On such a lovely day, shoppers made their way in droves Saturday afternoon to the Magnolia Farmers Market, where for the first time, wine tasting was permitted.

The Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, which owns the Magnolia Market and several others in Seattle, is the beneficiary of a special pilot program introduced in the Washington State Legislature that allows local vintners and microbreweries to provide limited sampling of their Washington wines and microbrews. The Magnolia Farmer’s Market  was randomly chosen for the opportunity in a drawing held at the Liquor Control Board in Olympia. Klickitat Canyon Winery of Lyle, Washington, is the first vendor to take advantage of the opportunity.

“It’s been our best day all summer,” said Phil Martin, the self-proclaimed “wine guy” for Klickitat. “People thought we should have been doing this for years. It’s all part of being free, I suppose.” Klickitat will be at the Magnolia market next week, too.

Several other vendors took advantage of the sun-filled day, too. There was a bakery selling pretzel bread, produce and fruit vendors with fresh peaches, honey makers, sellers of all-natural meats and more. The Heron Habitat Helpers, led by founder Heidi Carpine, were also on hand. Carpine was recruiting and informing visitors about the Heron population at Kiwanis Ravine near the locks. Those interested in helping herons should  click here.