Experiencing Northwest Wines

When Kris Lonborg was a young man, his family travelled through Bonners Ferry on their way home to the Oregon coast from a vacation in Canada. The beauty of the valley, river and mountains here made such an impression on him that he knew he would return one day — and that is exactly what he and his wife Lillian did in April 2008. She too instantly fell in love with the area, and they bought a home in Bonners Ferry on that same trip.

After purchasing their property, they spent the next several years traveling between London and Seattle fulfilling other obligations, and in June of 2014 they finally made the permanent move to Bonners Ferry. As a testimony to just how much they love their new hometown, it did not take them long to become integrated into the community on a professional and personal level.

On May 8, they opened Heart Rock Wines, which has already proven to be a popular gathering spot for thirsty locals and tourists. In a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, Kris and Lillian offer exquisite Northwest American wines for all palates. Whether it is wine by the glass or by the bottle, visitors can enjoy pairing a fine wine with cheese and cured meat platters, nuts, olives, chocolates and other select light fare. Also available is a five flight wine tasting at an affordable price of $10; a fee that is waived if a bottle of wine is then purchased.

Because Heart Rock Wines focuses on the boutique wineries of the Pacific Northwest (as opposed to the mass-produced fare commonly found in supermarkets), their wine tastings are a great opportunity to learn more about and experience first-hand the superior quality of these fine local wines.

Lillian’s five years of experience on the inside track of the Northwest wine region along with her passion for bringing our local bounty home for others to enjoy, are sure to spell success for Heart Rock Wines. To round out the experience and include the non-wine drinkers among us, Kris has brought an exclusive, hand-picked selection of craft beers, ciders, meads and sake into the mix, and they both delight in seeing a customer’s face light up as they enjoy their first taste of an extraordinary, artisanal beverage. Kris says, "We always encourage folks to try something new — that's a big part of what we're all about."

“We have created a tier of wine clubs, which offer great value for money and can be tailored to suit each member's palate and pocket, and it is always free to join", says Lillian. “We also offer wine related gifts, glassware and other fun and interesting items.”

Heart Rock Wines offers an experience that is truly a unique reflection of the tastes and personality of its owners. As Lillian explains, “We've really enjoyed creating a sumptuous, stylish venue for the over 21s in our community. Our tasting room can also be booked for private functions, so even though we are usually closed on Sundays and Mondays, we are happy to take bookings for private wine tastings or simply act as servers and hosts for your special event."

The couple's intent is to provide a quiet, relaxing venue in which to experience fine NW wines, craft beers, and even non-alcoholic beverages. Their goal is to provide a real treat for the senses in the unique, cozy atmosphere of their beautiful cellar.

Their passion for the Bonners Ferry community and its people also extends beyond their business. Both Kris and Lillian volunteer their time and talent to the Pearl Theater, with Lillian serving on the performance and booking committee and Kris helping out with the technical part of running this community gem.

If you've not yet experienced Heart Rock Wines, I encourage you to stop in, enjoy a glass of your favorite artisan beverage and a light appetizer, and get to know Kris and Lillian. You may just find a new favorite place, and are bound to make new friends along the way!

Heart Rock Wines

6371 Kootenai Street

Bonners Ferry, ID

208.290.4397

heartrockwines.com

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