Award-Winning Wine Cellar Showcases One of America’s Finest Wine Collections
PALM BEACH, FL – A 7,800-bottle wine cellar, representing more than 1,600 selections, is the crown jewel of the prodigious, 28,000-bottle collection of fine wines available at The Breakers Palm Beach. This distinguished collection of vintages, chosen carefully by Master Sommelier Virginia Philip, is regularly tapped by The Breakers restaurants, bars and banquet operations.
Set in the spectacular Florentine Room of The Breakers, the resort’s display Wine Cellar is an artistically and functionally designed showcase for the thousands of treasured bottles stored inside. Hand-painted, 19th-century European leaded glass doors open to reveal a floor of Chinese slate engraved with a vineyard pattern. The racking system, specially created for The Breakers, is built from gleaming solid redwood and holds wine in a stabilized temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Our guests hold a tremendous value and appreciation for an extraordinary wine collection, and we wanted to showcase it for all to see, peruse and enjoy,” said Virginia Philip, the extraordinarily accomplished Master Sommelier of The Breakers, who is the primary caretaker of the resort’s renowned wine collection. She is one of only a handful of female sommeliers in the country and one of 20 women in the world to become a master sommelier. Virginia also won the title of Best Sommelier in America in 2002 at the profession’s national competition, sponsored by the American Sommelier Association.
Wine Spectator has recognized The Breakers with its Grand Award every year since the award’s inception in 1981. The award, which in 2011 was bestowed upon only 69 restaurants worldwide, recognizes establishments for outstanding dedication to presenting wine as an integral part of the total dining experience.
The Breakers wine cellar is known for its quality and diversity, with bottles ranging in various prices to ensure the availability of fine selections in all categories. The collection represents extensive vertical collections, including that of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti with 65 offerings, and varietals indigenous to more than 17 different countries. An intensive wine-training program, designed by Ms. Philip, is offered to food and beverage team members. Her goal is to ensure that the service staff is thoroughly knowledgeable about The Breakers’ distinguished collection and able to masterfully guide each guest to the wine that will best enhance their meal.
About The Breakers Palm Beach
One of America’s legendary resort destinations, this 540-room, Italian Renaissance-style hotel resides on 140 acres of oceanfront property in the heart of Palm Beach. The Breakers was founded in 1896 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and continues to thrive independent of chain affiliation. Renowned for its gracious service, the resort indulges its clientele, whether couples on a romantic getaway, multi-generational travelers on a family vacation or large gatherings in celebration. With the commitment of its long-standing ownership, descendants of founder Henry Flagler, The Breakers invests $20 million each year in the property’s ongoing enhancement to ensure it remains appealing to future guests. Following a comprehensive ten-year $250 million revitalization, its timeless atmosphere -- from its magnificent interiors to its artfully designed landscape -- has been renewed in a style of relaxed elegance.
A multi-faceted destination, The Breakers features 36 holes of championship golf, including the Ocean Course and The Breakers Rees Jones® Course; 10 Har-Tru tennis courts; luxury spa; a breathtaking oceanfront with a half-mile of private beach, Mediterranean-style beach club, as well as luxury beach bungalows for daytime-rental, five pools, four whirlpool spas and a variety of water sports; a Family Entertainment Center and an extensive program of family and children’s activities. Nine distinctive restaurants, as well as an array of on-site boutiques, are all owned and managed by the resort. The Breakers is recognized as a AAA Five Diamond property and has earned numerous accolades for its commitment to the environment, community service and the quality of life it provides to its employees. For reservations or more information, contact the resort toll-free at 1-888-BREAKERS (273-2537), (561) 655-6611, visit www.thebreakers.com, or contact your travel professional.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Photography of the Display Wine Cellar is available upon request.
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