Don't be surprised if you're offered a taste of some wine or beer at the grocery store.

The state's new tasting test started Oct 1, and 30 grocery stores around the state are now offering shoppers a sip of this, a taste of that.

The Liquor Control Board launched the one-year pilot program, and at the first tasting in Bellevue, dozens of people toasted the fact that they can now taste a wine before buying it at the grocery store.

Jan and Gary King said the program would help them think outside of their glasses.

"I I think you're more willing to try a new wine if you get to taste it first," said Jan King.

"I think it will go well. I think people, once they know that it's here will come back and check it out," said Gary King.

Ann Staberg had walked into the store for a gallon of milk when she was handed a glass of wine.

"This will certainly help people like me because I was so fixed on Riesling all these years," she said. "I'm going to try to broaden myself, have an open mind, and with all this selection and wine tasting, I think that's going to help me."

The tasting offered four different wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle which were poured by a representative from the winery who explained the wines and which foods might pair best with each varietal.

The state chose 15 national chain stores and 15 independent grocers to test this pilot program.

"I think it's a good opportunity for not only independents but also chain stores to demonstrate that we are responsible and that we can host a wine tasting," said Cherie Myers of Safeway.

The Liquor Control Board was present to make sure minors were not in the wine tasting area, that everyone's IDs were checked and that the proper amount was being poured.

By law, under this program, you can only taste a total of four ounces. The store has to offer cheese for you eat with your wine and each store can only hold one tasting per month, for the next year.

The program may be continued based on the success of the pilot program.

There are 13 stores participating in the program in King County, three in Snohomish County, three in Pierce County, two each in Kitsap and Whatcom Counties, one each in Thurston and Skagit Counties and five in Eastern Washington.