Nestled in among a tranquil neighborhood in Santiago Township is Boulder Creek Wine Bar, Sherburne County’s first and only winery.

The business came to fruition earlier this year for Carol Zimmerman (the mixologist) and her husband Tony (landscaping professional), as the two newlyweds have combined their talents to create a truly unique experience.

The couple has been together for 14 years, but it was after they were married a little more than two years ago that they seriously began the planning of their backyard, farm winery.

Carol has been making wine for years, but as a full-time teacher who also had summer school duties, she only had time to make enough for just herself and some friends to enjoy.  

“I started by experimenting and seeing what things I could take from my garden and ferment,” Carol says. “People enjoyed it and started to ask if they could buy it from me.”

That started a saga that has included needing permission from multiple layers of government — from the Feds to Santiago Township — to create the farm winery.

“It’s been a lot of work,” Carol adds. “We’ve taken it one step at a time.”

She makes all of the wine and cider beers herself and they have a much lower sulfite level than store bought brands, meaning there’s fewer headaches for those who enjoy drinking her creations.

While Carol is busy with the brewing, Tony took his talents as a professional landscaper and together they created the wine bar in the back yard of their home. With bar stools, tables and fire pits, there’s plenty of space for people to spread out and enjoy the ambiance or even take a turn at one of the lawn games.  

Last Saturday, a full slate of customers tucked under the impressive canopy structure as Mother Nature unfurled yet another hail storm on the area.  

Tony and Carol laughed at recalling the reactions of the customers, who “just shrugged it off and ordered more wine or cider.”

The jovial couple is certainly passionate about their undertaking, yet they possess a unique perspective on life that led to their decision to be open every other weekend — usually the first and third weekends the month.

“We still like to getaway and do other things,” Tony says.

“It’s not work, it’s still fun this way,” Carol adds.

During their first few months since opening, business has been brisk. They have developed some local “regulars” and have had visits from people from all over the United States.

“A couple from Texas came and took 15 bottles home with them,” Carol says.

Last weekend, the couple showed off their sense of humor by creating a “Catalina Wine Mixer” theme, complete with shirts and regalia from the famous “Step Brothers” movie.

“We have met some awesome people,” Carol says.  “We like to say that we love it plum full back here or just sitting here by ourselves.”

Big Lake residents Jason and Jodi Rosati stopped by the wine bar Sunday just after it opened and enjoyed a tasting flight of wine and cider beer, calling everything “delicious.”

“We love to do local things,” Jodi said. “I also love that they have cider beer which is a nice option for someone who isn’t a wine person.”

Carol says that the plans for the future are to keep everything as it is now, with the limited hours and with the fun of the concept at the forefront.

“We have no plans to get bigger,” Carol says.  “By Sunday night, we still enjoy it but are ready for the next weekend’s family vacation.”

For a complete look at the menu, hours of operation and the address of the wine bar, check out their website at BoulerCreekWineBar.com.