About

Bill and Tiki Spell founded Spell Estate in 2006, and produced their first vintage that next year. Inspired by their love of Pinot Noir, the Spell’s are committed to delivering the highest expression of Pinot Noir without forfeiting the integrity and beauty of the varietal. Each bottling showcases the nuances of the individual vineyard – from soil type to coastal and mountain influence – The Spell’s focus on the vineyards themselves, not just the end-product.

Natives of Minnesota, Bill and Tiki are avid wine collectors of wines from all over the world, but are most passionate about Pinot Noir. The aromatic and fruit-forward style of California Pinot Noir, brought them out West. “Pinot is one of the most finicky grapes there is,” he says. “That poses a challenge, but also has a big reward to it.”

Pinot Noir is an ancient variety of grape with beautiful, black, pinecone-shaped clusters of fruit that produces some of the finest wines in the world. It’s difficult to grow and even more difficult to transform into extraordinary wine. But in the masterful hands of winemaker Andrew Berge, Pinot Noir becomes art.

Born in Germany, Andrew grew up immersed in the European lifestyle. Food and wine are simply a part of his DNA. He comes to Spell with a pocketful of degrees in food science, deep experience in winemaking and a farmer’s love of the land. For Andrew, work is not simply a profession, it’s a lifestyle. And for Spell it results in an extraordinary Pinot Noir that is dependably enjoyable every season.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Tina moved to California to attend film school but later ended up in Napa Valley working for a prominent winery. It was a fantastic experience to work alongside the winemakers, seeing production first hand and working with consumers in the tasting room.

In 1995, Tina moved back to Minneapolis where she worked for a family wine distributor for 22 years. Focused on brand development for the fine wine division, she was the account executive for Spell Winery, driving distribution in fine wine shops and restaurants throughout Minnesota.

An avid sailor and diver, Tina and family are usually not far from the water. She loves pairing grower Champagne with potato chips and sipping rosé. Tina is a certified Auctioneer, specializing in personal wine appraisals. Happiness is sharing great food and great wine with family and friends and the occasional pop up dance party.

Tina now oversees the daily management of the winery along with the direct and national sales.