ABOUT

Hillary is a certified sommelier who holds an advanced certificate in wines and spirits from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Her passion for wine has led her all over the world as an avid traveler and wine educator. With more than 15 years of industry experience across restaurant, retail and wholesale sectors, Hillary provides hospitality consultation to restaurants all over the country. She is also the author of The Unfiltered Guide to Working in Wine.

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.