ABOUT

Oly Wines was established because of our passion for wine, education, and community. Our founder, Ed Schlich, has over 40 years of experience in the industry and has been learning and applying his knowledge around the world. 

Established in Tumwater, WA we provide wines from all over the world including Washington, Oregon, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia/New Zealand, California, South America, and the Middle East (Israel, Lebanon). 

Come by and visit us! We’re conveniently located in Tumwater  at 321 Cleveland Ave SE Suite 309.

 

Meet Ed Schlich 

Ed “eats, sleeps, and breathes” wine! He has been in the wine industry since he was 18 years old—starting by making wine in Virginia after college and connecting with the owner over their shared love of wine and poetry.

He went on to work in Manhattan at the Windows of the World Restaurant with premier wine educator, Kevin Zwarly. His dedication to the field landed him as the Cellarmaster (Sommelier).where he would walk the floor and share his passion with customers. Thereafter, Ed opened the Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center where he served as the Wine Director for two years. 

Eventually, his love for wine took him around the world where he would go on to live in France for one year—and ended up staying for 17—gaining experience in the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions. He came back to the United States, living in Seattle, Olympia, and New Jersey. Recently, he returned from Bogata, Colombia where he taught Business English to business people and connected with local winemakers on the continent (Uruguay). 

But after all, it was in Tumwater, Washington that Ed fell in love with the local community and reset his roots!

During his time in Olympia, Ed worked with the Association of Washington Business  (State Chamber of Commerce) for a period of 8 years–selling memberships and being involved in retention. Notably, he was the President of the Olympia Wine League for five years..

Ed is an educator by birth and loves to teach others. He’s inspired by his mother who was a teacher in New York City. In her honor, he is teaching and using language as a medium for life's lessons.

Wine is Ed’s art and he hopes to share his knowledge with others to provide them with the perfect wine—no matter the occasion!