Wine, beer shop a family effort

Spokane Valley jewelers have opened another store of a different sort that expands their selections.

Maureen Tracy and husband David Hansen opened Vintage Vines Wine & Beer Shop next door to Tracy Jewelers on Evergreen Road.

“We had the vacancy in our building and we started talking about what we could do,” Tracy said. “We’ve always had an appreciation for fine wines and have even planned our (European) vacations around them.”

The new shop opened May 5 and offers a large selection of various types of wine, including those from Washington state and Europe. Many are considered boutique wines. Most are priced from $9 to $15 a bottle. A refrigerated unit also holds many types of microbrews from around the area. Tracy added they will search for specific labels upon customer request.

The endeavor to open the new shop was a family project, Tracy said, noting her niece Kelly Warner is shop manager and designed the 800-square- foot space, while uncles helped her with some cosmetic aspects. And still others, friends and fellow business owners, offered up counters and display furnishings.

Customers already have had an impact, too, and have requested more than just tastings. Tracy said they’ve just applied for a new license to allow servings by the glass and soon plan to offer a selection of sandwiches, fruits and cheeses.

“We’ve been open 10 days and we’re already changing things up,” Tracy said. “We look forward to it.”

A grand opening celebration continues today at Vintage Vines.