Sarah Blau
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Wine Buyer, San Francisco Wine Trading Company
Sarah got a taste of the wine world while living and working as the pastry chef for a privately owned chateau in southwest France. Her experience with Europe’s rich wine and food culture inspired Sarah to intensify her beverage studies upon returning to the United States. She pursued her interest in wine, becoming a certified sommelier and working in a variety of roles in both the wine and restaurant worlds. Sarah lived her dream by working in New York City. She began as a member of the wine team at the luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental New York. Later, she made her mark as Beverage Manager of Aquavit. It was at Aquavit that she was part of the management team earning the restaurant its first 2 Michelin stars. After growing up on the east coast Sarah moved to San Francisco to explore the west and further her wine career. During her time in San Francisco, she worked as General Manager and Wine Buyer at Aster, a Michelin-starred restaurant and then as opening Bar Manager and Wine Buyer at the cave à manger Verjus. Sarah is continuing her journey as Wine Buyer at the San Francisco Wine Trading Company, a Bay Area landmark since 1976.