Bryan began his career as an enlisted Airborne Infantryman before earning his commission through Officer Candidate School (OCS) and becoming an Army Aviator. He served two tours inIraq, one in Afghanistan, two in Korea, one in Haiti, and one in Africa. During 26 years of distinguished military service, he earned multiple awards and qualifications, including a Bronze Star. He served as a combat attack Apache helicopter pilot and later in his career as a senior advisor in various global deployments.
Following retirement, Bryan and his wife established Z&M Twisted Vines Winery and Vineyard, where they have grown their business over the past 8 years.
"As a member and Board Member of the Kansas Farmer Veteran Coalition, I have found great value in the organization’s support during my transition from military service to agriculture. Attending FVC meetings and national conventions has allowed me to connect with fellow veterans in agriculture and continue learning about the industry. I have participated FVC webinars and events, and collaborated with veteran farmers across the country to exchange knowledge and best practices. The staff at FVC are great resources and have connected me with others for support in a variety of areas. I have received a FVC Tractor Supply gift card to help with farm purchases and have felt supported through the new friendships I have gained."
The story of Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery is, above all, a love story. The seed was planted when U.S. Army Major Bryan Zesiger met Dr. 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.
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.
Farming has allowed Bryan to continue a lifelong commitment to service in a deeply personal and community-centered way. After 26 years in the military, where service, structure, and camaraderie defined his daily life, he sought a new mission that would keep him connected to those same values. Farming, and specifically building a winery and vineyard, became that mission.
His years of traveling the world and experiencing diverse cultures shaped his desire to putdown roots and foster a sense of belonging at home. As an American farmer, Bryan takes pride in creating something meaningful from the land — transforming grapes into distinctive wines and hard ciders that reflect both his story and his creativity. This work embodies resilience, discipline, and innovation, all rooted in his military ethos.
Equally important, farming gives Bryan a platform to serve others. He actively supports his community through agricultural scholarships for FFA students and by mentoring young people interested in farming. For him, being an American farmer means continuing to serve — this time by cultivating land, opportunity, and connection within his community.
