Beatrice Bessi

One of the biggest challenges in my career has been continuing to work as a sommelier while raising my daughter as a single mother. Our industry is built around late nights and long hours on the floor, which can be difficult to reconcile with family responsibilities, both logistically and emotionally.

There were years of financial pressure and constant 24-hour organisation behind the scenes, making sure I had the right support in place so that my daughter was always safe and cared for, even when my schedule was unpredictable. At times, I was also aware of a certain hesitation or concern from others about whether I could fully commit.

I overcame this by staying focused, working consistently, and building a (very expensive!) support system around me. It required discipline, resilience and a great deal of planning, but also the belief that I didn’t have to step away from the floor to succeed. Over time, I let my work speak for itself. That experience shaped not only my career, but also my perspective on what is possible in this industry.

I feel very fortunate to be part of the UK wine scene, particularly in London, where there is a strong sense of community and a growing awareness of the importance of supporting women in the industry.

I’ve seen this support in many ways, through shared experiences at tastings, competitions and training sessions, where there is a genuine sense of encouragement and collaboration rather than competition. These environments create space for women to learn, grow and feel confident in their place within the industry.

At this stage of my career, I’m also very conscious of the role I can play within that ecosystem. I actively try to support and uplift other women, whether through mentoring, sharing knowledge or creating a positive and inclusive team environment. It’s something I care deeply about, and I hope to continue contributing to a culture in which more women feel supported, stay in the industry and are able to thrive.

What excites me most about wine right now is its sense of evolution, both in the people entering the industry and in the way we approach it.

I find it incredibly inspiring to see younger generations still choosing wine as a career. Their curiosity, energy and openness bring a fresh perspective, and it motivates me to contribute as a mentor and share what I’ve learned along the way. Being able to support and guide that next generation feels both a responsibility and a privilege.

At the same time, I’m very interested in how we can balance depth of knowledge with accessibility. Wine has traditionally been seen as complex and, at times, intimidating. I believe we are moving towards a more inclusive approach, where wine is still respected for its craftsmanship but also presented as something to be enjoyed, shared and experienced in a more relaxed and human way.

I’m also encouraged by the increasing presence of women in leadership roles across the industry. Seeing more women step into positions of influence and visibility is not only inspiring but essential for the future of wine.

Finally, I’m excited by the emergence of new wine regions, for example Alto Adige, and wine countries gaining recognition. They bring diversity, fresh stories and new energy to the global wine landscape, helping to keep the industry dynamic and constantly evolving.

I would like to nominate Sara Rossi – Sara is an Italian-born, London-based wine professional who has successfully transitioned from working as a sommelier on the floor into the off-trade, where she now works as a Trade Account Manager. Over the past few years, she has built a strong presence in a different side of the industry, demonstrating both adaptability and a clear sense of direction in her career.

What I particularly admire about Sara is her approach to professional relationships. She brings authenticity, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for wine to everything she does. She has a natural ability to communicate wine in a way that is both engaging and accessible, without losing depth or credibility.

Having seen her grow from a talented sommelier into a confident professional in the trade, I believe she is a great example of the diverse career paths available in wine today. She is someone to watch and someone who continues to inspire through both her work and her attitude.