A Virginia native and long-time food and wine enthusiast, Sujata started her journey of wine exploration in Virginia Wine country. She began formalizing her wine knowledge in 2018 with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). She is a WSET Diploma Candidate, holds the Level 2 and Level 3 Awards with WSET, as well as an Introductory Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS).
An extrovert to her core, Sujata has a passion for wine education, teaching, and inclusion. She entered the wine industry in 2020 by holding virtual wine tastings and seminars and continues to cater to private events and clients. She has served as a judge in the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup competition in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Sujata is most excited when showcasing excellent wine at any price, with a special place in her heart for women and BIPOC winemakers. She is integrated in the DMV wine community, leading the DMV Wine Tasting Group and proudly serving on the Board of Vin.Vitalité: a DC based non-profit with a mission to support Women in Wine.
Outside of the wine world, Sujata is a graduate of George Mason University, holds a degree in Finance, a minor in Spanish, and works for a large government contractor as a Business Operations Senior Manager. She led the DC Women in Finance employee resource group within her organization for over a decade and is heavily involved in mentoring and empowerment initiatives.