Sarah Hutchings's job is the kind of thing most people don't realize is a job — until she shows up at their house with a curated selection of small-production wines and a story for each one.
Sarah is the Branch Manager of PRP Wine International in Charlotte, the local arm of an in-home wine tasting company that's been around since 1989. The format is what makes it work: she comes to your living room, brings the wines, walks you through them, and leaves you with whatever you decide to keep — no setup on your end, no sitter, no need to book a table.
"We can create a theme or collaborate to create your perfect day," Sarah says. "It can be as simple as a Sunday brunch tasting or as classy as a wedding party tasting."
Sarah is originally from Bethlehem, PA. She spent much of her life in Florida before relocating to Charlotte in July for a promotion within PRP Wine. She and her husband Daniel — whom she married in April 2024 — are looking to put down roots and start a family in the Charlotte area. Both of their families are large and live for a get-together. The job, in a way, is family-shaped.
The wines themselves are boutique and small-production, sourced from family-owned vineyards around the world. Many of them aren't available in stores. Each tasting is customized — wine selections, theme, even the labels. Sarah will print personalized wine labels for guests at a wedding, a milestone birthday, or a corporate gift program. Pets are welcome at tastings. So are kids who'd rather watch a movie in the next room. The setup is genuinely flexible.
Before PRP Wine, Sarah spent a decade as a teacher. Before that, she worked in financial services. The teaching shows up in the tastings — she explains the wines instead of letting them just arrive. The finance background shows up in the way she frames the experience as a long-term relationship rather than a transaction. Most of her clients become repeat clients. Most of her wines become standing orders.
Her advice for residents who haven't done a private tasting before is short: pick the occasion you want to anchor it to. Birthday, anniversary, neighborhood gathering, girls' night, client appreciation. The wine is the easy part. Sarah handles the rest.
PRP Wine International — Charlotte branch. Hosted by Sarah Hutchings. prpwine.com. Instagram: @SparklingSarah and @PRPQueenCity.
Sarah Hutchings is featured as a Partner Spotlight in the May 2026 issue of Stroll Firethorne.