Where It All Began

My love for wine didn’t start in a classroom or a vineyard—it started at the dinner table. Growing up, my family would introduce me to different wines, each one tied to a memory, a meal, or a story. But it was only when I lived in France that I truly fell in love with the depth and complexity of wine.

Walking down Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne, I realized something: despite the rows of grand Champagne houses, each bottle had its own unique story—shaped by history, terroir, and the people behind it. That curiosity led me to explore the whites of the Loire, the reds of Bordeaux, and, eventually, to a career in wine.

I’m Sarah Astill—a wine enthusiast, professional, and lifelong learner. Growing up in Leicestershire, I developed a love for languages that led me to study Linguistics with French at Newcastle University. That curiosity for language naturally extended into a fascination with culture, and while living in Le Mans and Marseille, I discovered that wine isn’t just about taste, but about legacy, landscape, and the people who pour their lives into it

After university, I took a leap into the wine industry, starting at Hambleton Hall, a Michelin-starred restaurant, where I worked as an Assistant Sommelier. Every day, I helped guests navigate an extensive wine list, suggest pairings, and continue expanding my own knowledge. Since then, I’ve joined the buying team in a support role at Berry Bros & Rudd, where I assist with tastings, liaise with suppliers, and aid the team in sourcing exceptional wines. Along the way, I earned my WSET Level 2 with distinction, and my journey to refine my palate and explore the world of wine is far from over.

What to Expect Here

Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a full-on enthusiast, The Curious Cork is here to take you on a journey. We’ll explore:

🍇 The Stories Behind the Bottles – From classic Old World vintages to exciting New World discoveries.
🌍 Travel & Terroir – The regions, climates, and landscapes that shape a wine’s character.
🥂 Tastings & Trends – What’s new in the wine world and how to expand your palate.
🍷 Pairings & Experiences – Because wine is best enjoyed with great food and even better company.

Join the Adventure

Wine is meant to be shared, so I’d love to hear from you! What wines are you curious about? What stories have you uncovered in your own wine journey? Drop a comment, follow along, and let’s explore the world of wine together—one sip at a time.

Cheers, and welcome to The Curious Cork! 🥂