Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou

Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou brings a rare blend of discipline, artistry, and deeply intuitive hospitality to her role as Partner and Beverage Director of Aiona. A native Sacramentan, her early life was shaped by both performance and the kitchen. She spent her time singing, dancing, and acting, while also cooking and baking with her parents. Some of her earliest memories were hunting down snap peas in her father’s vegetable garden. That dual foundation of expression and care continues to define her work today.

Her path in hospitality began at a young age and quickly evolved into a focused pursuit of excellence. Driven by curiosity and a strong internal standard, Elizabeth-Rose immersed herself in the study of wine, ultimately earning her Advanced Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is among a small and highly respected group in the industry to reach this level and was recognized by Wine and Spirits Magazine as one of the nation’s Best New Sommeliers.

In 2016, she co-founded WM Restaurants alongside her husband and partner, Chef Deneb Williams. Together, they have built a collection of restaurants grounded in intention, beginning with Woodlake Tavern and Uptown Pizza Kitchen, followed by Allora, a Modern Italian-inspired restaurant in East Sacramento that has earned national recognition, including placement among OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the United States.

Elizabeth-Rose’s connection to wine is both intellectual and deeply personal. Known for her meticulous approach to study and her ability to translate complex wine knowledge into something approachable, she views the role of a sommelier as an act of service. Her focus is on guiding guests toward discovery, connection, and experience. Her studies continue with the goal of achieving Master Sommelier status.

Beyond the wine program, her influence is felt in every detail of the guest experience. With a refined eye for design and flow, Elizabeth-Rose has played a leading role in shaping Aiona from the ground up. Every element, from materials to movement within the space, has been considered with intention. She believes a restaurant should feel immersive and cohesive, where each detail contributes to how a guest feels throughout the evening.

Through the challenges of recent years, including the uncertainty of the pandemic and the process of bringing Aiona to life, she has remained a steady and thoughtful leader. Her focus has consistently centered on her team, her guests, and the integrity of the experience they create together.

At her core, Elizabeth-Rose approaches hospitality as both craft and expression. Whether through a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine, a carefully designed space, or a moment of genuine connection, her work is driven by a desire to create experiences that feel personal, memorable, and deeply human.

Outside of the restaurants, Elizabeth-Rose finds joy in time with her friends, family, and her dogs, and continues to explore the world through travel, always deepening her understanding of culture, place, and wine.