Tillsammans Vineyards | Grown with Patience

The Ethos

Our Vineyard Vision is Tillsammans

"Tillsammans is Swedish for 'together.' It is the name of our vineyard, but it also is the philosophy of our lives."

"We believe the best things in life are grown with patience and shared."

In Wilton, Wisconsin, we are beginning a new chapter for land that has been in the family for generations. This effort is a dedication to the soil through the intentional cultivation of cold-hardy vines.

Our focus is on the fruit and excellence begins in the row. We believe that honest wine is impossible without a deep, uncompromising focus on the health and quality of the grapes. We are dedicated to the slow work of tending each vine to ensure the results reflect our commitment to the land.

Our Approach is a Quiet Confidence

"Working with the earth means following the lead of the land."

Authenticity

We grow what belongs here. We focus on cold-hardy grapes that come from the Wisconsin land. We don't fight the Wisconsin climate; we embrace its grit & character to grow vines & produce wines that are honest to their origin.

Empathy

We understand that wine culture can often feel exclusive or intimidating, but it shouldn't be. We believe this experience is for everyone. At Tillsammans Vineyards, hospitality is rooted in togetherness—where the priority is always the person across the table.

Stewardship

Every row we plant is a lesson in patience. We use common-sense, sustainable practices that honor the history of this hilltop & ensure its health for decades to come.

The Partners

Who We Are

Will

Raised in the Driftless region, I spent much of my childhood visiting my grandparents' farm with my mom and brother. The farm has been in my family for over 40 years, and I still remember the quiet love my grandparents had for it, tending to it through seasonal hay harvests and the garden that helped to feed our family. After finishing college, I moved to New York City with my wife, Melissa, and have spent over 20 years working in technology. I learned that I do my best work when I am building something—specifically systems, software, and teams.

Years later, I learned of growers in Wisconsin planting cold-hardy wine grapes and blazing a new path for winemaking. I was enthralled and realized this is the connection back to the Earth I had been looking for. I was excited to see what these new growers were doing, and I was even more excited to think about what could be done on my grandparents' land.

My work now includes the development of this vineyard, where I’m applying that same focus on building and attention to detail to the soil as we prepare for our first planting in 2027. It doesn't escape me how special it is to bring something new to a place that has been a part of my life since the beginning, honoring my grandparents’ legacy while creating a space for people to come together.

Melissa

Born and raised in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, I’ve always felt connected to its river bluffs, ridges and valleys, and the family and friends who shaped my ties to this land. Much of my childhood was spent on my grandparents’ dairy farm, where I learned the value of hard work and caring for the land.

After many years in New York, my husband, Will, and I realized that grapes were being grown and wine made in our home state—the land of dairy, cheese, and beer—and we were intrigued. The chance to plant vines on Will’s grandparents’ farm made the dream real. Before returning to Wisconsin to establish Tillsammans Vineyards, I spent 15 years with the National Park Service, mainly at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, then shifted to editorial and small business work.

Our vineyard’s name, Tillsammans, is Swedish for “together.” It captures not only how we work but the spirit behind everything we’re building. The Swedish connection holds special meaning, inspired by my great-grandparents’ journey from Sweden through Ellis Island and my long love of sharing their story. Learning more about Swedish culture led us to connect our focus on working together to the concept of Tillsammans. I can’t wait for the day we look out over rows of vines and raise a glass of wine made from the grapes we’ve grown together.

The Roadmap

Projected Milestones

"Building a vineyard requires a conversation with time. We are approaching our growth with intentionality & careful stewardship."

2025

The Groundwork of Knowledge

Preparation begins with humility & education. We are acquiring the necessary equipment & completing formal viticulture education through Washington State University, ensuring our approach is as informed as it is intentional.

2026

Listening to the Land

Our focus turns to the stewardship of the soil. We are preparing the ancient Driftless hilltop blocks—nurturing the earth to ensure it is ready to support the life of our future vines.

2027

Setting the Foundation

The first vines meet our Wisconsin soil, planted in intentional blocks. We will install the trellis support systems that will guide our vineyard's growth for decades to come.

2028

Nurturing the Rows

Expansion continues with the planting of additional varieties. Simultaneously, we focus on continued care—training the previous year's plants as they establish in their permanent home.

2029

A Year of Care

A year of continued expansion, cultivation, & care. We remain disciplined in our approach, nurturing the health and resilience of the entire vineyard while preparing for our first harvest.

2030

The First Harvest

The completion of our initial planting cycle meets a long-awaited milestone: our debut estate harvest. A moment to share the first fruits of our labor together.

Building Together

"While we are grateful to hold this land & have set our course, we know that truly meaningful work is a collective effort."

If you share our heart for stewardship or see a way you might like to help us get started—whether through partnership, shared wisdom, or a helping hand—we’d be truly appreciative of the conversation.

Keep in
Touch

"Viticulture is a patient craft. If you're simply curious about our progress, join us. We’ll send occasional notes as we break ground & build the future of our vineyard."