| I AM: Sarah Andrew, WSET Business Development Manager – Australia & New Zealand (NEC & VIC Committee) |
| I BECAME A COMMITTEE MEMBER TO: To give back to the industry, support the education and development of up-and-coming sommeliers, and aim for positive change. This has extended from the VIC committee in 2015 to NEC in 2016 and most recently the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group in 2020. I also joined to try and make a difference to the disconnect within the industry. For me, the wine industry remains disconnected from the sommelier industry and vice versa. I have hoped to bring a greater connection between the two as we both need each other. The disconnect brings wasted opportunities however to be more connected brings greater harmony, togetherness and mutual success and achievements.
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| MY BACKGROUND IS: Having completed BA(Hons) / BSc, a short break overseas before commencing my PhD took a turn in the direction of hospitality and the wine industry in 2001. Studies followed including CMS Certified, WSET through to Diploma, then WSET Honours. Currently MW stage one deferred. Since the pandemic I have completed the Cicerone Beer Server, and have sat exams for IBD (brewing certificate) and WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits. My studies have supported a diversity of roles including sommelier – buyer – imports & distribution – exports – retail – wine club – online – consulting & education.
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| ONE THING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME IS… My career started as a medical research assistant at Monash Medical Centre in the paediatric department. |
| THE MOTTO I LIVE BY IS: I can, and will not “can’t” and “won’t”. |
| THE PERFECT MEAL WOULD BE: I look forward to the trickle of reunions with special people in life whom I have not shared a meal or glass of wine with since March 2020. |
| WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE WINE INDUSTRY IS … The storytelling! I never get sick of being taken on a journey or sharing someone else’s. This has shown me over time some of the greatest generosity within this industry. |
