Z&M Twisted Vines Winery & Tasting Room in Lawrence, Kansas: Meet the Sommeliers

Oct 31

We sat down with Bryan and Gina, the husband-and-wife duo behind Z&M Twisted Vines Winery & Tasting Room in Lawrence, Kansas. Tucked into the rolling hills of Lawrence, Kansas, Z&M Twisted Vines Winery & Vineyard is more than a winery — it’s an experience. Founded by Bryan and Dr. Gina Montalbano Zesiger, this 100-acre working vineyard estate combines craftsmanship, courage, and community.

Z&M Twisted Vines Winery in Lawrence, Kansas: Meet the Sommelier

Every wine tells a story — from the combat flights of an Apache pilot to the laughter echoing through their wine hanger during weddings and live music nights.

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

Mornings at Z&M Twisted Vines start early — usually with the boys, (our dogs), Huey and Comanche, trotting down vineyard rows as the fog lifts off our five-acre pond. Bryan checks the vines while Gina tends to details in the tasting room or plans the next event. By evening, you’ll find them in their wine hanger, often sharing a bottle with guests as deer wander through the property and the Kansas sun melts behind the vineyard.

Some nights end quietly by the pond with a glass of wine in hand; others finish with live music, laughter, and a toast among friends. Every day at the vineyard feels different — but always full of twists and a purpose.

What’s a good way for someone to start developing their wine palate?

Start with curiosity — not rules. The best palate is the one that keeps exploring. We always tell guests to taste side-by-side. Try our Blackhawk Blackberry next to On Wings of Eagles — one is sweet and fruit-forward, the other deep and dry with a nod to Bryan’s Army roots and the 101st Airborne Division. When people compare the two, they start to see that wine is more than flavor — it’s history, emotion, and experience in a glass.

Can you explain the difference in your own words between Old World and New World wines?

Old World wines (like those from Italy or France) follow centuries-old traditions — earth-driven, elegant, subtle. New World wines, including ours here in Kansas, are about innovation and identity. At Z&M, we don’t copy; we create. Our Hellfire Jalapeño Red is the perfect example. When Bryan first made it, Gina said, “No one will drink that!”

Today it’s one of our best-sellers — even winning an award in California. But Bryan and Gina don’t celebrate trophies; they celebrate the moment when someone takes a sip, smiles, and says, “Wow, I’ve never tasted anything like that.” That’s the magic of Z&M — wine made to be enjoyed, not just admired.

What kind of wine do you typically enjoy the most?

That depends on the season. In summer, our Peach Wine and Watermelon Wine are sunshine in a bottle — light, crisp, and perfect for Kansas evenings. When the weather cools, we reach for our bold reds: On Wings of Eagles, a deep, old-country style Chambourcin, or Dust Off 9-1-1, our smoky-Frontenac grape with deep cherry notes inspired by Bryan’s time as an Army aviator.

And when we want something totally unique, we pour a glass of Blacked Out Coffee Wine — a blackberry-coffee fusion that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert. People laugh when they try it, smile tasting it, and always ask for a second pour.

What’s a wine that surprised you recently?

The Hellfire Jalapeño Red will always top that list. What started as a wild idea became one of our signature creations. Another surprise was how much people love our “Orange White Wines” — we ferment certain whites on their skins, giving them a rich amber hue and fuller body. California wineries have started experimenting with this “old-meets-new” process, but we’ve been doing it here in Kansas with our whites at Z&M for years. It’s natural, flavorful, and authentically Z&M.

What up-and-coming wine region are you excited about?

Kansas — hands down. The Kaw Valley AVA is coming into its own, producing wines that rival coastal regions. We grow grapes that thrive here — Chambourcin, Vignoles, Itasca to name a few— and turn them into something uniquely Midwestern. Our climate challenges us, but that’s what makes each vintage special. The world is just beginning to notice Kansas wines, and we’re proud to be leading that charge.

What’s your Instagram so that readers can follow you?

Follow us on Instagram at @zmtwistedvineyard and on Facebook at Z&M Twisted Vineyard- Lawrence. You’ll see sneak peeks of new releases, harvest videos, wedding setups, and a few behind-the-scenes moments with the winemakers and their sheep, chickens, and vineyard crew.

What’s one common wine myth you’d love to debunk?

That only California or Europe can make great wine. We’ve proven otherwise — right here in the heartland. Kansas wines have body, balance, and heart. They’re not just “good for local wines.” They’re good, period. Every grape we grow tells the story of resilience, family, and craftsmanship.

What’s a grape varietal most people overlook but should try?

Chambourcin — it’s the backbone of Kansas reds. It delivers earthy depth, cherry and cranberry notes, and a silky finish. Our On Wings of Eagles and Dust Off 9-1-1 showcase how versatile Chambourcin can be — bold, rustic, yet refined. For white drinkers, try Vignoles or Itasca — bright, tropical, and perfect for our Orange Wine experiments.

Tell readers why they should visit your wine bar?

Because it’s more than a tasting room — it’s a destination. We’ve always said, “Come for the wine, but stay for the experience.”

You can wander the vineyards, sip cider by the pond, or watch a helicopter land for a wedding (yes, it’s happened!). Hot air balloons have taken off from our fields, fishing tournaments have filled the pond, and guests have learned to cast a line while sipping a cold glass of Crimson Cranberry Hard Cider. We host nonprofit events, music nights, and weddings for up to 300 guests in our “Wine Hanger,” a tribute to Bryan’s aviation past. Whether you’re tasting one of our 50 handcrafted wines or 10 rotating hard ciders, you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.

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