@vintagevuong

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn from Ame Restaurant Wine Director @vintagevuong!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): We’d like to introduce you to John Vuong @vintagevuong, #Sommelier & Wine Director at Ame Restaurant in #SanFrancisco #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): We’re about ready to dive in w/ questions, so shout out to @vintagevuong to say hello & so John 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!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): As we ask @vintagevuong our Qs, you can ask John your Qs as well! He’ll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

@wolfeswines (Jeffrey Wolfe): @keepercoll Sorry Inventory today gonna have to see you next week! Have a great one #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): @keepercoll hi everyone happy to be here lets talk wine #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Let’s start talking #wine with @vintagevuong! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q @vintagevuong 1st of all, congrats on ur promotion to #wine director at Ame Restaurant! What does this new position mean for u? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl Thanks. This is an exciting opp for me to try new #wines & come up w/ new pairings. #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl Our menu changes often & so many producers making great #wines. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong How did you get started in the #wine industry? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl Keens Steakhouse in NYC. Wine director John McClement – I told him I wanted his job 1 day. #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl He encouraged me to enroll in the #Sommelier Society of America course & sent me 2 trade tastings. #SommChat

@tonyv619 (Tony V): @vintagevuong where are you located at? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@tonyv619 I’m at Ame Restaurant in St. Regis SF @keepercoll #SommChat

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @vintagevuong w/the advent of classic rules going by the wayside ie white must be w/xyz what are your top 3 new exciting pairings? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@EllaDogSays sake w/ mushrooms, riesling w/ mains, champagne w/ sashimi @keepercoll #SommChat

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @vintagevuong champagne w/sashimi! Sounds lovely – I can see I’ve been in the sake rut! …couple your fav champ/sashimi pairings? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@EllaDogSays Pierre Peters w/ hamachi; Rene Geoffroy Saignee rose w/ tataki of tuna #SommChat

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @vintagevuong beautiful! Added now to the must try for the holidays. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong Always a crowd-pleasing Q… what are your top #wine recommendations for under $30? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Gros Jean Gamay from Valle d’Aosta, Pattes Loup Chablis, Copain P2, Fatto a Mano Cortese #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): recs < $30 RT @vintagevuong: A. @keepercoll Gros Jean Gamay fr Valle d’Aosta, Pattes Loup Chablis, Copain P2, Fatto a Mano Cortese #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): RT @vintagevuong: @keepercoll Pattes Loup Chablis, #WineWednesday-> just found this rec #wine @pwmwine bit.ly/rBsdwC #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong How did you become a regular panelist for @WineandSpirits magazine & what does that entail? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Master #Sommelier Michael Engelmann @sommelier57 introduced me 2 @WineandSpirits while we worked @ Gary Danko #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Once or twice a mth I taste w/ associate editor & a local somm. We taste abt 40 wines blind & decide which to pass #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong Do you have a favorite wine or a favorite tasting that you’ve been a part of as a @WineandSpirits panelist? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Amelie Roberts Pinot Noir from Oregon #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @keepercoll – Hope everyone at #SommChat enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): @demilove had a great Thanksgiving – hope you did! happy to see u chatting on #WW #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong You also worked @ the famous Gary Danko. What are the main differences btwn that #wine list & Ame? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl Size & scope are the main differences. GD has a grand award list w/ 1500+ classics. At Ame we have abt 600. #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl I enjoy pouring new producers while featuring some of the classics. We also have a large selection of #Sake. #SommChat

@SanFranPicks (San Francisco Picks): Mentions for AME Restaurant: sch.mp/06zpd – RT @vintagevuong .@tonyv619 I’m at Ame Restaurant in St. Regis SF @keepercoll #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong What is your favorite overall #food & #wine pairing? From Ame Restaurant’s current menu? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Favorite Pairing: Sake marinated Alaskan Black Cod w/ Schnaitmann Pinot Noir R. German Pinot rocks #WineWednesday #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong Do you intend to continue your studies towards MS? If so, what do you think the MS title would do for you? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Yes, I’m currently studying for the Advanced exam… #sommelier #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll …The MS title is a personal goal & achieving it will allow me to educate others. #sommelier #WineWednesday #SommChat

@BonVivantImport (Bon Vivant Imports): @vintagevuong What is San Fran diggin on right now? trends come and go.. but what wines are hot right now there? regions? grapes? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@BonVivantImport Gruner is making a comeback. Sonoma Coast PNs are def hot as are white italian varietals. @keepercoll #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @keepercoll @vintagevuong Just reading over the start of #SommChat. I don’t want to double dip and ask the same questions over again.

