Living an Amazing Life (One Grape at a Time)

FARMER GIRL!

By Bridget Hildebrand, Co-Owner, Skyhaven

In 2004, I sat across from the head of the History Department at Arizona State University and asked how I could transition into a career as a medieval history professor. He paused, looked at me, and said, “You know, there’s no money in it.” I smiled and replied, “That’s not the point. It’s to live an amazing life.”

That same night, I found out I was pregnant with my first child. #timing

I’ve thought about that moment many times since. Life, as it turns out, is less about following a straight path and more about embracing unexpected turns with open arms. I never became a professor, but I did pursue a life filled with meaningful work, bold choices, and an ever-growing resume of titles I never saw coming—triathlete, cybersecurity blogger, franchise owner, personal trainer, mother.

In 2021, my partner and co-conspirator, Chris, invited me into what would become the most ambitious adventure yet: starting a vineyard and medieval-themed winery in southern Arizona. Much like the history professor did, he pitched the venture with absolute honesty: “It'll be tough, exhausting work, and we’ll always be broke. But we’ll have an amazing life.” Without hesitation, I said yes.

Skyhaven is the product of that decision, a dream fueled by grit, shared passion, and a MOSTLY unwavering belief in what we’re building. Over the past couple of years, we’ve both balanced demanding day jobs while spending every available evening and weekend transforming 40 acres of raw desert into something capable of sustaining a vineyard. From drilling the well to buying a tractor to planting our first vine, this project has been a crash course in perseverance. The hashtag #swordsandwine has become our rallying cry. It’s part inspiration, part humor, and 100% earned.

I now carry titles I never expected, but the one that still surprises me the most is “farmer.” I didn’t grow up on land. I didn’t have a plan for this! But as the days unfold, filled with dirt, irrigation repairs, balancing bank accounts, and moments of laughter with my best friend, I am content with the decision.

We planted our first vines in 2023, and we’re just getting started. Skyhaven is more than a vineyard. It’s a place where hard work and heart come together. It’s our attempt to live an amazing life, and to share that with anyone who walks through our gates or opens a bottle of our wine.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported us—family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Many of you’ve watched me reinvent myself again and again, and I’m grateful you’re still here cheering me on.

Cheers to amazing lives, hard work, and awesome wine.