The community of Lévis, QC, and the wider wine world are reeling after news broke that Philippe (Phil) Lapeyrie, one of Quebec’s most recognizable sommeliers, was involved in a tragic accident.
Widely respected for his expertise, energy, and approachable style, Lapeyrie has long been a beloved figure in both professional wine circles and popular media across the province.
Lapeyrie’s accident has shaken not only those close to him but also thousands of Quebecers who have followed his career, read his wine columns, or tuned in to his lively recommendations on television and radio.
While details surrounding the circumstances of the incident remain limited, friends, colleagues, and fans have expressed an outpouring of concern and support, highlighting just how deeply he has touched lives through his passion for wine and teaching.
A Celebrated Career in Wine
Lapeyrie’s professional journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He honed his craft in some of Quebec’s finest dining establishments, including Le Toqué, L’Auberge Hatley, La Chronique, Le Laurie Raphaël, and L’Auberge Georgeville.
Between 2006 and 2017, he served as Head Sommelier for Les Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada, the largest wine competition in North America, a role that cemented his reputation as one of the country’s top wine experts.
Armed with a DEP in Restaurant Service, an ASP in Sommellerie, and a Certificate in Professional Teaching from the University of Sherbrooke, Lapeyrie has combined technical skill with a gift for communication. Since 2002, he has also shared his expertise in the classroom, training future sommeliers through specialized programs at the École Hôtelière de la Capitale.
A Household Name in Quebec
Lapeyrie is perhaps best known to the general public through his media presence. Since 2007, he has appeared weekly on Salut, Bonjour! Week-end, Quebec’s most-watched morning show, where his lively and relatable wine suggestions have won over audiences.
He has also contributed to programs such as Apéro à Québec and Caféine, in addition to playing a role in wine selection on Radio-Canada’s flagship talk show Tout le Monde en Parle.
On radio, his voice has been a familiar presence for decades. As part of the Énergie and Rouge FM morning teams since 2003, Lapeyrie has become a trusted guide for listeners curious about discovering affordable, enjoyable wines. By his own count, he has shared nearly 18,000 wine columns across television, radio, and print.
A Human Touch Beyond the Glass
What sets Lapeyrie apart is not just his technical mastery, but his ability to make wine approachable for everyone. He has consistently emphasized that his mission is to help people “fall in love with wine without fear or pretension.” He tastes between 1,500 and 2,000 wines each year, always with the goal of uncovering hidden gems for Quebec consumers.
He is also the author of Le Lapeyrie, a wine guide published for ten years, which became the best-selling wine book in Canada with nearly 200,000 copies sold.
Community Reaction
As word of the accident spreads, colleagues and fans have taken to social media to share messages of support, recalling not just his expertise, but also his warmth, humor, and generosity. For many, Lapeyrie is more than a sommelier—he is a cultural ambassador for wine in Quebec, someone who has brought joy and knowledge to households across the province.
Above all, he is known as a devoted father to his two young sons, Thomas and Théodore.
For now, the community waits anxiously for further updates while rallying behind Lapeyrie and his family during this difficult time.
