@PatrickLHoughto

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn about #wine from Adv #Sommelier @PatrickLHoughto fr @MercantileDEN!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We're about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to @PatrickLHoughto to say hello & so he knows you're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Don't forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: you can ask your Qs as well! He'll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Even if u dont ask 1--give a S/O 2 @KeeperColl & @PatrickLHoughto 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #wine with #Wine Director Patrick Houghton @PatrickLHoughto from @MercantileDEN! #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Hello, thanks for having this afternoon, glad I can be here.!!

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Good morning @PatrickLHoughto How did you get your start in the wine biz and who are your mentors? Thanks #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat My family owned a restaurant. Started in the biz when I was 12 and it began from there...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Mentors, would be anyone that's striving to be better in the industry.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Thanks 4 #SommChat questions @SandyWasserman hope your #WW is going well

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @PatrickLHoughto what are some of your duties as #Wine Director for @MercantileDEN? #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Duties would include anything and everything. Writing the list is what I love to do. But wine focus comes second sometimes ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Behind service. I’m a service freak. Inventory, etc. All of the above, I feel. Sommeliers have many duties besides wine...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Wine almost becomes second after certain needs for the restaurant. But it’s a focus point for sure. Creating list for multiple ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: is my favorite challenge #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @PatrickLHoughto How has the @MercantileDEN #wine selection evolved over the years? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat I feel progression is important and palates change. I want people to evolve in what we drink and expand their tastebuds..

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: So forward thinking right?? Turn people on to what they are afraid off. May it be riesling because they think its sweet... #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat pour it blind to them and let them try it. My first list was about 125btls 3 yrs ago. Now the list is about 650 selections

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: And things that are stashed everywhere that aren't on the list. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CharlesComm interesting Q - u sent it in and almost at same time #Somm sent a similar Q:). Thx for joining in on #SommChat today

Andy Phillips @AndyOnFarmWine: @KeeperColl hello

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Wow thanks Andy, great to hear you again on #SommChat Happy #WW

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm How has UR #wine List @MercantileDEN changed since it began? If so, Was it b/c #food Changed or why @PatrickLHoughto?

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Wines are here and there. The climate is effecting growth , so you have to be aware of current situations and find ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: producers with substance. And hope they continue to make wine. Also there is a great push of younger generation holding try #SommChat ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: to the old guard. It’s our job to search producers out and get them in people’s hands. Hopefully as wine pros we are doing it right #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q @PatrickLHoughto What wines & regions are you currently "geeking" on? #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Everything!!! HA!! Cru Beaujolais is my jam. I love the wines, I love the $$ points, And its not that bad for getting ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat kicked out of burgundy. Riesling is my other drug of choice followed by Bartolo Mascarello. The addiction is bad.

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat so in short all the wines.. Barolo, Saar in particular and Regnie.

Ormiga @ormiga: #90stweet tried $2-5 #beaujolais usa days poor grad student=wasnt good=turned me OFF forever #SommChat 10-12yrs ago #paris <$5 #bordeaux=AHA

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @PatrickLHoughto how did you end up in your current position at @MercantileDEN and where were U before? #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat I was a place called 12 with jeff osaka. He closed to relocate. Introduce me to @MercantileDEN . I talked with @BigASeidel ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: We hit it off, and I helped open the restaurant after passing my Advanced Sommelier and having a daughter about a 2 months before #SommChat

Stephanie Miskew CSW @StephanieMiskew: WOW! That's dedication:) #SommChat #WineWednesday @KeeperColl

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome back to #SommChat Yes @PatrickLHoughto is amazing met him in #Denver @MercantileDEN when @AdamPlotkin said he was a #Somm to meet

Ormiga @ormiga: hi #SommChat are you a negociant or .. aka how ME get FREE chug ;=/ which country? any preferences earlier+lately..

