I’ve known Sarah for quite a while…even before her penchant for wine began. She is a family friend who always has a smile on her face, a passion for laughter, a penchant for the social aspects of life, and a plan! Philanthropic efforts and lifelong learning are important to Sarah and now that her wine journey has started, I can guarantee that she will be delving into the learning process! As a twenty five year old Millennial, this smart young lady knows what she likes…and doesn’t! It will be interesting to know what her preferences will be as she learns more about wine and I’ll be checking in with her from time to time! Please meet our newest wine lover next door, Sarah Dickinson…
Sarah, tell the readers a little about yourself.
Sarah: I teach High School English at Infinity Math, Science and Technology High School in Little Village, Chicago. This year I teach freshman English, freshman honors English, and Senior AP Literature and Composition. I also co-sponsor a club called “Friends of the Orphans” where students put on fundraisers to help orphans in Mexico and Chicago. Our goal is to offer a program to bring a group of our students to Mexico to volunteer in an orphanage starting next summer 2015. I am the assistant soccer coach for the Girl’s Soccer Program at my High School as well. I am moving to Wicker Park at the end of next month with three friends from my hometown of Wheaton.
When did you start enjoying wine?
Sarah: I started enjoying wine in college. During my senior year of college my girlfriends and I would try to have a wine night once a week to unwind from the stresses of school.
What wines do you particularly like?
Sarah: My favorite is Chardonnay, but I am always up for trying new wines. I prefer whites, but I also enjoy a red once in a while.
Are there any wines you don’t like? Why?
Sarah: I don’t like ports or dessert wines in general. They are just too sweet for me and not what I’m looking for when I drink wine.
With whom and how often do you drink wine?
Sarah: I usually drink wine at dinner with family or friends, or with a group of friends on a casual night in. Occasionally I will have a glass of wine while grading papers or lesson planning during the week. Wine really takes the edge off of poorly written essays! I drink wine once a week on average, but it’s usually in social situations.
When you go out, what do you order?
Sarah: If I am out with a group, and we are purchasing a bottle of wine I am happy to drink whatever the group prefers. If I am just ordering a glass I will usually order a Chardonnay, unless I am ordering steak or another red meat.
Do you have a favorite food pairing with wine?
Sarah: I love the classic combination of wine and cheese. It is fun to look up cheese pairings for different bottles of wine and see how they compliment each other. Red wine is great with red meat or heavy food, like pasta, and white is great with seafood or chicken!
How do you decide to purchase a type of wine?
Sarah: One of my good friends told me that she heard that if you have no idea what to buy then you should pick your price range and then buy a bottle based on the label. The logic is that if the wine company designed a label geared towards something you like then it’s possible that their wine is something you will enjoy. At restaurants I always asked for recommendations from the waiter/waitress.
How much do you typically spend on wine?
Sarah: If I am buying wine at a store I usually spend between $15-$20. If I am ordering at a restaurant I usually go for a bottle around $30.
With which brand names are you familiar?
Sarah: Hess is my favorite brand for Chardonnay. I think it’s because growing up that’s what my dad always had in the house for white wine. I love it – both for how it tastes and the connection it has to my dad.
How often and where do you purchase wine?
Sarah: At most I purchase wine once a month. I usually bring a bottle of wine to dinner at other people’s homes or if someone has guests over for party. I purchase wine wherever convenient. Sometimes that means Binny’s or other liquor store and sometimes it means a grocery store.
How knowledgeable do you think you are about wine?
Sarah: I am not that knowledgeable. I would love to learn more. I really want to take a trip to a vineyard and spend some time learning about the process and quality of wine. When I was studying abroad in college in England I started planning a trip to France to tour vineyard and wineries, but it ended up being out of my budget (Someday, maybe).
Do you take steps to learn more?
Sarah: Whenever I meet someone who knows a lot about wine I overload him or her with questions. I ask how you can tell what the bouquet is and how you know if it’s a quality bottle, etc. Just a few weeks ago I went to a wine tasting event in Chicago featuring wines from Italy. (Thanks Cindy!). I have also gone to a few wine tastings at small wineries in Washington and Wisconsin.
Now this question is important!! Why do you like wine?
Sarah: I like that drinking wine is social. You SHARE a bottle with your friends. When drinking wine everyone is enjoying the same experience. It’s a nice way to connect and relax. Another reason I love wine is the way it makes you feel. One glass of wine can be an incredible stress relief.
Thanks, Sarah, for your candid answers! Now open a favorite bottle, pour yourself a glass (Hess Chardonnay perhaps?), and relax! After all you do in the course of the week, you deserve some time for yourself!
Cheers~ Cindy
Alana Fentry
Cindy Rynning