Coupeville’s Vail Wine Shop moves into former Windjammer gallery space

Larry and Patsy Vail have a New Year’s resolution: move their Coupeville wine shop and continue with the success they’ve enjoyed for the past two years. The couple, owns Vail Wine Shop, is moving the shop’s former home in Mariner’s Court across the street into the the former home of the Windjammer Gallery, which closed in late December after 17 years in business. “I’m expecting it to go well,” Patsy said of the new location.

Larry and Patsy Vail have a New Year’s resolution: move their Coupeville wine shop and continue with the success they’ve enjoyed for the past two years.

The couple, owns Vail Wine Shop, is moving the shop’s former home in Mariner’s Court across the street into the the former home of the Windjammer Gallery, which closed in late December after 17 years in business.

“I’m expecting it to go well,” Patsy said of the new location.

Vail Wine Shop opened in 2011 and features handcrafted and boutique wines produced in Washington state. Larry notes there are 874 registered wineries in Washington.

Despite being tucked away in the back of Mariner’s Court, Vail Wine Shop attracted visitors eager to imbibe.

“People who like wine tend to find you,” Larry said.

Patsy is quick to point out the Friday Night Flights and Bites events Vail Wine Shop started organizing in July. The weekly event features a different wine along with food brought in from surrounding restaurants. She said the fare served is pretty simple ranging from pizzas from Ebey’s Bowl and salmon pate from Seabolts to locally produced cheeses and breads.

The Vails are expanding the food by offering lunch once they complete their move across the street. Larry and Patsy are partnering with the Oystercatcher, which re-opened New Year’s Eve, to supply the wine shop with meals.

“It’s going to be very simple but very nice,” Patsy said.

The new location in the former Windjammer Gallery will double the size of the wine shop with the added benefit of extra space in front of the building and the surrounding wooden deck.

They are committed to featuring and selling wines produced in Washington state.

“That’s where we want to stay. It’s what we know the best,” Larry said.

Prior to opening the wine shop, Vails were photographers who owned what is now known as Vail Studio, which operates between Oak Harbor and Coupeville. Their son currently runs the studio.

Larry said they have 18-to-20 years invested in learning about wine, which included visits to wineries throughout the state.

“It’s our hobby gone wild,” Larry said of the development of their wine shop.

Vail Wine Shop’s hours vary seasonally. Go to www.vailwineshop.com for more information.

 

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