Director of Food & Beverage, Master Sommelier

Tyler Alden

Tyler Alden joined Barking Frog and Willows Lodge as Wine Director in 2019 and was promoted to Director of Food & Beverage in 2021. Prior to joining Willows Lodge, he served as Education and Service Director for HRG, and studied as a Service Captain & Sommelier with the Wild Ginger’s Grand Award winning wine list. Since joining Willows Lodge in 2019, he has been named Washington Hospitality Association’s 'Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year,' and the programs have earned accolades from Wine Spectator (“12 Prime Wine Restaurants in the Pacific NW, 2022) and Wine Enthusiast (“Best Restaurants for Wine in the Nation, 2024” and “Best of Award of Excellence”, 2019-2025). In Sept. 2022, Tyler earned his MS Diploma and was appointed to the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers, the highest distinction a professional can attain in the beverage service industry. Less than 300 professionals worldwide have received the title of Master Sommelier since 1969. He is also Certified Circerone, and a graduate of the University of Washington's Foster School of Business.