@maisonILAN

@BlindedBite (Blinded By The Bite): #SommChat #SommChat #SommChat – That’s how we roll on #WineWed with @KeeperColl who bring you great somm’s & wine info! #WW

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Welcome 2 #SommChat every1! Tell UR friends 2 join us 2 hear from #Winemaker Ray Walker, @maisonILAN! #WW #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’d like to introduce you to #Winemaker Ray Walker, @maisonILAN #SommChat #WineWednesday #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’re about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to @maisonILAN to say hello & so he knows you’re here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Don’t forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it! #WineWednesday

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): As we ask @maisonILAN our Qs, you can ask him Ur Qs as well! He’ll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat #WW

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): W/so many participants lots of gr8 Q’s R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, S/O 2 @KeeperColl & @maisonILAN let us know u R here! #SommChat #WW

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @maisonILAN: @KeeperColl looking forward to it! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Let’s start talking #wine with #Winemaker @maisonILAN #WineWednesday #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): Good morning all! Happy #WineWednesday – nice to join you on #sommchat !

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): Hello all here at #SommChat… happy #WW to all!

@drooln (Nathan Yap): @KeeperColl @maisonILAN Aloha! I’ll be following along as usual…I may even ask a Q or two…#SommChat

@bergeronpaul (Paul Bergeron): @drooln @maisonILAN #SommChat #WW Same here !

@evolutionwines (Evolution Wines): Hello! RT @demilove: Good morning all! Happy #WineWednesday – nice to join you on #SommChat !

@harleywine1 (Harley Carbery): Good morning @KeeperColl @maisonILAN #SommChat #WW

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN We read that u were not interested in #wine until u met ur wife. How did she spark the interest? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl I basically wanted to take on something that she appreciated #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl I wasn’t interested in fine wine, I just wanted to make my hopefully fiancée happy that I was taking on an interest #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl I hoped that I’d take on wine and shed take on video games. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @maisonILAN: @KeeperColl I decided to propose to her in Venice Italy I figured I’d find a wine to appreciate #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl once I was there in Italy , everything clicked as far as liking the food and wine combo. #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @ENOontheMagMile @KeeperColl I have only seen more people interested in looking at the whe without the score or review #SommChat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @maisonILAN @KeeperColl ah, the things we do for love #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @SirenaDiVino @KeeperColl I was desperate for her and still am! #SommChat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @maisonILAN @KeeperColl congrats on impressing and getting the girl! I’m sure the bottle you picked in venice was perfect #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @SirenaDiVino @KeeperColl thanks! We just drank the cheap house wine in #Venice and #Florence. Still some of the best I’ve tasted #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN Tell us a little bit about your upcoming book, “The Road to Burgundy.” What is it about? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl it is a 280 page book detailing a of the craziness that it took to get interested in wine in 2005 to leaving finance #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl and then leaving finance after finding Burgundy. There is a lot that went on that I tried to just block out while #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @maisonilan Thanks for being here & so glad to meet you here on #SommChat #WW

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): Q. @KeeperColl @maisonilan I admire your determination to make wine in #Burgundy, any trouble with French AOC laws? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @winegalLynne @keepercoll thank you! No worries on laws. And I have all my licenses as well. Hard fought!! #SommChat

@jennanorth (Jenna North): Following a great chat with guest @maisonILAN and host @Keepercoll #SommChat #WW #Burgundy

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @jennanorth @KeeperColl thank you! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN What served as the inspiration for starting the book? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl I always wanted to write a book. I just figured I would lead an interesting life once I was in my 50s and finally #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl sit down and do it. A lot of people have asked questions and I figured this would be a good time to do it #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @maisonILAN: it is something I’ve wanted to do but thought the interest would be low since I didn’t feel like I’ve done much #SommChat

@ENOontheMagMile (Scott Harney): @maisonILAN @KeeperColl Q-Any similarities between finance & making Burgundy? Perhaps regulations? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @ENOontheMagMile @KeeperColl nature is in both but in wine it is beautiful In business it is a nightmare as people r 4 themselves #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): Q. @KeeperColl @maisonilan I read about the white 1er aligoté, any plans for those grapes in the future/now? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @winegalLynne @KeeperColl not planning for white wines. I personally have a passion only for red #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN The book is expected to be released in July 2013. What has been ur fav part about putting this book 2gether? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @keepercoll just thinking about my daughters being able to retrace what I did for all of us, for them, for something more. For life #SommChat

@StevieStacionis (StevieStacionis): Rise & shine, it’s Burgundy time w/ @maisonILAN on @KeeperColl #WW #SommChat! Excited to hear how pilgrimage from CA to Burgundy went down

