Donaji Lira @TexSom

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn from #TexSom #Events Manager, Donaji Lira @TEXSOM!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: We’d like to introduce you to Donaji Lira @TEXSOM, #TexSom #Events Manager #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: We're about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to Donaji Lira @TEXSOM! Make sure to say hello so she knows you're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

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

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: As we ask our Qs, you can ask Donaji your Q’s as well! She'll do her best to answer all Q’s in the order they come #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: With so many participants lots of great Q's are asked! Even if u don’t ask 1--give a S/O 2 @keepercoll and @TEXSOM 2 let us know u are here! #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat Hi everyone, I'm so happy to be here today! Thank you for the opportunity!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #wine with #TexSom #Events Manager, Donaji Lira @TEXSOM #WineWednesday #SommChat

Amie Hendrickson @amiewinegirl: @donajilira is on #SommChat Join us!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Donaji @TEXSOM how have you managed to “corral” Master #Sommeliers @JuneRodil @yrmom_safoodie and of Course @winejames

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat, that' EASY! And my favorite part of this gig! They're great to work with!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: .@TEXSOM How many volunteers will you have this year at #TexSom and how many different states are they from? #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat for the 2nd year in a row we had more volunteer applications that we could accommodate, a great problem to have! Great volunteers from at least over 25 states!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm What is the most difficult part of your @TEXSOM job and the most rewarding Donaji? #TexSom

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat, The most difficult part of the job is there are not enough hours in the day! The most rewarding is in addition to being part of a wonderful program helping so many industry professionals and meeting the fantastic people from around the globe!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @TEXSOM About how many #wines will be featured this year at #TexSom? How much breakage would you say is typical?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat we are fortunate to be able to feature many special wines that are special to us from around the world for our seminars and from our sponsors. We have such a great team that breakage is actually very minimal.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Donaji, how long have you worked @TEXSOM and how did you land this job? #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat this will be my 8th TEXSOM! I started in 2012 when I decided I wanted to move back to Big D and it just so happened 2 certain Master Sommeliers @drewhendricksms and @winejames, I had met through my Austin wine industry days were looking for someone! Lucky me!!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what is the most difficult message you have had to tell a volunteer @TEXSOM Donaji?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat Ha! I leave that to @winejames @JuneRodil @yrmom_safoodie and @drewhendricksms...and now @amiewinegirl gets to help with that! :)

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm How has your #wine palate changed since working with @ TexSom Donaji?

TexSom @TexSom: @SommChat I have learned so much about tasting and wines with exposure to wines from around the world that I did not have before. Also studying for my @WSETglobal level 2 and blind tasting with @winejames has been incredibly helpful!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm was told that you are now starting the #WSET study program - is this true and if so why did you start this path and what do you hope to get from it Donaji @TEXSOM

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat yes I have completed @WSETglobal level 2 and will take exam soon. I have received a better understanding of tasting and the different grape varieties and regions/how they all differ, etc... Still so much to learn and can't wait for Level 3!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Donaji @TEXSOM What is a day in your life working look like at #TexSom? #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat That's a great question, with only 3 of us there is a lot to do and we do it all! We are all the "accounting department" the "Marketing department", etc... It's busy and sometimes seems like not enough hours in the day but always fun! Stop by the office some time!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Donaji know you have been able to attend @ProWein in #germany - can you share what you think is special abt this event and do you rec. #Somms to go @TEXSOM #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat For me it is so special to meet winemakers and reps from overseas that submit wines to @texsomiwa and see sponsors. Sometimes we even hand deliver medals. The love the personal touch! I highly recommend #Somms go and experience the different countries represented.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Donaji, when you are not working, what do you like to do in your non-work time from @TEXSOM

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat $4 Margarita night at a local Mexican Restaurant! lol! Seriously though, I attend wine dinners, wine tastings to stay connected to the local community and support the industry. I also love time with my dog Rocky and my family.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Donaji, what are some of the top things you have learned about handling ppl while working @TEXSOM how do you keep your cool during such long days?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat great question! Patience! Everyone there is supporting us and our mission, graciousness is key. The days are long but the energy is great, that helps keep my cool! And our volunteers, what a team!! We're blessed.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm would you share any examples you can think of something nice someone did during @TEXSOM that meant a lot to you Donaji?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat yes! When anyone (sponsors, volunteers, attendees) stop me to say thank you for all you do, it means a lot! Walking into the #TEXSOM onsite office with a negroni to say hi is always a treat...@grapesandgrains !

