Imagining the Possibilities

COEUR d'ALENE - What started as office space and a small tasting room has evolved into a full wine club facility at Possibilities.

The gift basket store that Lee and Jill Kausen opened just in time for Christmas 2004 began last month to include their wine of the month club.

"It's been a work in progress," Lee said.

Now decorated in rustic wood and tile, blending Northwest and European style, the tasting room includes a fireplace, several tables for two to four, and a bar with another half dozen stools.

There are three clubs, one for red, one for white and one for premium wines. Anyone can sign up for one or more, and racks in the store are personalized for the members to pick up the monthly selection anytime.

The reds and whites are typically in the $10 to $20 range, and will average around $15, while premiums, red only, will be in the $20 to $40 range and average $30, Lee said.

There is no additional membership fee, and a bonus is a 30 percent discount on any other wine in the same category.

"The prices are awesome," he said.

The shop at 211 1/2 Sherman Ave. has seen growing interest in wines, and varieties from the Northwest are the focus. Wines from all over the world are also stocked, however.

"Washington's red category is the biggest growth area in the world," Lee said.

Possibilities now stocks hundreds of wines, and has a basement with additional dedicated storage for wines not picked up in their delivery month.

The tasting room is open to wine club members and guests during regular business hours and can be booked for private parties by members. There is no corking fee.

Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but Possibilities is closed on Mondays during the winter.

With plenty of cheeses, snacks and other gourmet treats available at Possibilities, the room is perfect for small, intimate parties, Lee said.

Carolyn Andersen of Coeur d'Alene attended several wine tastings at the store, and encouraged the Kausens to form the wine club. Her daughter signed her mother and herself up as a birthday present, and on Tuesday Andersen stopped by to pick up this month's selections.

"The wine tastings are wonderful," she said. "I enjoy wine with dinner. I enjoy wine all the time."

March wines included the Goose Ridge 2007 Columbia Valley Estate g3 red wine, a blend of syrah, merlot, cabernet and malbec. The premium red is the Maryhill 2006 Proprietor's Reserve Zinfandel from the Columbia Valley. The L'Ecole No. 41 2008 Walla Voila Chenin Blanc was limited in supply, with just enough to satisfy the 40 members of the wine club.

Throughout the year, there will be frequent wine tastings held at the store. Some will be held by distributors, others by wineries including Arbor Crest and Maryhill.

The next, on March 26, will be from 5-7 p.m. with three selections from each category. It will be a blind taste, and the winner will be April's selection.

The cost for the tasting is $10, which includes tastes of each and a glass of each participant's favorite.

Typical tasting times will be 5-7 p.m. Fridays and 2-5 p.m. Saturday. Frequency will be determined by demand, Lee said.

"The key is people, and relationships," he said. "It is just fun."

Jill, who called the back room Lee's "baby," said it is something they have wanted to do for a long time, but were patient in deciding how best to make it work.

"We enjoy wine and wanted to share it with others," she said. "The time is here."

Information: 665-9166