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @StevieStacionis @KeeperColl the move went well. We put all of our things on a container and crossed our fingers. #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @KeeperColl a lot of people think that this was a cakewalk but it took so much out of me and my family #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @StevieStacionis @KeeperColl life here has been excellent, people are people though. Not many crucial differences #SommChat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @KeeperColl @maisonILAN can you talk a bit about being an American wine newbie in French wine Valhalla? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @SirenaDiVino @KeeperColl I haven’t felt too much of it besides people saying “oh you are in wine. For who”? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @SirenaDiVino @KeeperColl I say, maison ilan and they have a blank look and the. Ask me if I know Jadot or Bouchard #SommChat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @maisonILAN ha, I can relate. I work for a famous restaurant. 1st comment is always “oh, are you a server?” No, I’m a manager #SommChat

@dbrogues (Devon Broglie, MS): Hi @maisonILAN ! Can you briefly speak to your philosophy on vinification? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @dbrogues I basically use common sense. I try to work as simply as possible. I like sulphur-to use. Not the taste. I don’t measure #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @dbrogues I take countless showers, between tanks too but it is not “natural”, it is wine as I see it as what I am excited by. #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @dbrogues I don’t want a ray walker taste, that would taste horrible. I want Le Chambertin, the purest I can have, full stop! #SommChat

@VineyardGate (Alex Bernardo): .@maisonILAN @KeeperColl Hi Ray, any desire to return to CA someday to make Pinots? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @VineyardGate @KeeperColl hello Alex. As politely as I can muster, no! No. And…no way #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @VineyardGate @keepercoll I say this while smiling and thinking of what their land really could be if not following the leader #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): I really don’t mind CA #wines. Nothing against them besides those that claim to be Burgundian #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): So, I will Mention the reviewer thing. #SommChat

@VineyardGate (Alex Bernardo): @maisonILAN @keepercoll #SommChat Loud and clear Ray haha!

@ENOontheMagMile (Scott Harney): @maisonILAN @KeeperColl Favorite Pinots from outside France? Any producer fascinating you with their #wines? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @ENOontheMagMile @KeeperColl Iloved old Mount Eden Pinot noir, back to 1974.Today?German Riesling comes closest, but it is white #SommChat

@StevieStacionis (StevieStacionis): Q @maisonILAN @keepercollection Understandable it would be so difficult… so what made you keep at it? And any advice for others? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @StevieStacionis for me there was no other option. It is forced tunnel vision. I only wanted ONE. Once you want one, it is simple #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @StevieStacionis advice?. Trying to find the right target to aim at is difficult, taking the shot is simple . #SommChat

@StevieStacionis (StevieStacionis): Q @maisonILAN @KeeperColl Also, why were you so set on Burgundy and not somewhere a bit… easier… like say Cali? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @StevieStacionis @KeeperColl it wasn’t the challenge. For me I only was drawn in to Burgundy. The history that was traceable. #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @StevieStacionis @KeeperColl but physically it was the nose of Burgundy. It drew me in and SPOKE. each place had a voice, special #SommChat

@WineFoodTX (Wine & Food Fndn TX): #wine folks – join us now on @KeeperColl #SommChat with winemaker @maisonILAN

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl- Politically Incorrect ? time: Does it make you freeze up when you read of USA Pinot claiming to be “Burgundian” – #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): I don’t believe wine should have this tombstone or eulogy at its birth. And what differentiates one palate to another? We all taste #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): The idea that one person KNOWS a wine inside and out is ridiculous at best. No one knows. #SommChat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @maisonILAN @VineyardGate @KeeperColl ha! U sound fairly confident about that decision care to elaborate? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @SirenaDiVino @vineyardgate @KeeperColl which part? #SommChat I live my wine but restricting a perspective only hurts it #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): Wine is not about power, it is an experience. It is to be shared and enjoyed by all. #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): Tasting notes by pros, and the paint by numbers culture only fucks it all up. #SommChat wine is simple, trust it

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @maisonILAN: @winegalLynne @KeeperColl only on the west coast @woodlandhills. Soon on east coast #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @maisonILAN: @bourdain @noreservation @travelchannel I loved it! Shocked that they wanted to have me in since I live the show #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN You were recently featured on @Bourdain @NoReservation show on the @travelchannel . What was that like? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl I’ve loved the show since it first aired and wanted to meet Tony an the crew #SommChat @chefludo

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @keepercoll @bourdain @noreservation @travelchannel having @chefludo there was unbelievable since I think he is a bad ass chef #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @Keepercoll @bourdain @noreservation @travelchannel it was surreal having them and Cameras in my cave but I loved it! #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl @bourdain @noreservation @travelchannel like a get together of only foodies an geeks like me. Couldn’t be better #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl burgundy is too often asked to perform.it doesn’t need to,it expresses a voice,vision an philosophy into poetry #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN Is it true that you had never drank a #Chambertin before, until you made it yourself? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl out of bottle yes. I did try a Rousseau out of barrel. #SommChat

