Hollie Swanson, in partnership with her parents, Gerald and Teresa Swanson, became the owners of the Greenbank Farm Wine Shop at the end of 2015. Hollie says embarking on this venture allowed her to pursue one of her life passions:”It is so fun to meet people from all around the world and help match their preferences to the right bottle of wine.” The Swansons are long-time residents of Puget Sound. Hollie moved to Whidbey Island in 2005
With the coronavirus pandemic, it is just Hollie keeping the shop open for those Greenbank Farm dog walkers and Island residents who prefer to buy wine from a local wine shop. Keeping the same hours as Whidbey Pies next door allows for the purchase of pie and wine following a nice walk on the Greenbank Farm trails. Business hours for both businesses are Thursday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Greenbank Farm Wine Shop has also become a mid-island collection site for mask donations destined for WhidbeyHealth. Critical donation needs are N95 masks, homemade masks, face shields, ear-loop masks. If you are dropping off homemade masks, please have these in a sack with your Name, Contact Information, Date, Number & Type of Items in each package. Please follow instructions found at - https://whidbeyhealth.org/news/mask-makers-instructions.
Prior to becoming a wine shop proprietor, Hollie followed a broad range of careers. She studied aviation, and then atmosphere science at the University of Washington, worked in validation and testing for Boeing, and was a professional firefighter for the City of Kent.
Early in 2015, Hollie began talking with her parents about creating some kind of family business. In April, she saw that the Greenbank Farm Wine Shop was for sale. She realized that this was an excellent opportunity to run a family business on a well-known location mid-island. Hollie notes, “The Greenbank Farm is a gorgeous property with a compelling history.”
Current beverage items on the shelves include wines from local wineries, fruit wines, dessert wines, hard ciders, wines made from organic and biodynamically grown grapes, loganberry products, and craft beer.
Hollie says, “Every person enjoys a glass of wine uniquely based upon their taste buds and their previous experience and knowledge with wine. Wine is personal, and the enjoyment of it ranges as far and wide as the wine drinkers themselves.”
Stop by to say hello to the new dog, Frankie, who is getting along well with the professional shop dog, Mr. Myer. Frankie is a rescue dog and Mr. Myer is doing great teaching her the routine.
To get more information about the wines available at Greenbank Farm Wine Shop give them a call: 360-222-3797. Shipping is available, as is delivery on Whidbey Island, south of Coupeville. For deliveries north of Coupeville, please call to arrange (a minimum purchase may apply). Visit her website: http://greenbankfarmwineshop.com/
