Tinte Cellars
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
LOCATION : Hollywood District
HOURS (as of Jan 2023): Wed-Thurs, Sun 12-6pm, Fri/Sat 12-7pm, closed M/T
TASTING FEE (as of Jan 2023): $20 (mixed flight)
Tinte Cellars was the name that jumped out at me as I walked past the shopping center that also houses Mark Ryan, Fidelitas, Lachini and Purple Café. I’d last set foot inside that particular unit in 2017 or so, when William Church Winery was the occupant. Curious, I stepped inside.
The atmosphere was tasteful— with the poured concrete floor and exposed wood elements so popular in Woodinville tasting rooms— but I was struck by the proliferance of art décor on the walls. As I settled in for the tasting I received a warm welcome from the friendly and knowledgeable tasting room staff, and we dove right into discussion on who and what Tinte Cellars is all about.
The $20 tasting includes five pours (out of a total of 9 SKUs produced by the small operation). The modest 3200-case production is heavy on red blends, including such lyrical monikers as “Irish Eyes”, “Ramblers Red” and “Bishops Blend,” but also includes some varietally-bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec in various size denominations. White wine drinkers may find the selection—a Sauvignon Blanc and a Viognier—a tad limiting, but in narrowing their focus the winemaker, Noah Fox Reed (who moved to Tinte Cellars from William Church when the latter closed shop and the former took over), ensures that both bottles hit the palate directly on target. The Viognier is an especially spectacular offering in a market more and more diluted with average showings. Tinte also produces a rare rosé of Counoise, an infrequently-spotted Rhône varietal, but at the time of my tasting were unfortunately sold out until summer 2023.
Bottles range in price from $30-$52. Tinte sources their grapes from a variety of growers, including such esteemed titles as Sagemoor, Red Willow and Quintessence, and recently acquired their own Tinte Estates Vineyard on Red Mountain, from which we will presumably see some estate-bottled wines in the future. But what sets Tinte apart from the rest is not necessarily its grapes or its sourcing; rather, the philanthropic vision that guides the winery and its owners in everything they do. Co-owners Tim and Teresa (Tim+Te = Tinte?) tout a vision of “wine for the greater good,” and stand behind that message financially. Tinte’s sales support a rotating series of nonprofits including Seattle Children’s, Northwest Harvest, and Mary’s Place (among others). Wine club members are invited to participate as donors, volunteers and advocates for their own pet charities.
Reservations are generally recommended but not required; a second location in the Warehouse District can accommodate larger groups. Minors are allowed inside, and dogs are allowed on the patio (which can be heated upon request). If you’d like to visit this endearing and full-hearted winery, let us know in your pre-tour survey and we will make arrangements with the tasting room staff.
Salut, and enjoy Woodinville!
