A stone’s throw from Devil’s Lake State Park sits Balanced Rock Winery, a refreshing stop on a trip through the Baraboo area. Open since 2019, Balanced Rock’s gorgeous hillside location with vast indoor and outdoor seating is a great way to spend the afternoon or evening sipping wine and relaxing.
Named after a bluff rock formation and neighboring Devil’s Lake, the 6,000-sq.-ft. facility is found on 22 acres of urban city land, and the cool and sleek red-and-white industrial barnlike design pays tribute to Wisconsin’s farming heritage. Guests will likely see owners and winemakers Matt and Kristin Boegne on the property (along with their adorable Bernese Mountain dogs). Matt’s interest in chemistry in his youth and hospitality background have dovetailed nicely into the winery venture after leaving their corporate jobs. Seeking balance in their world, they live their motto of “life in balance is a life well lived” each day and seek to share it with their customers.
Balanced Rock Winery has around 20 red, white and rosé wines for guests to sample and sip, growing its own red Frontenac grapes and using grapes from other areas of Wisconsin, Washington and New York to produce the goods. Matt tells us his philosophy is, “What’s best for the grape, and what’s the best wine you can make?” The winery has a nice selection of dry reds including the Anastasia, a cabernet with heavy oak and blackberry notes, and the medium and full-bodied Trinity, a nice blend of Syrah, cabernet and merlot. Another favorite red is Josephine, a smoky and oaky Syrah. White-wine drinkers will enjoy everything from sweet and semi-sweets like the La Crescent to drier wines, including the No. 1 seller at the Wisconsin State Fair wine garden, Seyval, which features apple, lemon and grapefruit notes. Guests can also enjoy wine flights with any four wines or fun wine cocktails. There is also a nice selection of craft and domestic beers available for purchase.
Bring your appetite to Balanced Rock Winery as its in-house menu features countless items. Snack favorites include Southwest roasted sweet corn dip, house-made onion dip and the chili crisp hummus platter. The signature charcuterie board is a must do! The generously portioned and beautiful variety of meats, cheeses and nuts comes in both medium and large sizes and pairs perfectly with a glass of wine. Main bites include flavorful and unique flatbreads and pizza such as the Cubano, maple bacon or Bangkok Thai. Street tacos and desserts, including the warm, sharable dessert pretzel, round out the menu.
Swing among the vines! Bring your golf clubs and tees along and experience Balanced Rock Winery’s on-site 250-yard driving range. Open spring through fall in partnership with Baraboo Country Club neighbors, guests can purchase tokens for $6 for range balls or bundle a buck of balls and a drink (beer or wine) for $10.
Balanced Rock Winery is kid- and dog-friendly and open daily year round; current hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The winery often hosts special events including live music throughout the week.
For information and a list of special events, visit balancedrockwinery.com.
1065 Walnut St.
Baraboo, WI 53913