BREAKING NEWS: Bear Creek Winery in Fargo, North Dakota, is transforming into a year-round destination following a significant funding boost. The winery has just been awarded a $1 million Destination Development Grant from the state, which requires the owners to match this amount.
Located at 8800 25th St. S., Bear Creek Winery has been a staple in the community for over 22 years under the ownership of Rod and Sue Ballinger. The grant will allow them to expand their operations and enhance visitor experiences, marking a pivotal moment for the winery.
Rod Ballinger emphasized the importance of the family’s commitment, stating they will invest an equal amount of $1 million, ensuring they have “some skin in the game” as they embark on this ambitious project. The winery, traditionally a seasonal venue, is set to become a four-season attraction with exciting new features.
Planned enhancements include:
– Boutique lodging
– An outdoor stage for performances
– Pickleball courts and nature trails
– A modern greenhouse
– A wood-fired pizza oven
Construction is already underway, with the winery’s parking lot nearly doubling in size and preparations for an events center taking shape. This new facility, named the Bear Creek Events & Cultural Center, will host a variety of events, from weddings to concerts, according to Sean Ballinger, who serves as the winery’s general manager and head winemaker.
Sean, alongside his wife Kelsy, is heavily involved in the winery’s operations, while his brother Chase Ballinger, currently at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, played a crucial role in securing the grant. The family is eager to cultivate new grape varieties in the upcoming greenhouse, despite the bittersweet loss of a cherished garden.
Recent developments include the installation of an old bridge from the James River, now repurposed as a picturesque walkway over one of the winery’s ponds. The Ballingers are excited for the future, particularly the design phase of the events center, which is expected to feature a farm-related motif. The building is projected to be completed by early summer 2027.
As the Ballingers welcomed visitors to their winery recently, they showcased their production facility, where they age their award-winning wines. Both Rod and Sean believe that 2021 was their best vintage yet, producing wines with exceptional character, leading Sean to declare, “It was the perfect vintage.”
With these developments, Bear Creek Winery is poised to become a must-visit destination, promising to enhance the local community and attract visitors year-round. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transformation!
