FARGO — Bear Creek Winery, located at 8800 25th St. S., in Fargo, is technically within the extraterritorial zone of the city of Fargo, but it still enjoys everything the country life has to offer.

Now, the business started 22 years ago by Rod and Sue Ballinger is undertaking a major expansion effort with help from a $1 million Destination Development Grant from the state of North Dakota.

A condition of the grant is that the Ballingers match the $1 million grant with their own money — dollar for dollar.

Rod Ballinger said he feels it is important that people know his family will have "some skin in the game" as they move forward with transforming the winery, which has long been a seasonal business, into a four-season destination.

Plans call for adding a number of amenities, including:

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