OUR STORY
A passion project of wine...and swords
Some rallying cries come from great speeches. Ours came from a text message. Years ago, somewhere in the planning of this wine adventure, "swords and wine" became our thing. We love all things castles, dragons, knights, and swords — so it stuck. Equal parts celebration and grit; it's our yin and yang. It's what we say when something goes right. It's what we say when something goes sideways. It's woven into everything Skyhaven does.
Chris Brinkmeyer — The Wine Shepherd
Chris earned his viticulture and enology degree from Yavapai College and sharpened his talents at the respected Pillsbury Wine Company. He calls himself the Wine Shepherd because great wine isn't manufactured — it's guided. Coaxed. Listened to. His engineering background means nothing gets left to chance, and his instinct for the Willcox Bench means the grapes get exactly what they need. Chris also drives the tractor. Even though he yells at it constantly, he's a natural.
Bridget Hildebrand — CPKO (Chief Pants Kicking Officer)
Bridget spent 25+ years building brands in the tech industry, traveling the world, and drinking amazingly good Old World wine along the way. She'll also tell you that the stamina built from years of triathlon training was a necessary component for surviving vineyard life — and she's not wrong. She handles the marketing, manages the tasting rooms, and makes sure all the moving pieces move. She loves a good list, and when momentum stalls, Bridget kicks some pants. Note that this is different than nagging.
We are Team Skyhaven! In 2022, we left Phoenix, planted vines on Arizona's Willcox Bench, and put down roots in both Willcox and Bisbee. Skyhaven has always been about more than wine. It's about community — in Willcox, in Bisbee, and everywhere we pour. It's about making something genuine. This is a love project. This is the ultimate quest.
#swordsandwine
— Chris & Bridget
ABOUT SKYHAVEN
At Skyhaven, we believe wine is more than just a beverage — it’s an experience. Rooted in wonder, sustainability, and community, we aim to craft exceptional Arizona wines while being stewards of the land and creating a place where every visitor feels at home.
Our mission is to bring Arizona’s premier wines to the world, showcasing the unique terroir and untapped potential of this incredible region. We are dedicated to sustainable vineyard practices and cultivate varietals that offer something for everyone.
Beyond the wine, we want Skyhaven to be an immersive experience where storytelling, environment, and quality wine come together. We envision themed wine encounters and a picturesque destination with cottages, a café, and peaceful picnic spots. We are building a vineyard oasis where every visit lingers in memory long after the last sip.
Whether you're here for the wine, the adventure, or the tranquility, Skyhaven welcomes you to be part of something extraordinary.
DRINK LOCAL!
Our vineyard is a true labor of love, owned and operated entirely by the two of us. We do the work ourselves—from tending the vines to crafting each bottle—because this isn’t just a business, it’s a deeply personal dream we’ve committed to building from the ground up. When you visit or enjoy our wines, you’re engaging directly with the people behind every decision, every harvest, and every pour.
We’re proud to be part of a dedicated community of small, independent wineries here in Arizona—each of us working with intention and care, far from the world of mass production and corporate wine. We encourage you to drink local, wherever you are. Supporting small producers sustains the heart and soul of winemaking, and we’re honored to be part of that tradition.