Sara Rossi, Trade Sales Manager at Vine Trail, is carving her journey through the wine industry, transitioning from an accomplished sommelier to a dedicated advocate for sustainable, terroir-driven wines. With a refined palate and an eye for authenticity, Sara has consistently championed wines that tell compelling stories—often from overlooked regions or maverick producers who prioritise respect for the land. From the biodynamic vineyards of Alsace to the emerging frontiers of wine, her approach reflects a commitment to discovery, integrity, and thoughtful risk-taking.

At Vine Trail, Sara combines her deep understanding of wine with a passion for connecting people to exceptional artisanal growers. Whether it's navigating the challenges of sustainability in pricing or tailoring experiences for time-strapped buyers, her ethos centers on fostering meaningful relationships—both with producers and customers.​​

When sourcing wines, how do you identify wines from artisanal growers and overlooked regions that are authentic and worth taking a risk on? Can you share an example of a wine or producer that resonated deeply with you?

In my career, first as a sommelier and now as a wine rep, I have always wanted to work with producers who are sustainable, think outside the box, and are passionate about their land, with deep respect for the environment. I admire growers who are genuine, humble and committed to their craft.

One example is Marc and Anne-Marie Zempe’ from Zellenberg in Alsace. This is a husband and wife project, which took over the family business in 1993, combining their vineyard holdings. They practice biodynamic principles and work with very old vines that produce low yields. 

They avoid adding anything to the vines or in the winery. The resulting wines are incredibly powerful, elegant, and deep, with beautiful freshness and a strong sense of terroir.

Image: Sara Rossi.

With an ever-expanding wine landscape, what specific criteria or qualities do you prioritise when curating your portfolio? Is it terroir, winemaking philosophy, or something less tangible that catches your eye?

As mentioned before, I love working with producers who are passionate and respectful of their vineyards, think outside the box, and create terroir-driven wines. I am particularly drawn to those who avoid using any chemicals or additives in the vines or in the cellar. Additionally, I appreciate producers who craft unique styles of wine without being influenced by trends or legislation.

Your role undoubtedly involves building relationships with customers. How do you tailor your service and communication to create a truly world-class experience for your customers?

Communication and clarity are the key roles in my job. Nowadays Sommeliers and buyers are very busy with tastings, meetings, and floor service throughout the day, and staff shortage does not make their life easier. Therefore, I strive to anticipate their needs and communicate concisely about shortages, new additions, and wine events.

Image: Sara Rossi at a tasting event at the Trivet Restaurant. Pictured here with Queena Wong. Source: Instagram post.

How do you navigate the challenge of maintaining profitability while staying true to principles like sustainability and fair pricing?

Sustainability and care for the environment are key priorities for me when we are talking about wines, and these factors influence pricing. I believe it is essential to make consumers aware that there are many aspects to consider when making good to outstanding quality. 

Congratulations on being a judge at the 2025 London Wine Competition! What do you think makes this competition unique, and how do you approach judging wines?

I am pleased to be a judge at the London Wine Competition, where I will be tasting wines alongside prestigious and well-known professionals in the wine industry. I am very excited about this! I believe this is a unique opportunity to explore different wines worldwide and learn and discover new styles.

While tasting the wines, I will approach them with an open mind, and try to understand what the producer aimed to achieve in crafting their wine.

Image: Judging at the London Wine Competition.

What advice would you give to aspiring wine professionals looking to carve out a meaningful path in the wine industry?

I would say: “Go for it!” Because the wine industry is so vast and dynamic. There are so many job opportunities and the chance to meet incredible people throughout your journey, including professionals and winemakers.

It is a demanding job, where study, discipline, consistency, and sharing are key to being successful and up-to-date. I would also recommend surrounding yourself with people who have the same passion and interest as you.

In the wine buyer’s world, there are many risks that one wants to take — whether it's betting on lesser-known regions or unconventional winemakers. What risks are you most excited about championing in the future?

I would say that I am very interested and excited to see emerging wine regions and the styles and grape varieties they will produce.

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Conclusion:

Sara Rossi’s work at Vine Trail reflects her genuine love for wines that tell a story—from the soil they come from to the hands that craft them. Her thoughtful approach to sourcing and building relationships, both with producers and buyers, highlights the importance of authenticity and sustainability in today’s wine industry. As she looks ahead to emerging regions and new challenges, Sara continues to bring a grounded and meaningful perspective to her role, proving that real connections are at the heart of great wine.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

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