Ernest Hemingway once said "Wine & Friends are a great blend."

Washington has a new place to enjoy both. Wine & Words & Gourmet, located in downtown Washington, now has a wine bar located next door to its retail shop. The store has been in business for fifteen years, and owner Mary Mehlich has over ten years of sommelier experience.

Mehlich says that the new wine lounge is an extension of the shop. "We’re doing wine tastings with a tasting price of five dollars with a set number of wines being available for purchase at a discount of 10% off. Also, any bottle of wine in the store is available to purchase and share with friends in the lounge area, and certain wines are available for purchase by the glass."

Customers can relax in the lounge area that is decorated with vintage furniture, a sumptuous and cozy mix of everything from Victorian to 18th century pieces, while enjoying their favorite vino or brew with friends.

Mehlich also has live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and special events lined up as well. "Our ribbon cutting will be on December 9th at 4pm. We have award-winning metalsmith/artist Betsy Markowski showing her work on December 16th from 6-8pm, and we will have a wine tasting for that event."

The new wine bar is also available to rent for private events any day except Friday and Saturday.

Mehlich hopes to continue to offer great wines and gourmet foods to her customers through the new wine bar. Wine & Words & Gourmet sells affordable and premium wines, craft and imported beer & ale, cider, sake, cheeses, gourmet foods, fine chocolates from around the world, an eclectic selection of new books at discounted prices, gift baskets, wine & bar accessories, custom gift baskets, and gift certificates.

The shop is open Tuesday-Thursday 12-6pm; Friday-Saturday 12-6pm and Sunday 12-7pm.

The new Wine Bar is open Friday and Saturday 1-9pm and Sunday 12-7pm.

Call 252-974-2870 for more information or to schedule an event.