ABOUT

Sarah Donnellan is a wine marketing professional with extensive experience across corporate and non-profit sectors. After 20+ years in event management, hospitality, wine and marketing, she founded Splash Wine Marketing to help wine brands connect with their audiences through targeted campaigns, engaging content and memorable events that drive visibility and impact.

Photo credit: Mike Emmett from Redfish Bluefish Photography

My work focuses on boosting brand exposure through targeted campaigns and memorable wine events. Drawing on creative and logistical expertise, I provide comprehensive services that drive brand visibility and customer engagement.

Industry experience

Wine Marketing (10+ years): Through my experience in wine marketing, including roles with Wine Yarra Valley, The Wine Society and Polperro Winery, I have developed and implemented strategic marketing initiatives, managed consumer and trade communications and organised wine-related events to strengthen brand presence and engagement. My experience in digital marketing includes content strategy, social media management and e-commerce integration, helping wine brands enhance their online visibility and customer engagement. Drawing on my WSET Level 3 Wine + Spirits qualification, I create informed strategies that resonate with consumers and industry professionals.

Event Management (14+ years): My experience spans corporate and non-profit sectors, with a strong focus on food and beverage events, including roles with the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and Melbourne Royal. I have planned and executed a wide range of events, including industry and consumer-facing activations, while managing stakeholder engagement, budgeting and overall project execution to ensure seamless delivery and maximum impact.

  • "Sarah and I worked together at The Wine Society, and I found her to be a highly skilled events and marketing professional. She was always proactive in identifying opportunities to improve and contribute to key projects. She also made a positive contribution to the culture. Always inclusive of new starters and generally lifting the morale of the broader sales, marketing, and events team. Any company would be lucky to have her on their team, and I highly recommend her for any future opportunity."

    Nicky Scoular - former Marketing Manager (Acquisition and Retention) at The Wine Society