David Cline's story is not unlike the wine he sells. "It's personal. That's why I love wine. Each one has it's own personal flavor, it's own story."
And like some of the spirits on the shelf at Oliver's Wine and Cheese Shop in Charles Town, his story begins in Northern California. In the 80's and early 90's Cline was working in the information technology field at the height of the internet boom. "The Bay area had an obvious impact on my life, I was sort of surrounded and influenced by wine" he said.
But where some would just casually consume the product of that paradise, Cline sought to learn more; a theme that drives him to this day. "I want people who come here to learn about what they are buying and to know where it's coming from."
"Wine is something that has crossed all boundaries. We've been drinking wine for five thousand years. It's not like any other alcohol, it's an adventure.", he adds.
The adventure for Oliver's Wine and Cheese shop started last year, in 2014. He had long looked at opening a wine shop as an alternative way of life, but it wasn't until Cline came to Charles Town that it became a real possibility. "It has a lot to say about where Charles Town is today. Ten years ago, I wouldn't have been able to do it.", he said. "After seeing the changes that are going on down here I felt it was the place to be."
Since opening Oliver's, the former IT guy turned entrepreneur is holding on to some tricks of the trade. He's been using the web to push his presence to the community in a way that is as unique as the custom wine rack in his store. "I'm talking to you. I'm not talking to the masses." he said about his Facebook posts. "While it's a post that everyone can read, I very much mean for it to be a message to you. When you come here, I want to get to know you, and what you might like."
Finding something you might like won't be difficult with an incredible selection spanning the globe and ranging in price from $6 to $130, Oliver's truly has something for everyone. "I realize it's a niche market, but I wan't people to feel comfortable when they walk in here. I want to make it a memorable experience." said Cline.
The experience you'll find at Oliver's differs from other wine shops and wineries. While the shop offers regular tastings, Cline is experimenting with what he calls "reverse tastings" where customers blindly taste wines that they bring in and the voted favorite is featured in the store for purchase. Combine these techniques with a revolving selection from a list of countries that rivals the United Nations, and you have a truly memorable experience waiting for you at Oliver's Wine and Cheese in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Because as Dave Cline says, "Nothing triggers memories like a good bottle wine."
You can keep up with Oliver's on facebook and twitter,
https://www.facebook.com/oliverswineandcheeseshop
https://twitter.com/Oliverswineshop
Or stop by, 207 W Washington St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
Josh Goldman carefully wraps tape around a shipping label on a small flat rate box. "It's about the people." he says. "You meet some of the nicest people here."
The Civil War era forks he's mailing today were sitting untouched for decades before he rescued them. Destined for Ohio, they will complete someones collection.
In June 2014, Goldman and his mother, Lynne Erting opened Junkworks Antiques in Charles Town.
"I just liked the old school main street." Goldman says pointing out his storefront window peppered with relics from the past century. "I could tell this was a place where we would do well because other new businesses were opening."
But for Josh Goldman, junk is not just a business. It's a lifestyle. His passion for antiques is rooted deep in his childhood. He's been collecting, buying, and selling most of his life. This past year, he took the next natural step and opened his doors on Washington Street.
While he's had a steady flow of customers stop by and shop his brick and mortar location, he's been selling online as well with the help of social media. Shortly after moving in, he quickly sprung Facebook and Twitter accounts to share his one of a kind finds.
"It feels really good when you see a whole community of people who love the same things as you."
Last month, Goldman harnessed the 'hashtagging' power of Instagram which opened new doors. "It's just so easy to find people that are looking for something specific." And with 175 unique followers in less than a month, he's on pace to have antiques trending like never before.
When he's not manning his showroom, he's out in the elements looking for new items to fill it. He shares this experience on all of his social platforms. Followers can see the items that will soon be in his shop, before they are picked from the forgetton dark corners of the four state area.
"I just love bringing this stuff back to life." he said, as he stands behind his antique counter. "If it's damaged or going to be thrown away, I love giving it a second chance. It's still good stuff."
Those second chances are taking shape in Charles Town. "The people here have been so nice. Even if they just come in to look around."
And it's easy to look. Junkworks Antiques holds itself more like a local museum, with Goldman and his mother on hand to give you the history of each piece as they found it. Only here, you can take those amazing items home.
You can follow Junkworks Antiques:
instagram.com/junkworksantiques/
facebook.com/Junkworksantiques
twitter.com/junkworkswv
Or visit them at 120B W Washington St Charles Town, West Virginia
