Wine

Master Sommelier Virginia Philip’s career includes a list of recognition spanning more than a decade. An expert among experts, her mastery and opinion is sought by journalists, colleagues and other sommeliers alike. In 2002 Philip became the 11th woman in the world to earn the extraordinary accreditation of Master Sommelier, the highest certification of international proficiency (today there are only 26 women out of 206 professionals worldwide). She has won the title of “Best Sommelier of the United States from the American Sommelier Association for 2002-2006. With continuing acknowledgment of her skill, the eminent James Beard Foundation nominated Philip for Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional 2012. On May 23, 2015, Virginia was bestowed with one of the highest honors of “Honorary Doctorate Degree of Oenology” from her alma mater Johnson & Wales.

Philip is knowledgeable, yet approachable, current and well-connected to the industry.

Emphasizing these traits, she fulfilled a lifetime dream when she opened the Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy off Clematis Street in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. With approximately 650 personally-selected offerings, the boutique shop offers an outlet for her to share her extensive knowledge and generous demeanor to guests, often in a one-on-one basis. The Academy also satisfies Philip’s passion for teaching, and provides a space where she offers weekly wine education programs and guest appearances from national and international winemakers. The significance of her instruction may also be seen in her editorial contributions to Yachts International and Fisher Island Magazine.

Philip’s expertise is called upon in a variety of judging competitions including the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, The American Fine Wine Competition and the Dallas Morning News competition.   Philip has been a perennial favorite at annual events such as the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival and the South Beach Food & Wine Festival where she has led wine-tasting sessions and judged cooking competitions. She assisted with the Vanilla Puddin’ wine featuring Gabrielle Union. She has also been appointed as a consultant to Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. In the Spring of 2015, Philip co-created and launched the “Livernano 90 C Lo Cal” wine collection with partner Gudrun Cuillo of Livernano winery.

Philip’s interest in wine began at an early age, studying the subject in college and working at a vineyard during the summer. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1989 with a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Johnson & Wales University. Prior to her arrival at the Breakers Palm Beach, she worked at many accredited resorts and restaurants, most notably the Five Diamond/Five Star Award winning resort The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado.

Master Sommelier Virginia Philip has brought notoriety and attention to the outlets she supports with appearances on “The Today Show” and the Food Network and recognition inFood & Wine, Town & Country, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Country Living andDecanter. And her passion to taste and learn and, especially, to share her expertise on this subject will continue to grow and evolve with each new project.