, who share a commitment to preserving and elevating the legacy of Washington wine.

For Andrew Schultz, this acquisition is deeply personal. A graduate of Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology program, Schultz first joined Hattrup Farms in 2012 as General Manager, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of Joe Hattrup and head foreman Emilio Garcia. Now, as co-owner, Schultz brings a decade of experience and a profound respect for the vineyards that shaped his career.

“Learning from Joe and Emilio has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life,” Schultz shares. “Their expertise in farming is unmatched, and I’m honored to carry their knowledge forward as we continue to cultivate these exceptional vineyards.”

Andrew Schultz inspecting the Elephant Mountain Vineyard

Tinte Cellars: Wine with a Purpose

Tim and Teresa Gamble, the husband-and-wife duo behind Tinte Cellars, bring a unique vision to the table. Known for their mission to “make great wine for the greater good,” Tinte Cellars combines world-class winemaking with a commitment to philanthropy and community support. The acquisition of Sugarloaf Vineyard adds to their impressive portfolio of premium vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills and Red Mountain AVAs.

“We’re excited to nurture these vines and showcase the unique terroir of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA,” says Teresa Gamble. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of creating exceptional wines while making a positive impact. It also expands our ability to produce premium estate wines under the Tinte Cellars label.”

A Collaborative Future

Under the new ownership structure, Andrew Schultz will take the reins of Elephant Mountain Vineyard and half of Sugarloaf Vineyard, while Tinte Estates will manage approximately 50 acres of Sugarloaf. Together, the Hattrups, Schultz, and the Gambles are committed to maintaining strong relationships with the many wineries that have relied on these vineyards for decades.

This transition marks a new chapter for Hattrup Farms, one that honors its rich history while embracing a bright future. With a shared passion for excellence and sustainability, the new owners are poised to continue producing some of Washington’s most sought-after grapes, ensuring that the legacy of Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf Vineyards endures for generations to come.

This article was inspired by and adapted from an original piece published by Washington Tasting Room Magazine. We extend our gratitude to their team for sharing the story of Hattrup Farms’ transition and for their dedication to covering Washington’s vibrant wine industry.

Final Sip

The story of Hattrup Farms is one of vision, dedication, and collaboration. As the torch passes to a new generation of stewards, the vineyards of Elephant Mountain and Sugarloaf are set to thrive, continuing to shape the narrative of Washington’s world-class wine industry. Cheers to a future as bright as the Rattlesnake Hills sun!

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