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how many windows and documents do you have open on your computer right now - heard your screen is huge and always on overload Donaji @TEXSOM (had to insert some humor!)

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat, I love it! 6 documents, 5 windows, 2 phones, 2 cups of coffee on the desk and a hard boiled egg. Thanks for asking!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm does the planning process for @TEXSOM differ greatly from @texsomiwa and how do you manage both Donaji? how are they similar?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat Yes very different. There are so many more moving parts to @TEXSOM conf, nearly 200 sponsors to manage, organize the different venues such as lunches, tasting breaks, seminars. The similarity would be they both center around education and global wines.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Donaji, having been able to taste so many Wines @TEXSOM Do you have any good advice for people who are unsure what #wines to taste if they are new to the #wine world? #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat definitely start by revisiting wines/grape varieties you THINK you don't like. Different varieties from different parts of the world will make a differrence. Experience wines you do not have easy access to as well.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Donaji @TEXSOM When you go out to eat, do you order #wine first or #food and why? Do you cook at home and if so what is your pairing process? #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat Well, I start with a cocktail, Vesper anyone? Then decide what's for dinner and wine. And of course if you are with @winejames well... there's your answer, he picks! I hardly ever cook at home, not anything to merit a wine pairing decision.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Besides loving to go to #NapaValley and @ProWein what other #wine regions/events have you been to and recommend? What regions are on your wish list Donaji @TEXSOM ?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat I went to Italy last November #Franciacorta #ChiantiClassico would love to Loire Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, @DrinkGreekWine @Wines_fromSpain @PasoRoblesWine Lake County, @WashingtonWines @oregonwine So many wines so little time!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Donaji @TEXSOM How have you seen the #wine world change since you’ve been working at #TexSom in the last 8 years?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat I've seen the community grow so much. Also, with @TEXSOM being focused on education, social media plays such a large role now and allows us to extend the reach to the world.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how did you decide on @WSETglobal studies vs @MasterSommUS and how far do you think you will go in the #wset certification process Donaji @TEXSOM?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat I have always thought @MasterSommUS being more service/restaurant focused. Having just started the @WSETglobal journey I hope to complete level 3 for sure then I'll go from there!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm when you #travel how do you decide where you will go to eat and to drink #wine? Do you have a process? Do you see if there is anyone in your @TEXSOM Community Donaji?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat I definitely will reach out to @TEXSOM community peeps for advice/information on great places. Online research as well, but mostly reaching out the global rolodex is key.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Donaji @TEXSOM How does your #wine knowledge incorporate with being #TexSom Events Manager?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat wine knowledge is very important in this role, particularly with the large number of sponsors I am communicating with regarding the wines they will feature. You definitely want to have an idea of what you are dealing with (regions, variety, etc...)

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you share about the @TEXSOM Best #Sommelier Competition - how many contestants etc Donaji?

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat we accept 25 candidates from surrounding states to compete. They will complete a blind tasting exercise, theory and service as well.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk with #TexSom #Events Manager, Donaji Lira @TEXSOM #WineWednesday #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: It was great to have #TexSom #Events Manager, Donaji Lira @TEXSOM join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking #TexSom #Events Manager, Donaji Lira @TEXSOM for her time #SommChat

TexSom @TexSom: #SommChat thank you so much for having me! This has been so much fun, what great questions! I can't wait to see everyone in August at @TEXSOM! See you all soon! Donaji

Amie Hendrickson @amiewinegirl: Awesome interview and questions!

Shelly Wilfong @srwilfong: Great hearing from Donaji! Can’t wait for @TEXSOM next month!