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Patrick is #Wine Director @MercantileDEN in US what is your question? #SommChat

Ormiga @ormgia: how your #wine tastes+preferences evolved over the years &how see #climatechange affect that past10-15 yrs #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat My palate is ACID all the time. So not much has changed. I look of "direction" from wine. Which equates to balance..

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: fruit, acid, tannin all that jazz. Climate CHANGE IS REAL< we might be screwed.. that is the answer #SommChat

Ormiga @ormiga: haha no doubt #climatechange is real=selling #greenland virgin #wine land under ice BUY NOW CHEAP send $$ meant see diff in #wine #SommChat

Ormiga @ormiga: hmm..so more towards whites? #SommChat ps see any fallout +/- of #monsanto #glyphosate

Ormiga @ormiga: do you, and how, find smaller #wine houses && how are they received by your retail buyers #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: Small case production and family estate wines. History of small domaines. I’m producer driven always.. Research. Blogs friends #SommChat

Ormiga @ormiga: nice #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat When people here the story after we've talked about the flavor profile its usually well received. I hope if no they are lying to me

Ormiga @ormiga: run some experiments with prices = see if lying or not ;=/ #hireme #whatdoiknow #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @PatrickLHoughto How do you stay up to date on current #wine trends? SommChat @KeeperColl #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: @CharlesComm #SommChat I’m sure I really do. I just love what I love and hopefully people trust us in what we do and what we taste...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: @CharlesComm #SommChat I for sure get excited about things . And do research to find out what’s going on hopefully before others

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q @PatrickLHoughto When are you planning to take the MS test? #goodluck #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat This feels like the rapid fire of the MS... I’m going to sit 2018 I hope if I'm excepted. two wine list and 2 children ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: And the MS will be fun. If you don't like pressure you’re in the wrong biz. But studying all the time. But focused studying has begun

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep @PatrickLHoughto after starting at early age in resto, did U know #wine was UR calling or did U think #chef side?

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat when i bartended for the first time at the age of 16 I realized I never wanted to work in the kitchen again...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Mad respect for Chefs but my grind is in FOH. I love the guest experience. I found wine in college but not the goods...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat After working all aspects of the restaurant the 96 Giacosa falletto showed me the way

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@PatrickLHoughto what are some of your favorite #food and #wine pairings from @MercantileDEN? #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat New menu was just released so Bone Marrow Brûlée with Diel Goldlock Cabinet @synergyfw @MercantileDEN . Spaghetti Ibeirico..

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: bread crumbs/butter poached king crab w/ @walterscottwine Le combe vert chard, many things... but those for sure. #SommChat

Rashmi Primlani @PrimlaniKitchen: Love love Ken’s Chardonnays @walterscottwine #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Hello @PrimlaniKitchen - great to see you chime in on #SommChat today with @PatrickLHoughto

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @PatrickLHoughto What is your best advice for those going through the Advanced Sommelier Program? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: Kill that test and commit.. #SommChat Dedication. It was 9 months of hard core study groups tasting. And go at your own pace..

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: The test is not going anywhere but life around you is. So enjoy it. When it happens you feel it #SommChat

Stephanie Miskew CSW @StephanieMiskew: @PatrickLHoughto How do you encourage @MercantileDEN diners to try new wines that you're really into but they don't know about? #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: We love malbec. Perfect have you had Barbaresco.... HA!! I feel that trust is gained after a couple of visit. #SommChat ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: For some reason I find the right wines for people not sure if its luck or I actually know what’s going on.. #SommChat ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: I ask questions. Price you feel comfortable in?, What did you drink last night?, Pinot of Cab.. it’s on or the other right?? #SommChat

Stephanie Miskew CSW @StephanieMiskew: Sounds like great #intuition & people skills - LOVE your approach! #SommChat #WineWednesday

Ormiga @ormiga: mid90s-early00s i tasted some non-#napa 1s in usa days quite interesting=wont hint for my Q.=what are your fav american regions #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Santa Barbara, Willamette, Finger Lakes,

