Destiny Burns: Military Work to Urban Winery

Destiny’s story begins in Northeast Ohio. A proud Cleveland native, she was born and raised in Euclid before spending more than three decades building a life and career far from home. Now, she’s come full circle—returning to Cleveland to be closer to family and to pursue a long-held dream: opening an urban winery in the city she’s always loved.

Her path to entrepreneurship is anything but ordinary. Destiny served 20 years on active duty as a U.S. Navy officer, followed by more than 13 years as a business development executive in the defense industry in the Washington, D.C. area. Along the way, she also volunteered as a firefighter and EMT—experiences that shaped her deep respect for those who serve their communities and country in uniform.

Wine, however, has been a constant thread throughout her journey. Extensive travel around the world allowed her to explore diverse wine regions, cultures, and cuisines, deepening both her knowledge and appreciation. Backed by advanced business degrees and hands-on experience in marketing, management, and business development, she has also invested in formal and informal training within the wine industry.

Today, all of those experiences come together in one bold vision: creating an urban winery in the Cleveland area that complements the region’s thriving craft beer and spirits scene. For Destiny, this venture isn’t just about wine—it’s about bringing people together, honoring her roots, and adding a new chapter to Cleveland’s vibrant local flavor.

Listen to the podcast episode