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…
Geri Zanoni has been an elementary school secretary for years and how she maintains that smile in the face of so many parents and children each day still amazes me! She is able to answer the phone, hear sob stories from parents about anything and everything, engage in school related damage control, problem solve the intricacies of paperwork, and handle complaints from everyone – all with her steady smile and patient attitude. Everyone who works with her appreciates Geri and her efforts to make the school world a better place! It was a no brainer to ask Geri to be my *Wine Lover* Next Door – she deserves every glass of wine poured!
So, Geri…
Tell me a little about yourself.
Geri: I have lived in Roselle, Illinois, the home of Lynfred Winery, for 27 years. I am employed as a school secretary.
When did you start enjoying wine?
Geri: I started enjoying wine at a very young age. Being Italian, my grandfather would make his own wine, so it was not unusual for the grandchildren to have a sip every now and then. Enjoying wine is “in” my family!
What wines do you particularly like?
Geri: My preference is red. I would normally choose Merlot over anything else, but recently I tried a Cabernet Sauvignon which is now my new favorite!
When you do out, what do you like to drink?
Geri: If I’m out with friends and we share a bottle I will have whatever they prefer so that I can learn a new wine. If I order my own glass, I will often ask the server what they suggest and give it a try. I’m a social drinker and normally won’t have a glass of wine if I’m alone. I find it relaxing to just sit with friends & catch up over a glass of wine.
Do you have a favorite food pairing with wine?
Geri: I love chocolate and wine!
How do you decide to purchase a type of wine?
Geri: I follow recommendations from others or just try something new!
Are there any wines you don’t like?
Geri: It seems lately that everyone loves Moscato. I’ve tried it a few times, but I just don’t like it. It’s just too sweet!
How much do you typically spend on wine?
Geri: I spend under $30.00 for wine.
What do you do to learn more about wine?
Geri: I’m really not very knowledgeable about wine and I went to my first wine tasting this summer in Michigan! I really enjoyed it and would love to do more!
Although Geri didn’t send me a photo of herself, I think you can picture what she looks like… an attractive Baby Boomer with a smile on her face! You may be able to picture Geri enjoying that newly appreciated glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with friends (and perhaps some creamy chocolate!) after a long day at work…and learning more about wine with each sip!
Cheers to our *Wine Lover* next door! ~ Cindy
Alana Gentry