Philippe André

Director of Business Development

As a second-generation Sommelier and restaurateur, I have been a leader in the wine and hospitality industry for almost two decades. I first developed a passion for hospitality and wine education growing up in the fine dining restaurant business. I answered my 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 I accepted a winemaking apprenticeship at one of the world’s greatest biodynamic vineyards, The Momtazi Estate, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. After harvest I 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 my skill set into the luxury wine and spirits market, I accepted a Portfolio Manager position on the Moët Hennessy USA team at Southern Glazers’ Wine & Spirits where I received national awards for record sales successes on prestige Champagnes and Cognac.

In 2018 I 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 my new position as Senior Business Development Manager at Folio Fine Wine Partners I continues to build the momentum of Charles Heidsieck, Rare Champagne and the luxury portfolio of family owned fine wines.

While my wife Paige and I reside in Chicago’s South Loop, travel and cuisine is a big part of our life. We can often be found visiting family and friends in our “second home” of New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to my Champagne travels I also serve on the board of The United Sommeliers Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and development of Sommeliers.

You can follow me and my love of vintage cars, Champagne and Cuban cigars at @niquesomm on Instagram where I frequently host a live interview series called “Charlie Chat”.