WEST CHAZY — Conroy's Organics has once more expanded its business without expanding its footprint.

The Wine and Liquor Shop at Conroy's Organics has been open for about a month.

"It's been a way for us to expand our business and serve more of our customers without growing our overhead too much," owner Simon Conroy said.

It is the second expansion of the business this year, both done without increasing the size of the building.

That's a good sign of what can be accomplished even in trying economic times, Conroy said.

Regional wines from the Finger Lakes, Long Island and Quebec line the shelves of the small shop, alongside varieties from around the country and all over the world.

The store even offers several wine varieties from Stone House Vineyard in Mooers, owned by Philip and Bonnie Favreau.

Conroy has some organic wines for sale, mainly from California.

He said he tries to maintain a wide range of prices, something for everyone.

The shop carries liquors, including whiskies, vodka, gin, rum and tequila. The selections again run from high-end, more expensive lines to some basic Canadian whiskies at a more affordable price.

"Bourbons and vodkas are pretty hot right now," Conroy said.

He wanted to open a wine shop when they built the store but waited to see if the sale of wine was going to be allowed in grocery stores. They went ahead with the expansion after that plan was rejected.

State law requires it to be a separate store, with a separate entrance in order to sell liquor as well as wine, Conroy said.

A grand opening is planned for Saturday, Nov. 21, with wine tastings by some of the Finger Lakes vintners whose products are available at the store.

Artwork produced locally by Bryan Briscoe decorate the walls and are for sale.

It is the only liquor and wine shop along Route 9 between Plattsburgh and the border, Conroy noted.

"We are trying to offer everything we can to our customers in a one-stop fashion that is so important for convenience in everybody's life."

E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com