The big smile on the face of Patti Mehm said it all. Walking around the new wine and beer tavern she co-owns with her husband Bob, she could barely contain her pride.

Barley and Vine  -- offering New York state wine and craft beers, as well as other regions -- officially opened Saturday, after two nights of a soft opening Thursday and Friday.

“We were packed with 40 people on both nights. It was a great introduction for us as to what to expect and iron out the service,” Patti told Schroon Laker.

The tavern, on the second floor of the Towne Store, features beer on tap, and wine by the glass. There are also beer and wine flights. For vino lovers a flight of 5 one-ounce sips, is a bargain at $5. Beer flights are $4 for three beers of three ounces each. Individual glasses of wine vary by price. There’s a large selection of bottled and canned beers, sodas and iced teas.

The current craft beer selections are from Paradox and Davidson Brothers.

Each day the wine selection changes. Saturday there were 12 wines on offer.

Patti is extremely proud of the tavern’s homemade wine slushies. One customer compared them to a frozen margarita made with wine. Saturday’s selection featured peach and berry pomegranate.

The tavern features light fare featuring several plates that compliment the wines, ranging from cheese and meats pates, dips, a soup and salads.

“The best seller by far has been our deluxe meat and cheese platter,” Patti said.

That platter (pictured above) consists of a choice of three cheeses and four meats, garnished with fruit, fig preserve, olive medley and various crackers. It’s designed to be shared and is a great deal at $19.

The tavern is formerly housed in the Towne Store’s Art Gallery. With some re-arranging, Patti and Bob have created a sprawling and inviting space consisting of several distinct areas.

Entering the space you’ll see a large communal table, and a smaller table next to the bar. Adorning the walls are numerous art works. There’s a large selection of beer and wine themed housewares and gifts.

A door leads to a clubby style room, featuring two tables and comfy leather chairs. This room connects to two covered terraces overlooking Main Street.  Almost all of the furniture is made with recycled wine barrels.

“The area was really underutilized,” said Bob. “There’s a lot of   space up here. Construction began in earnest last October, and the final touches put in place this past week. 

Hours Monday  - Thursday  1-8 pm, Friday & Saturday 1-9pm.  Sunday 1-6 pm.

1089 Main Street

Schroon Lake, New York

(518) 532-9954