Wine at Starbucks? For Now, Plan Doesn't Include Minnesota

Would you like a merlot with that macchiato? Starbucks is willing to bet you might.

The company announced Monday its plan to start selling beer and wine at 25 of its roughly 7,000 U.S. locations before the end of the year.

A company spokesperson told Lakeville Patch that none of the trial stores are located in Minnesota, or Lakeville's three locations, but wouldn't rule out possible expansion to other locations if the venture proves a success.

"We're really looking at markets and stores where this makes sense for the neighborhood and consumer base," said the company spokesperson. "It's really less about wine and beer, but more about giving customers another occasion to stay in store and share a connection with people they care about."

The company already has six locations in Washington and Oregon that sell wine, beer, and premium foods, and they're a hit among customers, he said.

Chantrell Brown, 22, a Rosemount resident studying at the , said she'd welcome the change.

"I wouldn't be opposed. A glass of wine after a couple hours of studying? Nice," she said. 

Starbucks plans to start offering the new options in 19 stores in Southern California, Atlanta, GA, and Chicago, IL, in addition to the six existing stores.

Those beer and wine offerings won’t be available until afternoon and will vary by region, according to Associated Press.

As part of the new menu, these stores will serve savory snacks, small plates, and hot flatbreads, as well as wine and beer. The wine and beer list will be hand-selected to reflect local customer tastes and preferences, and will be refined over time, the company says.

"We're really just focused on these markets," the spokesperson said when asked of expansion to Minnesota. "But the company is very positive and very excited."