Matthews at Lakemont grocery store is one of 30 stores cross the state chosen for a pilot program to allow wine and beer tasting on site.

The program will run from Oct. 1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009. Matthews is the only Bellevue store chosen for the pilot project. It is located at 4989 Lakemont Blvd. S.E. in Bellevue.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) randomly selected the 15 independently owned grocery stores and 15 stores that are part of four nationally known chains.

Under the rules of the liquor control board, each store may have a total of 12 tastings on premise during the pilot. A store is limited to one tasting a month, and it must conduct a minimum of six tastings during the course of the pilot.

Beer and wine samples must be two ounces or less, and customers can have up to a total of four ounces. Store employees will be required to observe all tasting participants.