As a second-generation Sommelier and restaurateur, Philippe André has been a leader in the wine and hospitality industry for almost two decades. Philippe first developed a passion for hospitality and wine education growing up in the fine dining restaurant business. He answered his professional calling as the Wine Director of the highly awarded wine program at Oceanique restaurant in Evanston, Illinois, managing a cellar of over 1,300 selections and overseeing a dedicated Sommelier team.

In 2013 Philippe accepted a winemaking apprenticeship at one of the world’s greatest biodynamic vineyards, The Momtazi Estate, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. After harvest, he returned to Chicago to join the nation’s leading rare wine auction house, Hart Davis Hart Wine Co., sourcing and sharing the rarest wines with passionate collectors all over the world.

With a desire to expand his skillset into the luxury wine and spirits market, Philippe accepted a Portfolio Manager position on the Moët Hennessy USA team at Southern Glazers’ Wine & Spirits, where he received national awards for record sales successes on prestige Champagnes and Cognac.

In 2018 Philippe was offered a chance of a lifetime and accepted the U.S. Ambassador role at Charles Heidsieck to re-launch the historic brand in New York and to bring the wines of the Crayères onto the grand stage they deserve. In Philippe’s new position as Senior Business Development Manager at FOLIO Fine Wine Partners, he continues to build the momentum of Charles Heidsieck, Rare Champagne, and the luxury portfolio of family-owned fine wines.

While Philippe and his wife Paige reside in Chicago’s South Loop, travel and cuisine are a big part of their lives. They can often be found visiting family and friends in their “second home” of New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to his Champagne travels, Philippe serves on the board of The United Sommeliers Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and development of Sommeliers.

You can follow Philippe and his love of vintage cars, Champagne, and Cuban cigars at @niquesomm on Instagram, where he frequently hosts a live interview series called “Charlie Chat.”

Stay tuned- Philippe André will be featured on The Somm Set throughout May 2021!