New Kansas bill helps farmers across the state

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Bryan and Gina Zesiger opened Z & M Twisted Vines Winery 6 years ago.

“It started off as something we could do together as a hobby,” said Z & M Twisted Vines Winery Gina Montalbano-Zesiger.

The retired U.S. Army Major and educator wanted to create a unique farm-to-table with wine.

“We tell our story through the wine, of things we like and kind of pushing the boundaries of wines doesn’t always have to be pretentious,” said Montalbano-Zesiger.

However, their lives were crushed a few years into opening.

Leavenworth County classified the winery as commercial rather than agricultural, leading to higher taxation on the property.

“We thought it was a joke. For whatever reason the second year we got this new bill and it’s like ‘Where does any of this come from?’,” said Montalbano-Zesiger.

“When you double and triple your taxation on your farm, we don’t have the means to make that up,” said Z & M Twisted Vines Winery Bryan Zesiger.

This uncorked Brayn Zesiger to craft SB 410 that aims to help farmers across the state.

Governor Laura Kelly signed the bill into law April 24.

“I crafted the bill to ensure that farms and ranches, agriculture that participate in agritourism do not get taxed as commercial,” said Zesiger.

Zesiger says the success of the bill passing is like taking a sip of your own crafted wine, rewarding and fulfilling.

“It wasn’t that anyone was doing anything wrong. This was to make sure that we still understand here in Kansas that agriculture is agriculture and come out and enjoy our farm and enjoy what we make on our farm,” said Zesiger.

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