In 2002 Virginia became the 11th woman in the world to earn the extraordinary accreditation of Master Sommelier

Today there are only 26 women out of 206 professionals worldwide

Virginia has won the title of “Best Sommelier of the United States from the American Sommelier Association in 2002

James Beard Foundation nominated Virginia for Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional 2012.

As Master Sommelier for the iconic The Breakers Palm Beach, Virginia leads the beverage department for nine restaurants and bars –including the newly launched and über popular HMF

Virginia oversees 4 wine lists including the resorts prized 1,600 selection list, which won Wine Spectators Grand Award every year since its inception in 1981

In addition, Virginia works in tandem with the Domaine du Tariquet wine making team in Gascony, France, where Virginia creates The Breaker's house wine blend, a program she initiated and implemented in 2004.

In November of 2011, Virginia fulfilled a lifetime dream when she opened the Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy off Clematis Street in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach.

The mission of the Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy is to offer an encompassing retail and education center that welcomes and educates every person who walks thru the door

At nearly 1,800 square feet and with over 600 personally selected offerings spanning regions all over the globe

the boutique shop offers an outlet for Virginia to share her extensive knowledge and generous demeanor to guests, often in a one-on-one basis.

The shop gives guests access to Virginia’s extensive and encompassing experience.

Labels range in price from $10 to $1000.

Classes range in focus from regional topics and food and wine pairings, to tips on wine purchasing and even building your own cellar.

A limited number of eight-week courses are available for those looking to immerse themselves in Virginia’s full range of knowledge, and include guest appearances from national and international winemakers, friends, and colleagues of Philip.

Craft Beer Retail

Group and Private Tastings

Corporate Gifts

Cellar Management

Virginia'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.

More recently, Virginia assisted with the Vanilla Puddin' wine featuring Gabrielle Union. She is a partner in the Brand Elite Group.

Virginia has also been appointed as a consultant to Seminole Casino Coconut Creek's NYY Steakhouse.

Explore All Options Remain Positive

Starting your own business or changing career paths after 40 is possible

Choose the best location you feel most comfortable with – you are probably going to spend a lot of time there

Be financially prepared to make the commitmentSurround yourself with positive people – there will be a lot of nay-sayersIf you were at the top of your profession, be prepared to be at the bottom

Try to Be Kind to You Stay ahead of the Curve

Don’t be surprised to find the clientele you thought would frequent your business, may not or do not

Allow yourself to maintain or keep the one or two things you enjoy the most

Do not undersell yourself or your servicesYou may regret itYou are worth itStay toughAsk yourself, is there anyone else out there who can do what I do better?