Lake Effect Winery, a fruit winery, is opening a new tasting room and gift shop near The Lakes Mall in Muskegon just in time for the holidays, according to winemaker and owner Donald Stolarz.

"This tasting room has so much to offer," Stolarz says. "It's such a festive time of year, and a wonderful opportunity for people to stop in to purchase our unique wines and assorted gifts for their family and friends, or even a treat for themselves."

The tasting room and gift shop is now open at 5506 Harvey St. near Subway. Wine tasting and sales will begin Dec. 9.

The tasting room and gift shop will feature tastings of Lake Effect's nine semi-sweet and semi-dry wines that include Cherry, Black Currant, Black & Blue, Marrionberry and Aronia Blue. The store also has a wide variety of holiday and everyday gifts like cork cages, cheese and serving trays, cutting boards, wine racks, ornaments, wine aerators and bottle stoppers. Gift baskets and gift cards are also available for purchase.

Lake Effect Winery continued its tradition of supporting other Michigan businesses, including the Blueberry Store in South Haven. Products from the Blueberry Store – preserves, blueberry beef jerky, mustards and chocolate covered blueberries – can be purchased at the tasting room. The tasting room will eventually carry Michigan cheeses and popcorn.

"So many people, including Michigan farmers and business owners, are still struggling due to the state's economic climate. That's why Lake Effect Winery is committed to highlighting the fruits and other foods our great state has to offer," Stolarz saus. "I am proud to be from Michigan."

Steve Paul, a Michigan blueberry farmer, agrees. "I'm happy to see Michigan products on the shelves of Lake Effect Winery's tasting room," says Paul, a managing partner of Paul-Nelson Blueberries LLC in Fruitport. "Not only does Lake Effect Winery feature delicious preserves, their wines are made from fresh Michigan fruits."

Lake Effect uses premium Michigan fruits and berries to produce wines that boast unique flavors.  Lake Effect does not add any sulfites during the wine-making process.

Lake Effect Winery offers a variety of semi-sweet and semi-dry fruit wines that satisfy the novice and perfected palettes.

Become a fan of Lake Effect Winery at www.facebook.com/LakeEffectWinery or follow Lake Effect Winery on Twitter @LakeEffectWine.