If you’re planning a visit to one of the best Wisconsin wineries near Baraboo, Balanced Rock Winery should be at the top of your list. It’s a five-minute drive from our front porch, and it’s the stop we send almost every guest to at least once during their stay.

There are so many things to do in Baraboo on your wine tasting weekend. Whether you are hiking at Devil’s Lake State Park, kayaking on Mirror Lake, or learning about the history of the circus in town, there’s plenty to fill your time when you aren’t relaxing.

Before you start filling in the rest of your itinerary, it helps to have your lodging settled. Ringling House Bed and Breakfast is one of the most unique places to stay in Wisconsin, a historic home with six elegant guest rooms full of antique decor and architecture that carries you back to the early 1900s. Ask your innkeepers about the Ringling family who once called this house home; it’s part of the same circus history that put Baraboo on the map. Check our upcoming availability and book your stay today.

Where Is Balanced Rock Winery?

Balanced Rock Winery sits just up the road from downtown and only a few minutes from the entrance to Devil’s Lake State Park. The name comes from the iconic rock formation inside the park, a boulder that’s been balancing on its narrow base for thousands of years. It’s a fitting namesake for a winery built on the same bluffs.

Hours and What to Expect

The tasting room and patio are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Owners Matt and Kristin Boegner run the place with a hands-on touch. What started as a passion project has grown into a 6,000-square-foot production facility, and it still feels like a family business.

The patio is the main draw, looking out over the rolling hills and forest of the Driftless Region. On a clear afternoon, there’s nowhere better in Baraboo to sit with a glass of wine. Live music and pop-up markets show up on the lawn fairly often, especially on weekends, so it’s worth checking the winery’s event schedule before you go if you want to catch one.

Balanced Rock Wines

Balanced Rock focuses on cold-hardy varietals suited to Wisconsin winters, alongside grapes sourced from further afield, including Washington’s Columbia Valley, New York’s Finger Lakes, and other Wisconsin vineyards. The lineup runs from crisp, food-friendly whites to bolder reds, and the staff pouring tastings are knowledgeable.

Food at the Winery

You won’t just be drinking here. The menu at Balanced Rock Winery leans toward shareable plates: creative flatbreads (the Caprese is the one regulars order again and again), house-made dips, and a charcuterie board built around Wisconsin cheeses and meats. It’s an easy, low-pressure menu for a long afternoon with friends or a relaxed date, and it pairs well with almost anything on the wine list.

Tips From Your Innkeepers

We always tell guests to go on a weekday afternoon for a quiet outing to Balanced Rock or on a weekend evening for a livelier one with music. If you’re coming from a morning at Devil’s Lake, this is the natural next stop; the drive is short, and there’s something nice about trading a bluff-top hike for a bluff-top glass of wine on the same day.

Where to Stay Near Balanced Rock Winery

After a wine tasting, the best plan is not having to drive far. Ringling House is a five-minute drive from Balanced Rock Winery, in a home built in 1901 for Charles Ringling, one of the five circus-founding brothers, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Every morning starts with a full homemade breakfast: sweet and savory dishes, fresh juice, and hot coffee served at the Ringling family dining table.

If you’re building a Baraboo trip around wine tasting, a hike at Devil’s Lake State Park, or a long weekend away, check out our availability and reserve your room now.

FAQ

What are Balanced Rock Winery’s hours?
Balanced Rock Winery, at 1065 Walnut St in Baraboo, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How far is Balanced Rock Winery from Devil’s Lake State Park?
It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the park entrance, and it takes its name from the Balanced Rock formation inside the park.

Does Balanced Rock Winery serve food?
Yes. The menu includes flatbreads, house-made dips, and charcuterie boards featuring Wisconsin cheeses and meats.

Where should I stay for a visit to Balanced Rock Winery?
Ringling House Bed and Breakfast is a five-minute drive from Balanced Rock Winery and offers six historic guest rooms plus a full homemade breakfast each morning.

Is Balanced Rock Winery good for groups or date nights?
Yes, both. The shareable food menu and patio seating work well for either, and weekend evenings often add live music.