The city of Lévis, QC, and the broader wine community are in shock following the news that Philippe (Phil) Lapeyrie, one of Quebec’s most celebrated sommeliers, has been involved in a tragic accident.
A Respected Voice in Wine
Lapeyrie is widely admired for his passion, knowledge, and down-to-earth approach to wine, qualities that have earned him a loyal following across Quebec and beyond. Over the years, he has become a familiar face in restaurants, classrooms, and media outlets, inspiring both casual wine drinkers and seasoned professionals alike.
News of his accident has rippled through the province, sparking an outpouring of concern from colleagues, students, and fans who credit him with making wine more accessible and enjoyable. Details surrounding the incident remain limited, but the emotional response highlights the profound impact Lapeyrie has had on his community.
A Distinguished Career
Lapeyrie’s career spans decades and includes work in some of Quebec’s most prestigious dining establishments, including Le Toqué, L’Auberge Hatley, La Chronique, Le Laurie Raphaël, and L’Auberge Georgeville. His expertise and presence elevated each venue, while also shaping his reputation as one of Canada’s most respected sommeliers.
From 2006 to 2017, he served as Head Sommelier for Les Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada, North America’s largest wine competition. The position further established his standing as a leading figure in the wine world.
Armed with a DEP in Restaurant Service, an ASP in Sommellerie, and a Certificate in Professional Teaching from the University of Sherbrooke, Lapeyrie not only excelled in practice but also in passing on his knowledge. Since 2002, he has trained aspiring sommeliers at the École Hôtelière de la Capitale, where his mentorship has influenced a new generation of wine professionals.
A Media Personality and Household Name
For many Quebecers, Lapeyrie is best known through his lively and approachable wine segments on television and radio. Since 2007, he has been a fixture on Salut, Bonjour! Week-end, Quebec’s most-watched morning show, where his wine recommendations became a staple for viewers.
He has also appeared on Apéro à Québec, Caféine, and contributed to Tout le Monde en Parle, one of Radio-Canada’s flagship programs. On radio, his voice has been heard for decades as part of the Énergie and Rouge FM morning teams, where he helped thousands of listeners discover affordable, quality wines. To date, he has contributed an estimated 18,000 wine columns across broadcast and print media.
Making Wine Accessible
Beyond his professional accolades, Lapeyrie has always emphasized one mission: to help people enjoy wine without intimidation or pretense. Tasting between 1,500 and 2,000 wines each year, he consistently seeks out hidden gems for everyday consumers, earning trust as a guide who values authenticity as much as expertise.
He is also the author of Le Lapeyrie, a wine guide that ran for ten years and became Canada’s best-selling wine book, with nearly 200,000 copies sold. The guide cemented his reputation as both an educator and a cultural voice in Quebec’s wine scene.
Community Support
As news of his accident continues to spread, tributes and messages of support are pouring in. Friends, colleagues, and fans alike are rallying around Lapeyrie and his family, hoping for strength and healing during this difficult time.
Lapeyrie’s influence extends well beyond wine — he is admired for his warmth, generosity, and ability to bring people together. For many, he represents not only expertise in his craft but also a human touch that has made wine culture more welcoming.