@ENOontheMagMile (Scott Harney): @maisonILAN @KeeperColl Any comments when people compare older Nebbiolo or even well aged Rioja to Burgundy? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @ENOontheMagMile @KeeperColl think more broadly and then stop drinking! Burgundy is nothing else and wants to be nothing more #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN What is your favorite thing about living in #Burgundy? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @KeeperColl the thing is that it shouldn’t have happened all of this. There is no reason it should have,it just did #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): Q. @keepercoll @maisonILAN Do you have some favorite #Burgundy producers? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @winegalLynne @KeeperColl Charmes-Chambertin, Feusselottes and Chambertin. They are incredible. Ok. Add Corbeaux! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @maisonILAN What #food do you enjoy eating the most when paired with your #wines? #SommChat #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): A. @Keepercoll I like whatever is on the plate in front of me. Favorite? Sushi. Tuna belly and Le Chambertin #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @maisonILAN So very nice to ‘virtually’ meet you and thank you for your time. @KeeperColl Thanks again for #SommChat #WW see u next time…

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @winegalLynne @keepercolly my pleasure!! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk with @maisonILAN! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): It was great to have @maisonILAN join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Please join us in thanking #Burgundy winemaker Ray Walker @maisonILAN for his time #SommChat #WW #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): If anyone missed some of the chat today, remember we’ll post an archive soon to http://bit.ly/ikBrJx for you to review later #SommChat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @keepercoll @maisonILAN thank you so much for a frank and entertaining discussion. #RealOpinions #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @SirenaDiVino @KeeperColl my pleasure! Hope I didn’t disturb the calm #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Mark your calendar for #SommChat Wed 10/17 11 AM CST to hear from #Wine Educator & Author, Tyler Colman @drvino! #WW

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): So no real questions?? Stop the slow pitch, bring the fucking heat? #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @demilove: Politically Incorrect ? time: Does it make you freeze up when you read of USA Pinot claiming to be “Burgundian” – #Sommchat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @maisonILAN okay, who is the worst producer of burgundy in your honest opinion? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): @SirenaDiVino the worst is the producer that only thinks of business, not if the terroir. The worst thinks each wine is the same. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): #SommChat thanks you! see you in #Burgundy on next trip – will keep you posted RT @maisonILAN: @KeeperColl thanks again!

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): Sounds perfect. “@maisonILAN: @KeeperColl I like whatever on plate in front of me. Favorite? Sushi. Tuna belly and Le Chambertin #SommChat”

@CaravelleChamp (Rita Jammet): Merci Ray! RT @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking #Burgundy winemaker Ray Walker @maisonILAN for his time #SommChat #WW #Winelover

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @maisonILAN true. Are you thinking of a specific producer when you say that? wanna share? #SommChat

@maisonILAN (Ray Walker): Why can’t we respect for something that we don’t understand? There is no reason why we need to confirm an experience for others #SommChat

@VineyardGate (Alex Bernardo): .@maisonILAN @KeeperColl Great #SommChat! Bravo to #Burgundy!

@pjusterdub (Paul Juster): Hmmmm, #Napa, take note! RT @maisonILAN Wine is not about power, it is an experience. It is to be shared and enjoyed by all. #SommChat

@SirenaDiVino (Courtney Richards): @maisonILAN thanks for the honesty, frank opinions, and humor. it was quite a treat! #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): Great conversation on #SommChat 2day. An American making #wine in Burgudy… check it out @maisonILAN @KeeperCollhttp://blog.maison-ilan.com/

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Sommelier @junerodil and Chef @pqui work together again- 2 gr8 ppl – Thx @emmajanzen for the news http://bit.ly/SPO3Ma #SommChat

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): Great news!“@keepercoll: Sommelier @junerodil and Chef @pqui work together again- 2 gr8 ppl - http://bit.ly/SPO3Ma #SommChat”

@goodtastereport (Greg Randle): “@keepercoll: @junerodil & Chef @pqui work together again- 2 gr8 ppl – @emmajanzen for the news http://bit.ly/SPO3Ma #SommChat” Go June!

@DomaineSelect (DSWE): @KeeperColl sorry we missed #SommChat today. Busy preparing for #DSWEtour kicking off this weekend! http://dswetournyc.eventbrite.com/

@MaxKogod (Max Kogod): Just catching up on #SommChat Good stuff, man! #takeoffthegloves #cantstopwontstop

@raelinn_wine (Raelinn_wine): @KeeperColl #WW #SommChat

@raelinn_wine (Raelinn_wine): @KeeperColl it’s been a crazy day! I hate missing #SommChat !! Will try again next week! Happy #ww!

@CharlesComm (Charles Comm PR): @KeeperColl sorry we missed today’s #SommChat! Looking forward to connecting about a featured guest we had in mind

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @balancedpinot: 5 new wineries 4 In Pursuit of Balance 2013! Bluxome, Drew, Knez, LaRue and Varner! #IPOB http://bit.ly/w06Axx#SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Cook w/& drink #Wine MT @GermanWineUSA: Roasted Pork w/ #Riesling and figs. Fall deliciousness! http://ow.ly/eoIR8 #SommChat

@GermanWineUSA (Wines of Germany US): Absolutely! RT @KeeperColl: Cook w/& drink #Wine Roasted Pork w/ #Riesling and figs. Fall deliciousness! http://ow.ly/eoIR8#SommChat