WHOLE FOODS GETS WINE SHOP

after two failed attempts, whole foods is slated to open its first wine shop in manhattan on aug. 27. on june 10, the state liquor authority granted the natural food chain the retail license, despite initial protests from upper west side wine and liquor merchants.

a group of 15 stores located near the soon-to-open west 97th street and columbus avenue supermarket opposed whole foods' plan. however, a day before the license was granted, the stores reached an agreement to work cooperatively with whole foods.

"we continue to develop creative ways to partner with local stores," said nicole wescoe, whole foods' northeast regional vice president.

the healthy foods market pledged to promote organic liquors and other products sold by local merchants.

"it wasn't our first choice, but it was our second and we are happy to work cooperatively with them," said iris sandow, owner of columbus wines, on 96th street and columbus avenue.

the whole foods wine store will be 30 feet away from the supermarket, which is expected to open the same day. to comply with state regulations, the shop will only be accessible from a separate street entrance.