Growing Confidence and Community

When Cassie and Tom Wulfekuhle took over management of Crooked Vines Vineyard in the spring of 2025, they were stepping into new territory. While they had worked in the vineyard in previous years, this was their first season managing a vineyard on their own. They were eager to learn but also aware of how much they didn’t yet know. That’s when they turned to FARRMS and applied for the Summer Mentorship Program.

With limited hands-on experience, the Wulfekuhles were matched with Greg and Lisa Cook of 4e Winery, who guided them through each step of their first growing season. Founded in 2015, 4e Winery specializes in cold-climate grapes and produces exceptional wines made from North Dakota–grown ingredients. Under the Cooks’ mentorship, Tom and Cassie learned the practical skills essential to vineyard management, from pruning and harvesting to monitoring grape sugar and pH levels to produce the best possible fruit. Through the program, Cassie visited 4e Winery multiple times to gain hands-on experience, while Greg also visited the Wulfekuhles’ Crooked Vines Vineyard to offer tailored guidance and suggestions for their operation.

“The most helpful part of the program was being able to reach out to someone with real-life experience, in our region,” Cassie shared. “It was so much better than just relying on YouTube videos or other references.”

For Cassie, that friendship and ongoing support have been invaluable. “It gives you a platform to ask real questions to people who have been in your situation,” Cassie explained. “It gives you resources for any issues that may arise along the way and helps you network with other farmers and businesses.” When referring to her mentor she shares, “We didn’t just gain a mentor, we gained a lifelong friend.”

Crooked Vines Vineyard was started in 2020 with the Marquette variety of grape. Over the following two years, Frontenac Gris and Crimson Red varieties were added. As Cassie and Tom continue to expand the vineyard's operations, their hopes extend beyond production. “We’d love to have enough product to sell to a local winery,” Cassie said. “But we also want to use our vineyard as an educational space, somewhere local students can learn about grape growing, pruning, harvesting, and maybe even use it for FFA projects.”

This impactful mentorship pairing underscores the vital role FARRMS plays in supporting new and transitioning farmers in North Dakota. In Cassie’s experience, “The biggest value that FARRMS brings to the farming community is probably the ‘at your fingertips’ information and guidance. The number of resources and the assistance available is amazing. It gives you confidence in building your farm and making it successful.”

Ready to start your own journey? We are now accepting Summer Mentorship mentee applications through May 1, 2026! Learn more at https://www.farrms.org/mentorship