Legacy in a Glass: How Sara Vezza’s Passion Revived a Family Tradition

In the rolling hills of Piedmont, Italy, the Josetta Saffirio vineyard stands as a testament to the enduring power of family legacy. Fifth-generation winemaker Sara Vezza has turned her ancestors’ hard work into a vibrant story of passion, perseverance, and innovation. In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, Sara joined host Bob Cutler to share her incredible journey from Latin scholar to winemaker, her approach to sustainable viticulture, and the heartwarming inspiration behind her signature vermouth.

A Dream Worth Fighting For

The Josetta Saffirio vineyard, established by Sara’s parents in the late 1970s, could have been lost when they considered selling the land. But 19-year-old Sara had a vision. Despite her lack of winemaking experience, she stepped forward, determined to preserve the family’s heritage. Through grit and determination, Sara learned the intricacies of the craft—often side-by-side with seasoned vineyard workers—and grew her operation into one of the region’s most respected producers.

Today, Sara oversees every step of production, from tending the vines to crafting the wine to managing her team. Her hands-on leadership style is a hallmark of her success, and her story inspires listeners to reflect on what it means to carry on a legacy while carving a path uniquely your own.

The Vermouth That Sparked a Memory

One of the episode’s standout moments is Sara’s tale of creating her vermouth, a fortified wine infused with herbs, sugar, and caramel. For Sara, it wasn’t just another product to add to her portfolio—it was a deeply personal project rooted in childhood memories of sipping vermouth with her grandmother.

“I felt like a lady myself,” she recalls, describing the game her grandmother played to make her feel grown-up. Decades later, tasting a bottle of vermouth given to her as a gift brought those memories rushing back. Determined to recreate that sense of connection, Sara spent two years perfecting her recipe, striking a delicate balance between floral notes, herbal bitterness, and a subtle sweetness.

The result is a vermouth that’s as versatile as it is expressive. Whether sipped neat, over ice, or in a classic cocktail like the Boulevardier—a Negroni-inspired mix of whiskey, Campari, and vermouth—it’s a wine that tells a story with every sip.

Listen to her incredible story in her own words on Cocktails with Friends.