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @vintagevuong @keepercoll Thanks for doing #SommChat. As a NYC native. I loved going to Keens. Fantastic #wine list. #WW

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @vintagevuong What is the one part of the certified somm exam that you suggest spending the bulk of your time? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@MDSmitty2488 theory is always crucial. if u don’t work service normally, you def should dedicate a lot of hours to it #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @keepercoll and @vinatagevuong – Did you drink any rare or special wine over Thanksgiving? #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): @demilove Fav thanksgiving wine in our group-2003 Rotllan Torra Tirant – never had before pic.twitter.com/TJlfOU6A #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@demilove had Henri Goutorbe Rose-more viscous than i remember @keepercoll #SommChat

@tricerapops (Jesse): @vintagevuong – offbeat Q: do you find that there is an increased interest in becoming a somm w/ Asian Americans? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@tricerapops didn’t realize it was a fad! only a handful in SF. not a bad job though, eh? @keepercoll #SommChat

@tricerapops (Jesse): @vintagevuong i think it’s gr8 2 see minorities & women make headway into fields that are seemingly homogeneous – i applaud that #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@enjoielife this time of the year calls for Namazake-fresh unpasteurized sake. loving it with our alaskan black cod #SommChat

@amberdemure (amberdemure): @vintagevuong What goes best with vegan fare? (lots of greens) #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@amberdemure white: gruner or riesling red: whole cluster pinot noir or nebbiolo @keepercoll #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @vintagevuong @keepercoll How do you keep your #wine list fresh and different from the guys down the street? #SommChat #WW

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@WineTheory make time to taste taste taste, in and out of the restaurant and panel tastings #SommChat

@grape_nutz (Riley Gerber): @keepercoll Happy Holidays! Just catching up. Love the favorite pairings so far! #ww #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): @MattMcGinnis Happy #WW – any special #wine plans for you today besides #SommChat? #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @keepercoll Happy #WW! My wine plans for the evening include drinking/reviewing a Calif. red wine. #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): .@vintagevuong what are two wines that have to be on any holiday party table? #SommChat #WW @keepercoll

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@MattMcGinnis champagne in general-grower if possible and a magnum of beaujolais #ww @keepercoll #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): .@vintagevuong Completely agree with champagne – its a must. And, size matters! Magnums rule for the holidays. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): love mags RT @MattMcGinnis: .@vintagevuong Completely agree w/champagne – its a must. &, size matters! Magnums rule 4 the holidays #SommChat

@alexsommelier (Alex): @MattMcGinnis It sure does, IMHO Magnum always rules even more on holidays! #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): You are obviously highly intelligent RT @alexsommelier: @MattMcGinnis It sure does IMHO Magnum always rules even more on holidays! #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@grape_nutz the mags are def fun #SommChat

@scottota (Scott Ota): @vintagevuong, your list at Ame is a joy to read. How do you go about building your dream list? Tastes, value, food first? #SommChat #WW

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@scottota thanks, def food first, then assemble the building blocks-go to wines; riesling, pinot, throw a bone to small houses #SommChat

@canterburywine (Christy CanterburyMW): .@vintagevuong Any new gems you’ve found in #GrunerVeltliner? @Keepercoll #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@canterburywine Zocker GV from California is great @keepercoll #WW #SommChat

@canterburywine (Christy CanterburyMW): Cwl! Must find in a hurry. THX! RT @vintagevuong: .@canterburywine Zocker GV from California is great @keepercoll #WW #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @keepercoll – If you’re tasting for “study” purposes as opposed to for pleasure, what’s the max amount you can taste at one time? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@demilove usu. 6–3 wht, 3 red. taste classic wines first #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @vintagevuong @keepercoll What under the radar regions are getting some play on your list right now? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@WineTheory Carmigiano, Santorini, Vinsobres @keepercoll #WW #SommChat

