Wine Director

Born and raised in Charlottesville, VA, Jill Zimorski got her start in the hospitality industry while in studying sociology at the University of Virginia. During this time, she worked at the Orient-Express-owned Keswick Hall Hotel. After graduating, she served in management roles in two local restaurants, Metropolitan Restaurant and Mas, which earned the recognition as C-VILLE Weekly’s 2003 “Best New Restaurant” in Charlottesville.

Upon moving to Washington, D.C., in late 2003, Zimorski worked as the assistant general manager at Palette, located in the Madison Hotel. There, she was an integral part of the opening team, contributing to the conceptual planning, menu creation, and beverage program development. “From the beginning of my career, working on creating beverage programs for restaurants has been a particular passion,” she notes.

She first worked with Chef Bryan Voltaggio in her next position as manager at Charlie Palmer Steak in Washington, D.C. The two stayed in touch after Zimorski went on to became beverage director for ThinkFoodGroup, where she oversaw the award-winning wine and cocktail programs at José Andrés’ popular Washington, D.C. restaurants, including Jaleo, minibar by josé andrés, Oyamel, Zaytinya, and Café Atlantico. Under her direction, Café Atlantico’s cocktail program was named one of the most innovative in the country by The New York Times.

After Voltaggio opened VOLT, he invited Zimorski to work with him, this time as wine director for his newest project in Frederick, MD. At VOLT, Zimorski focuses on building a list that not only complements Voltaggio’s cuisine, but also brings depth and breadth to the selections and features wines that have a story and purpose, considering terroir, production, style and quality for all additions to the VOLT wine program. She also brings to her current position an impressive list of credentials: Zimorski is a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers; a diploma candidate with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust; a certified specialist of wine through the Society of Wine Educators; and a certified Spanish wine educator. Additionally, Zimorski is on the faculty of the Washington Wine Academy where she teaches a number of classes to all levels of emerging or bonafide wine geeks. “Through the years I've been fortunate to travel to various wine regions around the world, meeting producers and visiting vineyards and wineries,” she explains. “I am excited to introduce new wines and focus the program at VOLT to pair perfectly with Bryan’s cuisine.”

Outside of work, Zimorski enjoys, baking and entertaining. She is also an avid cyclist and distance runner and has completed six marathons.