The story of Philippe Simon, one of the most knowledgeable wine connoisseurs in South Louisiana, is an archetypal tale of achieving the “American Dream”. Simon grew up in France and worked for two restaurants. During this time he honed his skill in food and wine pairing, which soon became his specialty. Instead of picking out a wine and then deciding what to eat, Simon always advised his customers to consider the meal first; he would then help them choose a wine that would best complement the dish.
Simon became a successful restaurateur in France, yet he had always dreamed of moving to America and starting a business there. So with that, he emigrated from his home land, one of the most prominent wine regions in the world, and made his way to the United States of America. He traveled across the country and back again before he found himself in the small town of Scott, Louisiana. He knew he was in the right place when the good Acadians welcomed him with open arms. He was promptly introduced to local wine aficionados and immediately began to make plans to open his own wine shop.
Thus, Philippe’s Wine Cellar was opened on December 1, 1999 in the Oil Center. Simon and his wife, Sylvie, worked as a team in order to build up a good reputation. He assisted customers in their selections while she manned the cash register. The news about Simon’s expertise in food and wine pairing quickly spread, and more and more customers sought out his advice. In 2006, Simon moved his business from the Oil Center to a larger building on Ambassador Caffery Parkway in order to accommodate his growing business.
Lafayette has treated Simon and his family well. He and his wife continue to run the shop with the assistance of their son, Sebastian. Simon values his one-on-one relationships with his customers. He is always willing to accept the challenge of individualizing a customer’s selection, taking into consideration the purpose the wine will serve.
Philippe’s Wine Cellar offers only the finest wines and spirits in Lafayette. Free wine tastings are offered weekly as an educational experience for those who have a newly found love for wine as well as devout wine enthusiasts. Philippe Simon is a master of the art of wine and is dedicated to passing on his knowledge to loyal customers.
Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
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