@alexsommelier (Alex): @vintagevuong Santorini has a special place in my heart maybe because I tasted the wine right there #WW #SommChat

@alexsommelier (Alex): @vintagevuong sunset in Santorini and local wine you can’t beat that #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@alexsommelier had a chance to taste some old blancs and they were stunning. hope you brought some back w/ you @keepercoll #SommChat

@alexsommelier (Alex): @vintagevuong I had but not enough #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@alexsommelier start stocking up! #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @vintagevuong How do you control your wine cost? What numbers are you looking for at the end of the day? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): .@MDSmitty2488 we shoot for low 30s for COGS. our btg program helps but being dilligent abt not over pouring is essential. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong You’ve worked in both #SF & #NYC, what are the major differences? Do you prefer one city to the other? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Both cities are busy & #food/#wine focused. Am seeing more local wines now in SF. I enjoy the pace of NYC & SF. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong In your opinion, what are the benefits of becoming a certified #sommelier? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl Being certified motivates you to study & taste more in preparation for the next exam – the Advanced. #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl I study to keep up w/ the talented #sommeliers in the Bay Area. #WineWednesday #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong What makes a great #wine list? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl People need their #wines! Offer wines at multiple price points… #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @KeeperColl …Keep classic producers & styles. And keep the #wine list updated. #WineWednesday #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong What is the best job you’ve had in the #wine industry thus far? Most interesting? Hardest? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll Working at @Vinfolio was great experience. Looking at #wine label is extremely important… #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @keepercoll …You commit the vintage, #vineyard, and story to memory. #WineWednesday #SommChat

@alexsommelier (Alex): @keepercoll A. QPR, great gems and a Sommelier who can walk you through that list as a walk in a park #wine #WineWednesday #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @vintagevuong what is your fav white, red, and champagne in $50 retail range? #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): A. @Keepercoll Chartogne Taillet Rose, Groffier Bourgogne Rouge, Ramonet Bourgogne Blanc #WW #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): @keepercoll @vintagevuong Having fun browsing the Ame online wine list: tinyurl.com/7upz2yt #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): reading that won’t put u to sleep RT @Sassodoro: @vintagevuong Having fun browsing the Ame online wine list: tinyurl.com/7upz2yt #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine chat with @vintagevuong! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @vintagevuong Thanks for answering all our Qs and @keepercoll, thanks for being a great host again! See you next week! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): @MDSmitty2488 glad to host and look forward to chatting again – same time same place #WW #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): It was great to have John join us today for #SommChat today. We hope everyone learned something valuable! #WineWednesday

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Please join me in thanking @vintagevuong for his time #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): If any1 missed some of the chat today, remember we’ll post an archive soon to bit.ly/ikBrJx for you to review later #SommChat

@vintagevuong (John Vuong): @keepercoll thanks everyone. i had a blast. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Join us next Wed 12/7 11 AM CST for #SommChat with #wine writer @levi_opens_wine, Levi Dalton!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Keep in the loop for upcoming guests & archives & sign up for our email list at bit.ly/vm1gQ4 #SommChat

@alexsommelier (Alex): @MattMcGinnis thanks #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): Thanks to you both! RT @keepercoll: Please join me in thanking @vintagevuong for his time #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): If u want to be 100% sure ur #SommChat Q for @levi_opens_wine gets answered, post it to FB! on.fb.me/hjQDBL Happy #WW!

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @keepercoll @vintagevuong Thank you for a wonderful chat! Love that “dogs” are allowed to hang out in #SommChat too! #HighFivePaw!

@alexsommelier (Alex): @EllaDogSays only wine dogs xD #SommChat #HighFivePaw

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @keepercoll @alexsommelier to quote @MollyTheWineDog … “whine whine wine wine wine …” #SommChat

@alawine (Ken ? #wine): Rockin’ #SommChat @keepercoll @winetheory @alexsommelier @demilove @enjoielife @vintagevuong @mattmcginnis @sassodoro @mdsmitty2488

@jennanorth (Jenna North): Always great to follow along, thanks! @keepercoll @vintagevuong! #WineWednesday #SommChat #ww #wine #SF

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): thank you @keepercoll and @vintagevuong for an interesting and informative #SommChat