Virginia Philip graduated Magna Cum Laude from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island in 1989 with a B.S. in Hotel/Restaurant Management. Her keen interest in wine began in her late teens and led her to take a wine course in college and work a summer in a vineyard in up-state New York. Virginia has traveled extensively throughout the world to visit some of the most famous vineyards and wineries in the world. In November of 2002, Virginia became the ninth woman in the world to pass the Court of Master Sommeliers Diploma exam in London. Three weeks later, she competed, and won against 30 men and one other woman for the title of Best Sommelier of the United States 2002-2004 in New York City.

Virginia has worked at some of the most prestigious properties and restaurants in the United States including the Little Nell in Aspen and currently, The Breakers. The Breakers is a historic, 144 acre, luxury property located on the ocean in Palm Beach, Florida. As Chef Sommelier for the property since November of 2000, Virginia writes and oversees a total of 13 wine lists for the property including the Grand Award winning list for L'Escalier with over 1400 selections. The Breakers has held the Grand Award since its inception in 1981.