SARAH VANAGS
Sarah Vanags
Wine and Spirits Director
vanags.sarah@gmail.com
Hello- I'm Sarah, an Illinois native, living in Washington, DC. I am Assistant Director of Beverage, aiding in all beverage operations for Knead Hospitality + Design. You can typically find me working at one of our 15 restaurants (or opening a brand new one), educating our teams or our guests about all things spirits, beer or wine. In my free time I love to enjoy restaurants as a patron of DC’s incredible food and beverage scene.
Cheers!
Growing up in the midwest instilled a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, values I carry into my passion for wine from grape to glass. I now live in a beautiful international city, known for its rich cultural and culinary diversity, and I enjoy creating wine selections that honor tradition and innovation. In all of my work, I aim to uplift sustainable and ethically responsible brands, especially highlighting women and underrepresented groups within the beverage and hospitality industries.
I am a dynamic and engaging wine professional in wine & spirits programming, education, and restaurant & event management. As an experienced sommelier and program director, I have managed all levels of operations, from launching new restaurant concepts to overseeing large-scale developments.
My Work
Assistant Beverage Director - Corporate
Knead Hospitality + Design
Unfold Hospitality Group
Wine Director, Assistant General Manager
Regional Beverage Director
Altamarea Group
Assistant General Manager, Beverage Manager
Osteria Morini & Nicoletta