ABOUT HILLARY ZIO

Hillary Zio is a Certified Sommelier, author, entrepreneur, and hospitality educator with more than 20 years of experience in the wine industry. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and has built a career spanning restaurants, wine education, consulting, retail, and hospitality.

Throughout her career, Hillary has taught more than 500 wine classes, worked with thousands of guests and students, and developed a reputation for making wine approachable, engaging, and enjoyable. In 2016, she published her first book, The Unfiltered Guide to Working in Wine, an insider's guide for aspiring wine professionals. Her second book, Still Working in Wine: Twenty Years Later, published in May 2026, reflects on two decades of experience, entrepreneurship, and the evolving world of wine.

In 2024, Hillary opened Isola Wine & Tapas in Kinderhook, New York, an intimate, European-inspired restaurant celebrating the wines and cuisine of Europe's islands and coastlines. As owner and wine director, she brings together independent producers, seasonal food, thoughtful hospitality, and immersive wine experiences. Isola reflects her belief that exceptional food and wine should feel inviting rather than intimidating.

Building on her extensive experience in hospitality and education, Hillary also founded Client Ready, a professional development program designed to help attorneys, financial advisors, and other client-facing professionals build stronger business relationships. Through practical training in business dining, wine confidence, client entertaining, and meaningful conversation, Client Ready applies the principles of exceptional hospitality to the professional world.

Beyond her businesses, Hillary continues to offer private wine tastings, corporate events, educational experiences, and personalized wine consulting. Whether she's guiding a collector through a cellar purchase, introducing someone to their first exceptional bottle, or helping professionals become more confident hosts, her approach is rooted in genuine connection, curiosity, and the belief that hospitality is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together.

– Services –

CONSULTING

Private tastings, corporate wine experiences, cellar curation, and personalized wine education. From curious beginners to experienced collectors, thoughtful guidance tailored to every occasion and level of expertise.

CLIENT READY

Professional development designed to help attorneys, financial advisors, and other client-facing professionals build stronger business relationships through confident entertaining, meaningful conversation, and exceptional hospitality.

EVENTS

Host an unforgettable gathering at Isola Wine & Tapas in Kinderhook, New York. From intimate celebrations and private wine tastings to curated dinners and corporate gatherings, discover exceptional wines, seasonal coastal cuisine, and personalized hospitality.