A new art and wine gallery, Pairings Fine Art & Wine, will open 5-9 p.m. today in downtown Colfax, just in time for one of the community’s biggest Christmas shopping weekend.

Co-owner Kimberly Vehart said the owners will offer a variety of wines from Whitman County and the Lewis-Clark Valley on opening night. Appetizers, along with a selection of beer, seltzers and non-alcoholic drinks, will also be available.

Pairings, 213 N. Main St., will serve wines from local businesses, including Merry Cellars, Spiral Rock Vineyard, Colter’s Creek and Basalt Cellars, according to the Pairings Facebook page. Wine is the primary drink offered at the new business, Vielle said.

Vehart partnered with Carrie Vielle and Bob Krikac to open the wine bar. The owners chose to locate the new business in downtown Colfax because economic growth is expected in the area, she said.

The three owners were scoping out spaces for their business when previous renters left a Main Street location, Vehart said. Because Krikac and Vielle own the space, it seemed like a perfect fit.

“It’s definitely the time to do it,” Vehart said. “If we were to wait, the building would just be sitting here for a while.”

Vielle said customers can also see the art gallery on opening night. It will feature contemporary art from both emerging and mid-career artists. She said she wants to focus on non-local artists, although local artists may also be featured.

An international artist has already committed to providing art for the gallery, she said. Art in different mediums will be available for purchase and viewing.

“We’ve worked really hard to capture this environment,” Vielle said. “We don’t really have this yet in the Palouse.”

Vielle and Krikac moved to the Palouse about 13 years ago. Krikac hails from South Dakota, while Vielle is originally from Canada. Vielle said her family lives in Spokane.

Vehart moved to Colfax in 2004. She moved away from California at the time; her family is scattered all over the Palouse. When she is not planning for the new business, she works four days a week for The McGregor Co.

Vehart said the owners are planning to uphold all county mandates for social distancing and operations will have limited occupancy.

Pairings Fine Art & Wine can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Vehart said she is committed to responding to any direct messages sent to their pages.