Sarah Charles Hereford
Food & Beverage Director
Sarah Charles Hereford is the Director of Food & Beverage at Luminosa, an upscale eatery driven by Italian classics, hyperlocal ingredients, and dishes crafted in a wood-burning oven and grill. Hailing from Huntsville, AL, Sarah graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, before moving to New York City, where she fell in love with the beverage world. She found joy in engaging with guests, mastering drink recipes, delving into the nuances of spirits and techniques, and crafting delicious beverages.
Her professional bartending career took her to several notable Brooklyn venues, including Weather Up, where she worked for over a decade and developed a deep passion for classic cocktails, and the Michelin-starred bistro Oxalis. She considers her time there as a truly formative experience, embracing unique challenges, including crafting a nonalcoholic beverage program and expanding her understanding of drink theory. As a leader, Sarah brings polish, precision, and positivity to the Luminosa team and thrives on collaborating with her talented colleagues to showcase the vibrant hospitality scene of Asheville and deliver an exceptional experience to each guest that walks through the door.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sarah cherishes spending time with her husband, James, and their dog, Julep. When she’s not at Luminosa, you can find Sarah exploring Asheville, hiking, going on culinary adventures, and immersing herself in the city's rich culture.