PALM BEACH, FL – Guided by a commitment to excellence, The Breakers Palm Beach is regarded as home to one of the country’s most respected wine programs, led by Master Sommeliers Virginia Philip, Wine Director, and Juan Gomez. Grounded in education, craftsmanship, and uncompromising standards, their shared vision extends well beyond the cellar—enhancing the guest experience while fostering a deeper appreciation for wine at every level.
Wine Overview
The resort's 55,000‑bottle collection spans 10 restaurants, banquet operations, and in‑room dining, encompassing more than 2,200 selections from 18 countries, with bottles ranging from $65 to $38,000. Each wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement the corresponding venue.
Dining Collection: Notable Highlights
- HMF continues to preserve The Breakers’ distinction as a recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award since the honor’s inception in 1981. Today, the restaurant upholds that annual legacy with a 60-plus page wine list designed to surprise, delight, and pair seamlessly with its globally inspired sharing plates. A striking 3,000‑bottle Wine Wall serves as both a centerpiece and a dramatic counterpoint to the room’s historic architecture.
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Flagler Steakhouse, a modern yet timeless take on the American chophouse, showcases exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, and classic broiler items, complemented by an award‑winning wine list recognized by Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence since 2014.
- Seafood Bar showcases the freshest fish and seafood, alongside the resort’s most extensive wine‑by‑the‑glass selection. The program is complemented by a Connoisseurs Reserve menu featuring rare, aged, and cult wines available exclusively by the bottle, with standouts spanning Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and premium specialty whites.
- Henry’s Palm Beach, one of two off‑site dining concepts, offers an approachable neighborhood restaurant with a thoughtfully curated wine list that presents a variety of competitively priced selections alongside iconic labels. Its by‑the‑glass program includes four immersive wine flights—red, white, rosé, and bubbles—each presented on a custom mat designed to educate, engage, and invite repeat discovery.
Proprietary Custom Blends: From Languedoc, France to Palm Beach
Virginia Philip is the visionary behind The Breakers’ exclusive custom wine blends, which launched in 2004. This initiative was born from her desire to elevate the caliber of house wines through hands-on artistry and an extraordinary investment of time and expertise.
Each year, Philip travels to southern France to create proprietary blends exclusively for the resort. Since 2014, she has partnered with the family‑owned Mas La Chevalière in the Languedoc region, working alongside the winemaker to meticulously refine Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Approximately 36,000 bottles are produced annually and are poured throughout the resort, with limited retail availability at The Breakers’ News & Gourmet boutique.
“Every luxury brand seeks something truly its own,” shared Philip. “Our custom blends are an extension of who we are—expertly composed, distinctive, and impossible to replicate. We’ve transformed what is typically a basic offering into something meaningful, elevating expectations for what a house wine can be.”
Master Sommeliers: Defining Achievements
- Virginia Philip became the 11th woman in the world to earn Master Sommelier certification in 2002—just two years after joining The Breakers Palm Beach. Three weeks later, she was awarded Best Sommelier in America by the American Sommelier Association, a distinction she held through 2006. A James Beard Foundation nominee for Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional, Philip also holds an honorary doctorate in Oenology from Johnson & Wales University.
- Juan Gomez, Philip’s protégé, began his career at The Breakers in 2001 as a restaurant server, enrolling in his first wine class shortly after. Only a few years into his education, he passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Exam (2003) and earned the Master Sommelier certification (2007). Today, he remains the only native Mexican in the history of the Court to achieve the title.
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About The Breakers Palm Beach
One of America’s most iconic resorts, The Breakers is an Italian Renaissance-style hotel, set within 140 acres of oceanfront property on the island of Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 1896 by magnate Henry M. Flagler, this legendary destination continues to thrive independent of chain affiliation under its original family ownership. Their unrivaled investment, averaging $30 million each year in capital improvements and ongoing revitalization, balances preservation and modernization to sustain multi-generational appeal.
Inspired by the Villa Medici in Rome, the magnificent, eight-story architectural centerpiece features 534 guest rooms and suites, including the ultra-luxury Flagler Club - a boutique, private-access hotel nestled atop of the resort. A bounty of world-class amenities complement The Breakers’ gracious service and unparalleled seaside glamour. Ten distinctive restaurants, ranging from casual beachfront to stylishly sophisticated, showcase talented, award-winning chefs and Master Sommeliers. An exclusive beach club evokes the Mediterranean, with four pools, six whirlpool spas, 25 poolside bungalows and a variety of watersports. Additional offerings include: two 18-hole golf courses, 16 racquet courts, a tranquil, indoor-outdoor spa, a 6,000 sq. ft. fitness center, 13 signature boutiques, a Family Entertainment Center with extensive activities for children, and Via Flagler by The Breakers - an off-site, al fresco plaza of boutiques, eateries and galleries.
The Breakers has earned numerous accolades for its social impact, reflecting the organization’s unwavering commitment to team member well-being, the community and environment. For reservations or more information, call 888-BREAKERS (273-2537) or visit thebreakers.com.
PHOTO LINK: WINE