WinCo’s debut a mixed bag of opinions

Just in case you missed all of the advertising, the new WinCo Foods grocery store on North Nevada Street is open.

Among those who swap money-saving tips for grocery shopping online, the Boise-based retailer is a winner. Many lauded low prices, large selection and a vast bulk foods section. Others said they’d rather shop at a store that offers a weekly sales advertisements so they could compare prices or go someplace where they don’t have to bag their own groceries.

A friend and former colleague started writing her shopping list months ago when she first heard WinCo would be opening stores here.

The store is a whopping 94,000 square feet and it’s located at 9257 N. Nevada St. Night owls will appreciate that the store is open 24 hours. But those who like to shop with their credit cards should take heed: Only cash or debit cards are accepted. A second WinCo store is scheduled to open this spring in the Spokane Valley at 9806 E. Sprague Ave., the former Home Base hardware location.

Taste of the Palouse on Saturday

Here’s a cure for cabin fever: Take a drive south to the Moscow Food Co-op for a “Taste of the Palouse” this Saturday or next.

The Co-op is hosting a free fair that will give people a chance to meet and talk to area producers and sample their wares. The fair will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

The lineup includes locally made truffles, chocolates, nutritional drinks, wine, seasoning salt, gluten-free foods (both Namaste Foods of Coeur d’Alene and the Gluten Free Mama of Polson, Mont.), beef, honey, coffee, tea, salsa, barbecue sauces, cosmetics and soap.

The Co-op can be reached at (208) 882-8537. It is at 121 E. Fifth St. in downtown Moscow.

Bottomless bottles

Local wines with less waste are now available at Pend d’Orielle Winery in Sandpoint.

The winery has introduced refillable 1.5 liter bottles of its Bistro Rouge. Buy the first bottle for $25 and then bring it back to the winery to refill it for $16.

Pend d’Orielle Winery is at 220 Cedar St. in Sandpoint.

The winery is also eliminating the postcard mailings it has sent to fans. But it will keep providing updates on events, sales and online specials via e-mail. Go to www.powine.com for more information.

Reach the winery at (208) 265-8545.