Sarah Abbott is a Master of Wine with 30 years’ experience in the wine trade, spanning sales, marketing, consultancy and wine judging. Her tasting palate is informed by decades of professional assessment across diverse styles, regions and cultures, combining technical precision with a strong understanding of typicity and market context. She began her career in the UK wine trade in 1996, working in sales and marketing roles for leading wine importers. In 2006 she founded Swirl Wine Group, through which she works with established wine regions and emerging producers to build long-term presence and value in the UK market. Her regional expertise spans classic fine-wine benchmarks alongside sustained, in-depth work with regions including Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Soave, Georgia, Japan, and Ukraine. As an IWSC Committee judge, Sarah is known for her collaborative and positive leadership style. She focuses on clear calibration, constructive discussion and inclusive decision-making, supporting consistent, well-reasoned outcomes. She is co-founder of The Old Vine Conference, a non-profit initiative advancing understanding of old vines, genetic diversity and cultural vineyard heritage.