The present invention relates to a sample holder vessel (10), in particular for sampling operations to be performed by an automated sample feeder apparatus having a sampling needle. Said sample holder vessel has a body (11) defining an internal space and comprising a top portion and a lower section. The body is further provided with a first sampling port (12) with a geometric axis at the top portion and a second sampling port (14) in the lower section, said sampling ports being adapted for receiving closing elements (13, 15) that can be detachably connected with the sampling ports, enable more than one successive sampling operations from predetermined regions of the internal space and also close the internal space of the sample holder vessel in a leakproof manner. Moreover, the geometric axis of the first sampling port extends substantially parallel to the sampling needle when a sampling operation from the sample holder vessel is performed with said sampling needle through the first sampling port. Furthermore, a collar (16) is arranged on the external surface of the sample holder vessel in the region of the first sampling port. The collar defines a locating gap (17) in cooperation with the closing element (13) connected with the first sampling port, wherein said locating gap is engaged with a retaining element associated with the sample feeder apparatus so as to ensure immobility of the sample holder vessel relative to the sample feeder apparatus via a stationary fit between said sample holder vessel and said retaining element when sampling operations are performed through at least one of said sampling ports (12, 14).