Foodstuffs: A New Wine Venture Promises Fun and Education

Sommelier Jessica Green and writer and communications consultant Rachel Bosworth have both worked in the wine industry, beginning in tasting rooms on the North Fork of Long Island. Now, Green and Bosworth have teamed up to launch Sediment & Sentiment, a company that is committed to connecting wine drinkers to makers through blind wine tasting and wine education events, and S&S blind tasting kits and subscription boxes.

Focusing on biodynamic wines, S&S is passionate about making wine experiences inclusive, diverse, educational, environmentally friendly, and fun.

After getting her start in the business, Green took her passion and experience to the next level, working harvest in New York vineyards, managing tasting rooms and wine clubs, developing corporate beverage programs, managing staff training, event support, wine buying, wine list curation, and retail ownership — complemented by education with Sommelier Society of America & Court of Masters Sommelier. Green ultimately bought Down the Rabbit Hole Wine Boutique in Sayville, shifting the shop’s focus to natural, organic and biodynamic wines.

Bosworth, who studied advertising and marketing communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology, went on to open her own boutique communications firm, RB Collaborative, with a focus on nonprofits and small businesses, including wineries, wine shops and restaurants. She also worked as a freelance journalist for several East End publications. Bosworth’s experience as a journalist, while also working with environmental nonprofits specifically, has deepened her commitment to storytelling and sustainability both in life and business. Alongside Green, it became a natural next step for the pair to found S&S.

“The name is a combination of both our passions,” Green said. “Sediment is what’s left at the bottom of the bottle that’s always questioned. People are unsure of what it is, if they can drink it, why it’s there. We answer those questions by talking about unique wines, particularly biodynamic wines, to instill a sense of confidence in consumers. We think it’s important to highlight this type of winemaking as it is all encompassing. Many of these wines are from vineyards where diversity is part of their core values. Every hand that touches the land or the grapes is valued equally and is important to the process.”

“Sentiment is a nod to the things that are most important to us, both in life and in business,” Bosworth added. “We want to do good for the environment and for the people. Sharing the stories of the people that make these wines, we aim to highlight their histories and practices, and form a deeper connection between wine drinkers and makers. Through the S&S subscription boxes specifically, we can share these stories in an educational yet fun way.”

S&S blind wine tasting kits include blind wine tasting instructions, deductive tasting pad, pencil and three burlap bags. The S&S subscription box is a quarterly service that will highlight three wine varietals, including three wines, information cards for each, information on the producers, a luxury wine tool and access to members-only resources and discounts on other purchases and events. Wines are sold through a partnership with Down the Rabbit Hole Wines in Sayville, also owned by Green.

The Preston House & Hotel and Sediment & Sentiment are collaborating on educational wine pairing dinner featuring wines from RGNY on Friday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. Highlighting local and sustainable winemaking practices and cuisine, the three-course wine pairing dinner will also include a sommelier-led wine discussion and an S&S box with wine education cards and luxury wine tools. Tickets are $140 per person and can be reserved by calling 631-775-1500. The Preston House & Hotel is at 428 East Main Street, Riverhead. For details visit theprestonhouseandhotel.com or sedimentandsentiment.com.