BREAKING NEWS: Bear Creek Winery in Fargo is undergoing a major transformation into a year-round destination, thanks to a significant $1 million Destination Development Grant from the state of North Dakota. This ambitious expansion, announced just today, is set to enhance the winery’s offerings and boost local tourism.
Located at 8800 25th St. S., Bear Creek Winery has served the community for over 22 years. The winery, founded by Rod and Sue Ballinger, is set to match the state grant dollar for dollar, ensuring their commitment to this expansive project. “We will have ‘some skin in the game’ as we move forward,” Rod Ballinger emphasized, highlighting the family’s dedication to the winery’s future.
The expansion will introduce an array of exciting amenities, including:
– Boutique lodging
– An outdoor stage
– Pickleball courts and trails
– A greenhouse
– A wood-fired pizza oven
Significant construction is already underway, with plans to nearly double the winery’s parking lot and clear land for a new events center. This venue, part of the upcoming Bear Creek Events & Cultural Center, is designed to host a variety of events, from weddings to concerts. General Manager Sean Ballinger confirmed that the center is currently in the design phase and is expected to be completed by early summer 2027.
In a recent tour of the winery, the Ballinger family expressed their excitement about the new developments. Sean Ballinger, who oversees winemaking and grape cultivation, is particularly enthusiastic about the greenhouse, which will facilitate growing new grape varieties. However, his mother, Sue, noted she will miss the garden being sacrificed for this new facility.
The winery has also incorporated a historic bridge from near Adrian, North Dakota, which now serves as a picturesque walkway over one of the winery’s ponds. This addition reflects the winery’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience in every way possible.
Rod Ballinger stated, “The event center will be a focal point for the project, drawing people from all over.” The family is dedicated to ensuring that the center embodies a farm-related motif, celebrating their roots while catering to a modern audience.
The Ballinger family is deeply involved in the winery’s operations, with Sean’s brother, Chase, contributing from his position at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, where he played a crucial role in securing the grant. Chase’s expertise in business and production oversight is integral to the winery’s future success.
As visitors explore the winery, they are treated to a firsthand look at winemaking processes, where grapes are fermented and aged in barrels. The Ballingers noted that 2021 was a standout year for their vintages, with Sean declaring it “the perfect vintage.” “We added the yeast and walked away,” he recounted, illustrating the ideal growing conditions that year.
Bear Creek Winery’s transformation is not just a business endeavor; it represents a significant investment in the local community and a dedication to providing a unique experience for visitors year-round. As details continue to emerge, this expansion promises to reshape Fargo’s cultural landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Bear Creek Winery moves forward with its exciting plans.
