ABOUT HILLARY ZIO

I'm a Certified Sommelier, author, entrepreneur, and hospitality educator with more than 20 years of experience in the wine industry. I hold an Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and have built a career spanning restaurants, wine education, consulting, retail, and hospitality.

Throughout my career, I've taught more than 500 wine classes, worked with thousands of guests and students, and developed a passion for making wine approachable, engaging, and enjoyable. In 2016, I published my first book, The Unfiltered Guide to Working in Wine, an insider's guide for aspiring wine professionals. My 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, I 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, I bring together independent producers, seasonal food, thoughtful hospitality, and immersive wine experiences. Isola reflects my belief that exceptional food and wine should feel inviting rather than intimidating.

Drawing on 14 consecutive years of experience providing hospitality education to attorneys at global law firms, I founded Client Ready, a professional development program that teaches business dining, wine confidence, networking, and client relationship-building skills to help attorneys navigate professional settings and drive business development.

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

– Services –

Wine Experiences

Private wine tastings, corporate wine experiences, cellar curation, and personalized wine education designed to inspire confidence and deepen appreciation. From curious beginners discovering their preferences to experienced collectors refining their cellars, each experience offers thoughtful, approachable guidance tailored to individual tastes, special occasions, and every level of wine expertise.

Client Ready

Built on 14 consecutive years of experience training attorneys at global law firms, Client Ready offers a modern approach to professional development. The program equips attorneys with the confidence and practical skills to navigate client dinners, business entertaining, networking opportunities, and meaningful conversations. Rooted in the principles of exceptional hospitality, Client Ready helps attorneys make lasting impressions, strengthen client relationships, and turn everyday professional interactions into opportunities for trust, connection, and long-term business growth..

Private Events

Host an unforgettable gathering at Isola Wine & Tapas in the heart of Kinderhook, New York. From intimate celebrations and private wine tastings to thoughtfully curated multi-course dinners, corporate gatherings, and special occasions, Isola offers a distinctive setting for bringing people together. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to create a memorable experience, whether you're celebrating a milestone, entertaining colleagues, or simply gathering around the table with friends and family.