You used to stop into Bunce's Place on Mill Street in Grass Valley for a frosty drink. Starting in February, you'll have to settle for something at room temperature, possibly a merlot.

The Dog Bar Road- based Smith Vineyards purchased Bunce's in October and owners Chris and Gary Smith plan to turn the building into a tasting room.

Construction is underway and the Smiths plan to open the building in February.

The prime downtown location attracted Smith Vineyards to the location at 142 Mill Street, Chris Smith said.

“It's the location that drew us downtown,” Smith said, adding the building will also serve as a retail outlet for Smith wines.

The building is of 1871 vintage and served as everything from a billiard hall to a cigar shop until H.E. “Bunce” Nolan renamed the building Bunce's Place after the World War II and reopened it as a bar.