Bright, cheerful, and fun. Three words that describe Olivia Wallach (a.k.a. Instagram’s @ollyverthewino.) Olivia uses her blossoming social media presence to bring attention to Sonoma and all the beautiful things it offers. Highlighting wine country in a personal and inviting way, Olivia recommends restaurants, wine, and events to her growing group of followers.
Her platform reaches thousands of people, and with her happy disposition and informative posts, she is taking the wine world by storm. In a Halloween post on Instagram, Olivia showed fans how to pair wine with candy. What?! Ingenious. Being that we are in Wine Country – and that candy is delicious – this post should be saved and reviewed whenever the need arises (like, always.)
We wanted to find out more about how Olivia got started with Instagram, and where her passion for wine and Sonoma County came from. So, we asked her.
Wicked Sonoma: What makes Sonoma County special to you?
Olivia Wallach: There are so many fun things to do! Amazing restaurants, many wineries, lots of events. The community here is so kind and it really showed after the fires we have had. It also helps that it’s beautiful everywhere you go. How many other people say they have to drive past vineyards to get to work?
WS: What’s your favorite place to eat in Sonoma?
OW: It’s hard to just choose one, so I’m going to give you a place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast – Hanks Creekside Cafe, Lunch – Kin Smoke, and Dinner – Bird and the Bottle.
WS: Sonoma is synonymous with wine. What’s your favorite Sonoma winery?
OW: Oh man – at the moment I would have to say Bowman Cellars because I am there a bunch. The Bowmans are the most kind people and their wine is spectacular.
WS: You have one day in Sonoma that’s totally free of responsibilities. What do you do?
OW: Go to as many of my favorite wineries as possible. Thumbprint Cellars, Bowman Cellars, Foppiano Vineyards, Red Car, Lioco Vineyards, Pax Wines. I would totally end the day going to Bird and the Bottle for dinner!
WS: What’s your dream destination (anywhere on earth)?
OW: I would love to go to Scotland. I know – not the best wine destination, but its number one on my bucket list.
WS: What or who in Sonoma do you wish got more attention?
OW: People with small businesses that I know have a passion for what they are doing.
WS: What’s your idea of time well-spent?
OW: Time well spent is hanging out with your best friends drinking great bottles of wine.
WS: What’s your idea of time poorly-spent?
OW: Time poorly spent is willingly drinking bad wine. There is no time to drink bad wine!
WS: What’s a quote that resonates with you?
OW: Every morning when I would leave for school my late father used to say, “Make it a great day,” which is something I try to tell myself every morning when I wake up. It’s super simple, and a bit cheesy, but it has helped me a lot in life.
WS: What would you like people to know about what you’re doing?
OW: I would like people to know that I love exploring Sonoma County and helping find places that everyone can enjoy. I would love to show everyone how great this place is and to promote as many visitors to come and explore, too!
Olivia has a passion for wine and Sonoma, and she shares it openly and honestly. She’s bringing considerable and much-needed attention to Sonoma County businesses and wineries with her following on Instagram. Browsing her platforms, you’ll see what we mean. She loves what she does and it’s palpable.
P.S. – at press time, @Ollyverthewino is in the middle of counting down her “25 days of wine” for Christmas. Check it out!
