Welcome to Bahrsteads! The hope is that you will find the articles and information helpful in your journey.

In the beginning…

We didn't set out to create a homesteading empire. In fact, it all started as an experiment – a question of whether true self-sufficiency could work in practice, not just theory. Could we get to something like 80% self sufficient? In 2008 we took a leap, moving to a five acre property with one goal: to explore what was possible.

Clearing the land was step one. By 2010 Neil and I had settled on growing grapes. We talked about hops, but growing grapes seemed more interesting. We visited other vineyard owners and how they managed and what they produced. It was FABULOUS! Such a great community of folks that were down to earth and loving what they were doing. We had maybe 50 wineries in the state at that time. Not to mention we're in the largest viticultural area in the country. The Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area. After we did all our research and now had the land, we were off and running. The first goal was to generate enough to pay the property taxes by selling the crop. Season one, you plant. 3 seasons later you've got a reasonable crop. We were able to cover the property taxes the first season of selling. Goal too low. Nice problem to have, but the next jump would be bigger.

We planted 2 varieties of grapes. Both by the University of Minnesota. Our white is the Frontenac Gris, and our red is the Marquette. With those we can make quite a few different styles of wine. People do tend to think that living with a vineyard in your backyard and making wine is romantic. It is, but comes with a lot work that I think you need to love to be able to sustain.

We hired a wine making/vineyard manager coach, designed a winery building and started down all requirements to open a winery. At the time, I quit my corporate job. One of us needed to be here to manage it all. Neil and I have found a way to trade who is managing over the years. We made a conscientious effort to live on the lowest salary. Thank goodness we did that.

Once we had a few years of growing, it was time for big harvests. We had a blast. By that point, our nieces and nephew could be harvest managers, and we had 3 generations of family helping each year. If I put out a call for help, 50 people would show up.

With help from our mentor and coach, we won several medals for our wines. Even in international competitions. We felt immense gratification. But…always a but. The winery was open on weekends by appointment. We had 850 plants. Not at all the size of big commercial wineries. We are in Minnesota. People don't necessarily think of a climate like Minnesota when thinking about wine. But we are outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate our summers and doing the wine trails are a heap of fun. It wasn't as much of a money making adventure, as it was a personal journey of learning. Ok, what was next!

Building the winery was a treat. I know nothing about construction. Nor about the rules and regs for opening a winery. Have I mentioned how great the people are that grow grapes and make wine? Seriously great community of people. Helpful, eager to share info, down to earth and hardworking folks. More wineries are not competition. We help each other. The more the better for consumers who like the experiences they have with us.

Self sufficiency means growing more than just grapes, and being able to process what you grow. We started looking into how to grow efficiently and abundantly. We went with raised beds. So…back to clearing the land.

We put in 24 raised beds with a water system in the bottom. Times have changed and there are a lot of ready made products available. This was back breaking. But we had a LOT of help from our oldest son. We had water trenched in so we had a source closer to the garden. I cry every time we tear things up. It always turns out great, but has an emotional toll when doing it.

I had so much to learn concerning gardening. And you get one shot a year. So many failures as well as successes. Not only was growing a learning experience, but so was preserving all that produce! What were my options? Freeze, dry or can. I'm a city girl (from New York) and Neil is also but from Iowa. His parents grew and preserved as almost a religion. His experience lead. he way. Again, lots of failures and successes. I'll share stories in our blogs.

We then turned our attention toward power. We went for a solar array and at the time, it covered all our electric needs for the house and the winery. The payback was faster than we anticipated and I'll never regret that expenditure.

Our dream was coming together!

By this time, the family was growing. Our 3 boys, deep into child raising year, and us at peak earning for our careers. We're expecting our 10th grandchild in 2025.

With life comes death. We've lost 3 of our parents in the last 5 years. 2020 started a serious set of struggles. COVID…our small little winery didn't make sense when we couldn't open. So we shut that down. At least until we retired and then would revisit that decision. Working 7 days a week when you have jobs that include international travel…it's a grinder no matter how much you enjoy what you're doing.

We also had our own struggles being post 50 years old. Diabetes, breast cancer…the world has a way of throwing curve balls.

As you might imagine, we had way too much on our plates and not much time to recharge. Our first attempt at Bahrsteads was a labor of love. Again, I had no idea how to create a website, much less the time. It ended up on the back burner as an irresistible job opportunity came up.

My degrees are in Economics and Business Administration, a master in Technology management, certificates in mobile marketing and horticulture. I'm a certified nerd. Neil is supply chain management in manufacturing. He was also a shop teacher at the beginning of his career.

Managing is very very different from doing. My friend Gwen is who got me looking at all the ways I could streamline and make my tasks easier. It was also figuring out how we could keep our artistic bent in the mix. I found out the hard way what happens when you're out of balance for a long period of time. Burn out.

In 2024 I hit the wall when my mother and Neil were having heart issues. Time to make the jump to retirement. I wasn't done making money, but would fully commit to my family, helping my mom, and resurrecting Bahrsteads. At the base of it, is time. I needed to be present. Flying for my job (that was intense) was no longer the priority. A year into retirement and my life is completely different again!

Crafting has always been a constant – woven through every stage of life. It's the balance between innovation and relaxation, the creative outlet that keeps everything grounded for me. Whether it's digital design or hands-on projects, we love the machines we've invested in and the creative journey they've led us on. From my first Silhouette and 3D printer, 10 need embroidery machine, long arm, AccuQuilt, to the Glowforge laser, CNC, and Wazer…all of this was right up our combined alley. Neil's shop teacher background comes in handy. He's a modern marvel. The importance of having a partner with similar passion! And really…it's darn cold here in the winter time. It helps us make the most of the entire year. We've taken years to accumulate and learn these platforms and figure if it gives us balance, it might do the same for someone else too. You'll find our learnings and adventures here on Bahrsteads.

Bahrsteads is more than a place – it's a philosophy. It's about learning, adapting, and thriving in a way that honors a healthy lifestyle, creativity and sustainability. Whether through homesteading tips, crafting resources, or entrepreneurial insights, the goal is to inspire others to embrace self-sufficiency in their own way.

Because here's the truth: anyone can start small. Whether it's planting a single herb or designing a digital craft, every step matters. Bahrsteads exists to show that living creatively and sustainably isn't just a dream – it's doable.

And to our grandchildren: From us to you…you can do anything you put your mind to!

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