Philippe Faure-Brac is a renowned French sommelier. He has received numerous accolades, including the title of "Best Sommelier in the World" in 1992. An award-winning author, Faure-Brac is an authoritative figure in the world of wine. His passion and dedication to the culinary arts are a source of inspiration for sommeliers worldwide.
Philippe Faure-Brac was born in 1960 in Marseille, France. Since his childhood spent in Briançon, where his grandparents owned the hotel and restaurant "les 3 Chamois," Philippe has shown an innate passion for the culinary arts. His studies at various hotel schools further developed his love for wine and led Philippe to pursue a career in sommelier work. He achieved significant qualifications in school, including his CAP and BEP in Cuisine at Paul-Arène Polyvalent School in Sisteron, the BTH in Catering at Lesdiguières Technical Hotel School in Grenoble, and finally a BTS in Restaurant Management and a CAP as a Sommelier at Bello Technical Hotel School.
After various experiences in Parisian establishments, Philippe opened his own restaurant, "Bistrot du Sommelier," located at 97 boulevard Haussmann in the 8th arrondissement of Paris in 1984. Five years later, Philippe celebrated his marriage to Nadine Padovani, with whom he had two children, Célia and Mathias. Despite their divorce, the two remained business partners in managing the "Bistrot du Sommelier."
In 1988, Philippe was awarded the prestigious title of "Best Sommelier of France," and from that point on, his career took a significant turn. Faure-Brac continued to receive honors and recognition for excellence in the field of sommellerie. In 1992, he obtained the title of "Best Sommelier in the World" in Rio de Janeiro, and the following year, he was recognized as the "Personality of the Year" by the Champérard Guide. In 2000, he founded the "Sommellerie" section of the "One of the Best Craftsmen in France" competition, which he has chaired from the beginning. In 2004, he received the "Best Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine.
Since 1998, Philippe has been a member of the INAO National Committee, and since 2004, he has been a board member of the International Sommellerie Association. Faure-Brac has also written numerous books, which have earned him prestigious awards such as the "Gourmand World Cookbook Award" in 2004, 2006, and 2007. In 2013, he received the "Vintage Award" from the "Gonzague Saint Bris Book Forest." Among his most notable works are " La Cave idéale” (The Ideal Cellar), " Saveurs complices: des vins et des mets" (Accomplice Flavors: Wines and Dishes), " Comment faire sa cave" (How to Create Your Cellar), and "Accords Vins et Mets selon Philippe Faure-Brac" (Food and Wine Pairing According to Philippe Faure-Brac).
In 1995, he was appointed a Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit, followed by the appointment as a Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2003. In 2018, he was promoted to Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit. In 2015, the MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) awarded him Honorary Causa, and the following year, he was elected President of the Union de la Sommellerie Française.
Philippe Faure-Brac's extraordinary career and numerous achievements have positioned him as one of the most authoritative international wine experts. His passion, experience, and dedication to the culinary world continue to inspire and influence sommeliers worldwide.
Cover Photo: @Damien Grenon