Ormiga @ormiga: ya #fingerlakes #williamette too south rockies #newmexico; #pennsylvania just getting interesting 14-20yrs ago hope you tried? #SommChat

Ormiga @ormiga: &my last Q. &maybe you reply last &in the positive = #sneakMEin to le chug? #SommChat thanks been #fun battery going soon

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how did U decide on #wine list organization @MercantileDEN? has it changed since U opened? If so how @PatrickLHoughto

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat I did it first by weight. Moving lightest to Heaviest and as we grew @MercantileDEN It went more to varietal and region. ...

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@AdamPlotkin can’t wait to see your questions to @PatrickLHoughto welcome him to @Twitter and #SommChat since you are a pro

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep: @PatrickLHoughto do you have any advice for someone trying to start in the #wine industry?

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Be open. Leave a job if someone docent let you voice your opinion in wine. Make it fun, its just grapes. But Make sure you ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: You have some basic knowledge. I left restaurant to do retail just so I could learn that side of it.. #SommChat But I’m so addicted to the .

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: Floor I couldn’t stay away. I like to foster people and bring them up sometimes putting their education before mine.. #SommChat But that’s

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: What the good mentors do. #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @PatrickLHoughto How many wines do you taste on an average day? @MercantileDEN #SommChat @KeeperColl

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat anywhere from 3-60 + t I think you have to pick and choose your battles. And hopefully people are reading your list. and ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: And bringing the right wines. I just like to taste to keep my palate tight. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how do you select 4 UR BTG program How many and how broad @PatrickLHoughto

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: Seasonal for sure. Always a gruner, chenin or riesling at any given time. Worldly, Try to find a red burgundy for PN btg #SommChat...

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what is the #Denver mkt like? Where do U see it changing? Is there potential 4 #Somms to be hired @PatrickLHoughto

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Colorado is legit. Its up and coming. Great people are always welcome in the city.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @PatrickLHoughto have you visited different parts of the world to learn about #wine? If so, where? Any dream places on list? #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat I've Been to Burgundy, Piedmont, Rioja and Cali, Germany would be awesome the rhone, loire and Barolo for ever.... so many

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how do you balance time for day work, floor time, and family @PatrickLHoughto ?

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Some say I’m just a mad man. and don't know how I do it. I separate work from family life. But we do drink wine together. so ...

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: not... I just grind , that’s really it. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Do u do staff #wine training and if so what is ur approach/best practices @PatrickLHoughto

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat We do lots of blinding, Then we focus on varietals, Just start with the basics. General knowledge to start. Flavor profile

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @PatrickLHoughto What is the biggest difference you’ve found between the hospitality industry in CO vs back east? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat I’m an east coast kid. I bring the fast paced out here. But CO is very relaxed and more kind. Easy Going, Its less stress. for some

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep: suggestions for a #wine newbie and how to approach a #Somm when shy @PatrickLHoughto

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: Just ask. If you don't ask you’ll never know #SommChat We are here to make your lives easier.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how do u decide on new #wines 4 list - do you ask Rep if at other rests R U don’t care @PatrickLHoughto

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat We are the researcher , We should know more the most reps , id hope. If its a btg , I lock it all up and don't share. You will ..

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat Other spots will have the same wines. Being price conscious is what’s important.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk w/ Adv #Sommelier Patrick Houghton @PatrickLHoughto! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: It was great to have Patrick Houghton @PatrickLHoughto join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking Patrick @PatrickLHoughto from @MercantileDEN for his time #SommChat

Patrick L. Houghton @PatrickLHoughto: #SommChat This was awesome and my finger are on fire... Thanks so much and hope to talk to everyone soon. Check out @MercantileDEN

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Thanks so much for all your insights!

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: Patrick is awesome so mm but his taste in football teams leaves much to be desired! :-) #SommChat