ABOUT

Hillary Zio is a Certified Sommelier and holds an Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Her passion for wine has taken her around the world as both an avid traveler and an educator, sharing stories from the vineyards and beyond. With over 20 years of experience spanning restaurants, retail, and wholesale, Hillary brings deep expertise and a personal touch to every glass.

Today, Hillary is the sole owner of Isola Wine & Tapas in Kinderhook, NY, where she curates a wine list devoted exclusively to the islands and coasts of Europe. Her menu of seasonal tapas draws inspiration from these same regions, creating an experience that celebrates coastal flavors, community, and the joy of sharing good wine and food. Join her wine club for quarterly 6-packs HERE.

Courses Taught

Hillary has taught public wine classes at Corkbuzz Wine Studio, New York Vintners, Kinderhook Bottle Shop, Convive Wine and Spirits, and Hudson Wine Merchants. She has taught hundreds of classes with themes ranging from “The Basics” to “Burgundy Bootcamp.”

Featured PODCAST ConversationS

GRAPE NATION (with Sam Benrubi): The Unfiltered Guide to Working in Wine LISTEN HERE

LADY LOVIN (Lo Bosworth, Jilly Hendrix, Greta Titleman): Drinking with Sommelier, Hillary Zio LISTEN HERE

CRU PODCAST (Chappy Cottrell) How to Create and Share Your Wine Story with Hillary Zio LISTEN HERE

PUBLISHED BOOK

In her 2016 book, The Unfiltered Guide to Working in Wine, Hillary Zio has uncorked and dissected the industry. This book is for anyone interested in or fascinated with pursuing a career in wine. Hillary’s no-nonsense approach tackles restaurant, retail, and wholesale positions with honest advice and trade secrets. From certification schools to professional interviews, you’ll find layers of real advice to help you find your place, land your dream job, and absolutely love what you do.