BONNERS FERRY — Descending the stairs into the heart of Heart Rock Wines, customers are greeted by walls fully adorned with bottles of Northwest wines. A medley of wine-related gift items add accent to the inviting room.

Kris and Lillian Lonborg opened Heart Rock Wines two years ago, after soul searching. They had moved to Bonners Ferry but were unsure as the direction they wanted to go to earn a living.

“After taking a long, hard look at the years that we had spent working for others, we decided that this time around we would definitely prefer to work for ourselves — but what to do?” said Lillian Lonborg. The answer came once they decided to combine Lillian Lonborg’s years of experience in the Wine Industry and Kris Lonborg’s many years of owning and managing a retail store.

The idea of Heart Rock Wines was born and they decided to go for it, despite concerns that Bonners Ferry may not embrace a venue that specializes in northwest wines and craft beers. “We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm that has greeted our little venture,” Lillian said. “Probably the nicest surprise of all has been the kindness and appreciation that has been shown to us by our customers.”

The Lonborg’s remark that they have met so many wonderful local people, adding that travelers and tourists add an interesting bit of spice to the mix. “For that reason, more than any other, we feel absolutely certain that we made the right decision when we embarked upon this venture,” said Lillian Lonborg.

At the end of their first year, they decided to expand, as they were outgrowing their intimate space. They added another entrance and a connecting door: “The CrossTime Saloon” was born. “Our craft beers, ciders and meads now have a tasting room of their own,” said Kris Lonborg. “There is a more relaxed feel to that side of the business.”

Heart Rock Wines was recently picked by Best Things Idaho, as one of Idaho’s Top Ten Wine Bars. Jamie Winter writes in the article, “A true treasure, the lovely and knowledgeable owners will help you find the ideal match between spirits and snacks.”

Heart Rock Wines will be celebrating their two year anniversary on June 2-3, featuring food, fun and live music. They will showcase their fine, hand-picked selection of northwest wines, beer, cider, and mead.

“Friday will feature Richard’s Famously Fabulous Buffalo Wings along with several succulent sides. Saturday will feature pulled pork and barbecued boneless ribs with potato salad, baked beans and more,” said Lillian Lonborg. For $15, guests will receive one free drink and “all you can eat” access to the menu.

Long time patrons, Sandy and Marty Steinhagen, enjoy the ambiance that Heart Rock Wines provides. “We go to the wine bar because it has a cozy elegance that reminds us of Europe. The friendly hosts Kris and Lillian have such a wonderful knack for getting patrons talking to each other. We have never left there without a new friend,” said Sandy Steinhagen. “The selection of wines, craft beers, ciders and meads is by far the best I have ever stumbled across Hidden treasure for sure.”