Some say Arnolds Park is best known for it’s nostalgic amusement park. Deidre Rosenboom, on the other hand, sees it as a thriving art community and gives locals and tourists alike the ultimate wine bar and art gallery experience.
The Wine Bar is a family-run business; Rosenboom primarily operates the business while her husband, Scott Baumgard, helps out when needed. The bar opened its doors three years ago next to an art gallery showcasing renowned local artist David Thoreson’s work. Baumgard tried to secure the space for his wife as a birthday present, only to find out that she had anxiously leased it herself, eager to open her own place. Rosenboom previously had a freelance graphic design business and wanted a space that she was passionate about. “I went into business for a better quality of life for both myself and patrons while also providing an outlet for local artists,” Rosenboom said.
Rosenboom strives to take the pompous out of wine and make it more informal. “Positive energy, comfortable, fun and lots of laughter. The best nights at the Wine Bar are the nights when everyone is laughing and it’s filled with energy.” Rosenboom believes that what makes this place work is the quality of the clientele; they are generally people looking to spend time with friends and family somewhere other than your average watering hole.
One thing Rosenboom wanted to express when she opened the bar was a hands on experience, a place to welcome patrons with personal service, specializing in small town family events. While the restaurant does not have a dinner menu, they do offer cheese snack plates and desserts. Carol’s Cupcakes in Spencer makes the cakes. Rosenboom recommends the champagne cake, and feels that it pairs the best with the wines.
The Wine Bar also has rotating thematic shows; the current theme is Saw you in Arnolds Park by artist Karen Cooper. Rosenboom is an artist herself and has her pottery for sale at the bar. The hand-blown and stained glass on display are from a local artist in Spencer. The jewelry is from a combination of local artists and a trip to Thailand that Rosenboom took this past winter. She collected pieces that were local to the area to bring back to Iowa, which she feels gives culture to the community.
During the summer months on Thursday and Friday evenings the Wine Bar and Art Gallery host different musical artists on the outdoor patio. Local songwriters are typically showcased; past acts have included The Nadas, Josh Davis and Bright Giant.
The Henry David Thoreau quote on the front door reads, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined.” So why not do so at the Wine Bar and Art Gallery with good art, good wine and good friends?
