Wine lovers everywhere! Let’s hear from real, unpretentious people who love to drink wine…and who are right in our own neighborhood or who may even be next door. These are the people who actually purchase the wine and help make this industry work – I’ll be profiling these real people on a regular basis…This month, our *wine lover* is part of the infamous group fondly termed “Millennials” and the wine industry loves to track stats including wine preferences, imbibing frequencies, etc., etc. Well, wine industry, I’ve done some of the work for you!
I’ve known Ciara Burns, who is 23 years, for awhile now and the first time I met her, she was doing cheerleading stunts in the family room with my daughter. Little did I know that after all these years of sleepovers, parties, high school football games, a particular spring break trip, and breakfasts at IHOP with my daughter, Ciara (pictured at the end of the article) would be a *Wine Lover* Next Door! Geesh, they grow up fast!!
So, Ciara…
Tell the readers a little about yourself~
Ciara: I did my undergrad at University of Iowa and just completed grad school at the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work. I love reading, being with family and friends, and working out! I’m not very knowledgeable about wine but I know the basics and attend wine tastings when I can.
When did you start enjoying wine?
Ciara: My junior year of college was when I really began enjoying it. My boyfriend and I would buy a bottle of Barefoot’s Sweet Red and have a movie night…then, we started branching out into other wines.
What wines to you particularly like?
Ciara: I really like red or rose wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is my favorite if I am drinking red. If I am drinking white wine, I like Chardonnay or Moscato! I recently tried a raspberry wine at a wine tasting and it was delicious!!
Are there any wines you don’t like?
Ciara: I do not like really sweet white wines. Besides Moscato, the flavor of really sweet white wine reminds me of sparkling white grape juice, and that is just not something I enjoy.
How often do you drink wine?
Ciara: I drink wine about two to three times a week. My boyfriend and I love to drink wine and watch movies. Also, my friends and I drink wine whenever we get together to watch our favorite television show, “Single Ladies”.
And how often do you make your purchases?
Ciara: We have a wine cooler at our house that we like to keep stocked, so I’d say we go and buy wine once or twice a month.
Where do you purchase wine and how much do you usually spend?
Ciara: I buy wine at Binny’s or the grocery store because they both have pretty decent prices. In general, I spend $10.00 – $15.00 on a bottle of wine but sometimes less.
How do you decide to purchase a bottle of wine?
Ciara: If I’ve tried a brand at someone’s house or at a wine tasting and I really liked it, then I will usually buy it. I have my brands that I typically stick with but I am always up for trying new things!
And those favorite brands are…?
Ciara: Ménage a Trois, Barefoot, Mirassou, Kim Crawford, Sutter Home, Yellow Tail, Lindemans, and New Age
Why do you like wine?
Ciara: I like wine because it can be relaxing after a stressful night, and it is always a great party favor for a social gathering! I love that there are so many different brands and flavors of wine that you can almost always try something new and find a new favorite!
Thanks, Ciara! In the past, you came to our house for milk and cookies, but now? Stop by for some wine and cheese! I have some new wines you may like to try!!
Cheers to your *Wine Lover* next door! ~ Cindy
