LAKEWOOD CROSSING — Wines from Washington and around the world are now conveniently located at The Wine Shop at Lakewood Crossing, opened Oct. 15 by Mary Swindell, who promises to sample every wine before she puts it on her shelves. On Friday, Dec. 12, South African wines will be offered.

Formerly with Brindell’s Wine Shop on Camano Island, the Seven Lakes-area resident opened her new shop in a strategic location on the road to Costco and Target.

Swindell said it’s more than just wine, however.

“I am offering an assortment of gift items made by local artists to package in baskets with the wine,” said Swindell, who also makes jewelry. Along with wine there is fair-trade chocolate, teas, soap and body products and treats for your pets, too. The new wine shop features art on the walls, metal sculptures, and photocards, with watercolors by an old college friend of Swindell’s.

Artistic gift items range from her own jewelry and hand-painted wine glasses to other creative solutions to gift giving, like Eisch breathable glasses and cork coasters.

Swindell admits she was skeptical about the breathable glasses, but they do work, she said.

“Come check them out. I have the Bordeaux, Burgundy and Port glasses in stock,” Swindell said.

The shop features a different winemaker at Friday night tastings and artists on Saturdays. Wine tastings are offered from 4:30 – 7 p.m., Friday evenings and from 2 – 6 p.m. Saturdays.

Currently, she’s got paintings by Camano Island artist Duane Simshauser on the walls. The openings will include chair massages along with tastings.

“My main goal is to support local artists and sell American-made products,” Swindell said.

She also offers a membership club with e-mails distributed regularly offering the best deals on “Mary’s Pics.”

Tastings are $5 for a flight of wines

For information see the Web site at www.maryswineshop.com e-mail to maryswindell@verizon.net or call the Wine Shop at 360-652-9200.