Q&A With Gina Montalbano of Z&M Twisted Vines

Q & A with Gina Montalbano of Z&M Twisted Vines, a Kansas Farm Winery with a unique twist-- each label of their innovative wines tells a different story.

Q. What is your passion? Tell us about it.

A. Wine and cider

Q. What inspired you to pursue this passion? Tell us the story.

A. The story of Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery is, above all, a love story. The seed was planted when US Army Major Bryan Zesiger met Gina Montalbano, and they recognized in each other a shared love of wine, life, community, and the planet. As their relationship grew, so did the idea that would become Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery. Z&M is not just a product, but the fruit of the marriage between two people, working alongside each other to create a product they believe in, here in America’s heartland. Tradition With a Twist When it comes to their wines, Bryan’s military background pairs nicely with Gina’s Italian heritage. Sicily, where her family hails from, has been making wine for nearly 3,000 years. Z&M takes traditional wine production methods and uses them to make something fun, accessible, and most importantly, delicious. From their Blackhawk Blackberry wine, to their Hellfire jalapeño wine, all the way to their Blacked Out Coffee Wines, Z&M specialty wines draw from the best of Old World wine-making to provide something new and exciting, while honoring the surrounding military, local, and farming communities. Care for the Community Like any great marriage, Bryan and Gina complement each other, putting their combined talents to work to give life to their community. Z&M wines are locally grown, sourced, and bottled on location. They believe wine should be fun, giving people an excuse to get together or to enhance a gathering. That is why Z&M regularly holds events at its store on 620 Cherokee Street in downtown Leavenworth for the people who live, work, and study here, often donating a portion of proceeds to local charities. It’s why Z&M is a fixture at community events in and around Leavenworth, and on and off post at Fort Leavenworth. It’s why they take pride in hiring military spouses, veterans, and local folks. In 2020, Z&M expanded when they opened their vineyard in Lawrence, KS to the public. Featuring a Tasting Room, large Event Space (opening March 2022), scenic lake, beach volley ball court, fire pits, outdoor pavilion, and historic barn, it’s a beautiful location for memorable get-togethers of all sizes! Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery is more than unique, handcrafted, boundary-pushing wine. Z&M believes it has a part to play in the wellbeing of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – living in community with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family.

Bryan Zesiger & Gina Montalbano via Z&M Twisted Vines.

Q. What makes your product unique?

A. We only use Kansas grapes and the flavors that are created no one has ever tried.

Q. Tell us about your creative process.

A. Flavors are selected and the process to create the flavor starts by picking the grape for fruit and the next steps are basically twisted secrets.