425.374.0188

About
The Reserve

The Reserve Talent Group is a boutique executive search firm specializing in leadership and specialist roles across food, wine, and luxury hospitality. Backed by over 25 years of recruiting experience, we connect exceptional people with world-class brands throughout the West Coast — including Napa, the Willamette Valley, Walla Walla, Seattle, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Rooted in Experience. Built for the Future.

who we are

The Reserve Talent Group was created to meet a very specific need in the world of luxury hospitality: a recruiting partner who understands the craft, culture, and caliber of talent required to lead food and beverage programs at the highest level.

With over 25 years of executive search experience, our founder recognized a clear gap in the market. While hospitality recruiters were common, few offered true specialization in wine and beverage leadership. And as the demand for sommeliers, wine directors, and senior hospitality professionals continues to grow — the recruiting solutions often remain too broad, too transactional.

Our approach is intentionally different. As a boutique firm, we offer high-touch, personalized service for elite employers and executive-level talent. We focus on strategic placements — typically six figures and above — where alignment between vision, values, and guest experience is essential. Every search is curated with the care, professionalism, and long-term thinking our clients have come to expect.

25

years of experience

90%

placement success

wine team meeting

What We Offer

specialized talent solutions for wine, hospitality, and service-driven brands

We provide a curated suite of recruiting and advisory services tailored specifically for the fine beverage and luxury hospitality industries. From executive placements to program development and event staffing, our offerings reflect the level of care and precision our clients are known for.

Direct Placement Services

We recruit senior-level sommeliers, wine directors, winemakers, and beverage managers for fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, boutique wineries, and private estates. Every placement is carefully matched to your culture, guest experience, and long-term vision.

Retained Executive Search

For confidential or high-impact hires, our retained search model offers deep industry access and dedicated, end-to-end support. We deliver a focused shortlist of exceptional candidates with the professionalism your brand demands.

Contract & Temporary Staffing

Whether it’s a seasonal need, private event, or wine festival, we provide polished, hospitality-trained professionals for short-term roles — all vetted for experience, presence, and aligned with the standards of a luxury setting.

Consulting & Advisory Services

In addition to recruitment, we offer guidance on wine program development, beverage team structure, and private sommelier hiring. Perfect for private estates, emerging brands, or teams seeking elevated hospitality leadership.

more curated hiring solutions

The People Behind The Reserve

At The Reserve Talent Group, our team brings more than experience — we bring precision, perspective, and a deep respect for the industries we serve. With roots in over 25 years of executive recruiting, we’ve built our reputation on trust, transparency, and a shared passion for excellence in hospitality, wine, and service.

We’re small by design and selective by nature. Every member of our team is hands-on in each search — from understanding the nuances of a brand’s guest experience to identifying candidates who don’t just meet expectations, but raise the bar. Whether placing a sommelier at a luxury resort or advising a winery on long-term talent strategy, we approach every engagement with intention, care, and unmatched industry insight.

Kelly Hatfield

Co-Founder

April Taylor

Co-Founder

Alissa Marshall Iblings

Chief Growth Officer