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 By Mark van de Kamp
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Feeley knew he saw a golden opportunity upon discovering the business was for sale a couple years ago. An experienced Solvang businessman, the 45-year-old father bought the store and took the extra step of obtaining an alcoholic beverage license for wine tasting. The store already had a loyal clientele for its gourmet olive products and vinegars, in addition to beer and wine sales. Now customers can sample a wine tasting paired with several types of stuffed olives, such as Pinot Noir paired with bleu cheese olives or Sauvignon Blanc paired with pitted Cajun. “It was a sound business with olives, and just before Sideways came out [in October 2004], we got the license,” he said. “And I’ve been smiling ever since.” In fact, while he was talking, a couple from Denver took two seats at the tasting bar and remarked that they  decided to visit the Santa Ynez Valley after watching the movie twice. They were especially interested to try the local Pinot Noir.The Olive House is the tasting room for Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, located west of Buellton in the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Winemaker Brian Freeborn’s Pinot Noir is a good seller, as are the other varietals. “The Pinot Noir is popular; pinot’s been selling very well since the movie, at many tasting rooms, restaurants and wine stores,” Feeley said. “And good wine always sells itself. The wine industry here was hot, but after the movie it’s even better.” The numbers of wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms in the valley have exploded. There’s apparently plenty of business to go around. By adding wine tasting the first year, Feeley said, the store’s business doubled. Being hands-on and working his local connections are part of his business strategy. “Like a lot of local stores, here I’m the owner and head dishwasher,” he said. He often works the tasting counter. His daughter Ashley and several part-time employees help mind the store. His business partner is Stan Roberts, a friend of many years. Roberts is an engineer for the Boeing Company and currently is the school board president for the Los Olivos School District. He works the tasting room on Sundays. Being his own boss demands a lot of hours but is satisfying, said Feeley, compared to the nearly 18 years he worked as a salesman for a pharmaceutical conglomerate. And while this is his first wine-tasting business, he’s got a track record as a small businessman. He owned Stratford Coffee House at Solvang’s Denmarket Square for four years, until deciding to end his role in that venture a year ago. He also has five years of experience operating the concessions at Solvang Theaterfest and plans to continue there. Loyalty is important to Feeley, who is grateful for his relationship with Craig and Cindy Makela, founders of the Santa Barbara Olive Company. The couple owned the Olive House for years and strengthened its niche with visitors. Although their products are now found in stores across the nation, they remain loyal to the Olive House and their products still dominates the shelves, although Feeley also offers smaller quantities of other brands. Feeley’s father, Jim, built both tasting bars in the store. The room on the left is the present tasting room but Feeley soon will move tastings to the bigger room on the right. “I meet so many people, so many fun people,” Feeley said. “People love coming to the valley because it’s a special place. This store is in one of the oldest houses in Solvang. I work with olives and wine all day. It’s great.” The Olive House is located at 1661 Mission Drive and open from 10 a.m. daily. |
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Copyright 2006, Inside Santa Ynez Valley Magazine, All Rights Reserved |
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