LopezRocks - Item

Small businesses are relying more than ever on your support as they creatively cope with COVID. Here's the third of a series of stories about their survival.

It's been eight long and challenging months since Governor Inslee issued his stay at home order. Are you craving different surroundings and new experiences? Why not explore your own islands? Because, to paraphrase Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ, when you go looking for your heartâ€™s desire you often have no further to look than your own backyard.

This is the third in a series of stories to highlight how businesses on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island have creatively coped with COVID. The series is meant to encourage you to get to know and support them and all businesses in staying "San Juan Islands Strong". Nothing says San Juan Islands like a handcrafted gift from a local maker. With the new local holiday gift guide itâ€™s easy shop from the comfort of your own home and give the gift of the Islands.

Doe Bay Wine Company Expands into an international Market During COVID-19

"When COVID first hit in March we panicked,â€ related owner Cole Sisson. â€œOur season is roughly three summer months and there's not a lot of margin for error.

â€œWhile the shop was closed, we immediately started pushing sales and specials via social media. We built out our wine club, expanded our delivery options, and set up a weekly schedule to service the island while at the same time offering curbside pickup. Supreme hustle!â€

In a creative move, they also set up a twice-weekly live Instagram session with winemakers around the world. Customers watch and interact with these personalities and then order through the shop to have wines delivered as soon as the next day. â€œThis helped expand the presence and keep the lights on and we developed an international following,â€ Sisson stated.

In the meantime, theyâ€™ve also resumed tastings in their Eastsound shop and will resumed live Instagram sessions in September. In anticipation of moving to Phase 3, they are also planning to offer private wine tastings, theyâ€™ll come to your house with a curated collection of wines to present and pour for you and your small group. You pick the theme or leave it up to them. After a guided tasting they'll leave the wines with you to enjoy. Or, if you'd like to take your event to the next level, they can team up with one of their partner chefs and take care of your entire evening, from start to finish.

â€œGrowing up in the islands (I was born on Orcas, left to become a sommelier in Las Vegas and returned a few years ago) we learn how to improvise and be creative. I have no doubt that we will weather this storm,â€ concluded Sisson. Find more information at www.doebaywinecompany.com.

-------------------------------------------

Do you have stories of other creative local business survival? Please share with [email protected].

Meet Cole Sission of Orcas Island's Doe Bay Wine Company