Small Biz Spotlight: Oliver's Wine and Cheese

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