Warrior to Wine: My Journey from Apache Pilot to Winemaker
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns. I never imagined that the discipline, leadership, and resilience I gained from flying Apache helicopters in combat would one day translate into running a vineyard and crafting wine. Yet, here I am—an Army veteran turned vintner—blending my past as a warrior with my passion for wine. This is the story of how I went from the battlefield to the vineyard, from military service to winemaking, and why Z&M Twisted Vines exists today.
The Call to Serve
My journey began far from the rolling vineyards of Kansas. I grew up in Texas, raised with a deep respect for service and country. Like many young men and women, I felt the pull to do something bigger than myself—to take on challenges, push my limits, and serve a purpose greater than my own ambitions.
That calling led me to the U.S. Army in 1994. It wasn’t long before I found my passion in aviation, specifically as an Apache Longbow pilot. The Apache is one of the most advanced and lethal attack helicopters in the world, and flying it in combat zones across Iraq and Afghanistan shaped who I am today.
During my 26-year military career, I logged over 700 combat flight hours, led missions under extreme conditions, and trained alongside some of the best warriors in the world. My military career took me to places like Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, and beyond, where I learned discipline, problem-solving, and how to adapt under pressure.
One of the most valuable lessons I took away from my service was that leadership isn’t just about commanding troops or executing missions—it’s about building something greater than yourself and leaving a lasting impact.
The Transition: From Combat to Cultivation
Transitioning from the military into civilian life is a challenge many veterans face. I knew I wanted to create something meaningful, something that connected my military past with my future. That’s when the idea of agriculture, winemaking, and agritourism came into focus.
Why wine? Because wine is more than just a beverage—it’s a story, a legacy, a connection between people. Just as every mission in the Army required precision, patience, and planning, so does growing grapes and crafting wine.
Together with Dr. Gina Montalbano Zesiger, we founded Z&M Twisted Vines Winery & Vineyard, blending my love for agriculture with Gina’s deep-rooted Sicilian winemaking heritage. We started small, learning every step of the winemaking process, experimenting with bold flavors, and creating wines that tell a story—our story.
That’s why many of our wines are military-themed, including:
• Apache Hellfire – A bold jalapeño red wine inspired by the Apache helicopter I flew.
• Cherry Jumper – A cherry wine paying homage to the airborne jumpers of the U.S. Army.
• Blacked Out – A rich blackberry and coffee-infused wine reflecting the dark nights of military operations.
• Household Six – A sangria celebrating the spouses and families who support service members.
Each bottle represents a chapter in the journey, from service to civilian life, from warfighter to winemaker.
The Birth of “Warrior to Wine”
As we built Z&M Twisted Vines, I realized that my story isn’t just about winemaking—it’s about the transition that many veterans go through. Leaving the military doesn’t mean leaving behind the lessons, values, and experiences that shaped us. Instead, it means finding new ways to apply them.
That’s what Warrior to Wine is all about—sharing stories of veterans who are transforming their military skills into new careers, businesses, and passions. Whether it’s farming, brewing, distilling, or leading in other industries, veterans are a vital part of American entrepreneurship.
What’s Next?
Today, Z&M Twisted Vines is more than just a winery—it’s a gathering place for the community, a space for storytelling, and a living testament to resilience and reinvention. We’re expanding into agritourism, offering immersive wine experiences, and even exploring a nonprofit initiative to help veterans transition into agriculture.
I invite you to follow along, whether by visiting our vineyard, trying one of our wines, or sharing your own story of transformation. The Warrior to Wine journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next.
Follow us on social media:
• Facebook: Z&M Twisted Vines Winery & Vineyard
• Instagram: @zmtwistedvines
• Website: Z&M Twisted Vines Winery & Vineyard
Join us in raising a glass—not just to good wine, but to the journey, the transition, and the next mission ahead