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 skill set into the luxury wine and spirits market, Philippe accepted a position on the Moët Hennessy USA team 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 position as Private Client Director 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 is a big part of their life. 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 as Treasurer on the board of the United Sommeliers Foundation in the support and development of future Sommeliers and was celebrated on the cover of Wine Enthusiast's 2021 issue of the top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers: https://www.winemag.com/content/40-under-40-2021-philippe-andre/ You can follow Philippe and his love of motorsport, Champagne and Cuban cigars at @niquesomm on Instagram where he frequently hosts a live interview series called “Charlie Chat”.