Sommelier set to pour it on for romance
JARED, 26, works as a sommelier – but his interests range far and wide.
“I have ribbons of energy flowing through me,” he says. “If I were a liquid, there’d be waves.”
Originally from Denver, Jared – a self-professed “renaissance man” – spends his spare time playing baseball, writing and reading.
After moving to New York five years ago, Jared began working in the restaurant industry, managing bars and developing an interest in wine. He loves his job – “I’m happy, very happy,” he says. There’s only one thing about his profession this wine connoisseur would change.
“I have to wear a suit to work,” he says. “There’s nothing in the world I loathe wearing every day more than a suit. When I’m not working, I have to wear jeans and Converse.”
He’s been single for the past two years – “by choice,” he says. “My last relationship lasted three years. We lived together. It was pretty serious.”
Now, however, “I date a lot,” he says. “I don’t have any trouble meeting girls – but I do have trouble meeting interesting girls.”
What’s an interesting girl?
“I’m impressed with someone who’s understated, but clever,” he says. “I like girls who are very literate and literary – kind of bookish and academic, but not in a self-conscious way.”
Despite his erratic schedule, this suave sommelier is ready for something a little more substantial, so we decided to find him three gorgeous girls who just might appreciate a quality vintage.
“I do love the freedom and the lifestyle that comes with being single,” Jared says. “The industry I’m in lends itself to a solitary life – with my schedule, it’s hard to maintain a relationship. But right now, yes, I would like to see one person more regularly.”
Heather, 26, CPA
What do you do in your free time? I like to shop and do scavenger hunts. Right now, I’m also spending a lot of my free time running, since I’m training for the New York City Marathon.
How you would describe yourself: I think of myself as a smart, funny and friendly person. I am very independent and consider myself “normal” (in a good way!). I tend to be very laid-back.
Your Dating History: I’ve been in a couple of long-term relationships (2+ years) and have dated occasionally since breaking up with my boyfriend.
What you would like to find in a partner/relationship? Like every other single girl, I’m looking for an intelligent, funny and cute guy. Right now, I’m looking for a relationship. He should be ambitious, chivalrous, unpretentious and definitely not conceited.
Amelia, 25, publicist
What do you do in your free time? I enjoy going to parks, concerts and exhibits. I love to do anything that is free. If I had more money, I would travel every weekend.
How you would describe yourself: I’m extremely outgoing and gregarious. At the same time, I’m very easygoing and fun to be around. I absolutely love to dance.
Your Dating History: I’ve had a couple of serious relationships with lots of dating in between.
What you would like to find in a partner/relationship? The most important thing is finding someone who I feel 100 percent comfortable with. I’m attracted to men who can handle themselves in any situation. It’s important to me to someone who can teach me something about the world – someone who is even more adventurous than I am.
Lauren, 28, charity founder
What do you do in your free time? My work is my passion – I really enjoy the creative aspect of running a charity organization. I also enjoy traveling, learning new things – I’m constantly going to classes – and spending my weekends on Fire Island.
How you would describe yourself: I’m spiritual, funny, a little offbeat. I’m also a little shy until I get to know someone. My father used to say, “Lauren marches to the beat of her own drum.” I always listen to my inner voice when it comes to major life decisions.
Your Dating History: I’ve been dating different people in the past several years, but haven’t come across anything serious. Right now, I’m at the point in my life where I’m looking for The One.
What you would like to find in a partner/relationship: My dream guy would be very good looking – at least 6-foot-1 with a big smile and dimples. He’d have a cleft in his chin and a birthmark by his lip (identical to mine, so I’d be able to identify him as my soul mate).



