Growing up in Paso Robles, Serena Harkey was given an excellent advantage to learn about wine early on in life. Beginning her career in restaurants at the age of 14 formed the foundation for her passion for food, wine and hospitality from the get go. During the summer she turned 19, her sister invited her to pick up a few serving shifts at The Wine Attic, a small boutique wine store, owned and operated by Sommelier, Jan Manni.

It was under Jan’s tutelage that Serena was mentored about wine and developed a passion for wine service, before moving on to study under Ian Adamo at Bistro Laurent in Paso Robles. 

In 2012, Serena received her Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 2 certification, during her tenure as the Wine Director of Thomas Hill Organics. It was in 2014 that Serena made the move north to San Jose where she joined the Vine Dining Enterprises family of restaurants. Now in 2020, Serena is the Wine Director for the entire group. She oversees staff education, vendor relations, menu development, inventory management, sales and PR for all things beverage related. Her
goal is to build brand specific wine lists and beverage programs for each of the groups concepts: Left Bank Brasserie, LB Steak, MESO Modern Mediterranean and the many more to come! She believes the wine list should not stand alone as a separate entity but highlight wines that enhance the dishes of each menu.

In her spare time Serena travels back to Paso Robles to spend time with her family, studies to receive WSET Level 3 Certification, enjoys a glass or two of wine herself and relaxes with her fur babies Oliver and Lucy!