@MSPWineGuy

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Less than 30 mins away 2 talk #wine w/ #Minnesota 1st Advanced #Sommelier Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy on #SommChat !

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Abt ready 2 dive in w/ ?s, so S/O 2 Advanced #Sommelier Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy ! say hello & so he knows UR here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Don’t forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order 4 every1 2 C see it! #WineWednesday

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: As we ask Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy our Qs, you can ask him Ur Qs as well! He’ll do his best 2 answer all Qs in order #SommChat #WW

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: W/so many participants gr8 Q's R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, S/O 2 @KeeperColl & @MSPWineGuy 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Let’s start talking with Advanced #Sommelier Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy of @jwmarriottmpls about #Wine on #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Hey everyone! Looking forward to this! Should be a great hour. #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: @MSPWineGuy Good morning how did you get your start in wine biz & whom are your mentors? Thanks #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @SandyWasserman As a young manager I had to train my staff. Discovered wine was history and geography, two things I love. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @SandyWasserman Lots of mentors! @fernandobeteta @jbrandtbecker @Sommambulism @JuneRodil @yrmom_safoodie to name only a few. #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: @KeeperColl Thanks. Great to be seen :) #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Great to see @SandyWasserman on #SommChat and always look forward to your insightful questions - keep them coming!

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @KeeperColl - Hello from Chicago! Haven't visited Cities x 2 in a couple of years, have a lot of new bars/wine stores opened? - #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @demilove @KeeperColl Hi Doug! Always new restaurants up here. Tons of talent finding their way to opportunities. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @demilove @KeeperColl Parajito will open soon, @MuccisItalian is killing it and @gavinkaysen has his new project open next spring. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@demilove thanks for getting your #SommChat question for @MSPWineGuy - know you have some more coming on #WW

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy How did U become interested in #wine? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I was trying to find the best fit for my abilities in the resto industry. I remembered I loved wine and voila. #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: @MSPWineGuy Have you ever made wine? Any desire to do so? If so what & where? Thanks #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @SandyWasserman Haven't made wine...yet. Love learning the science and process but I'm probably way too impatient to do it. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @SandyWasserman But if I did, I'd probably find myself in the PacNW. Love WA and OR wines. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - what is the #Minnesota #wine consumer like - do you see changes in interest and if so how @MSPWineGuy ?

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl MN consumers are evolving fast. Craft beer is HUGE here and it's bleeding over into the wine scene.#SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Still fairly traditional though, so no one is screaming for the stuff Somms love.#SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr shy #SommChat peep: can you give advice on how to approach #Sommelier if you are a novice and don't know fancy terms

@MSPWineGuy ?

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Awesome question! It can be a roll of the dice, but most somms have shed the snotty thing. Especially in casual restos #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I would find a wine that interests you and ask about it. If you like the answer, ask another. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl You can also watch them move around the floor. Body language will tell you a lot in my opinion. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@racheldriver thanks for #SommChat support today - @MSPWineGuy is waiting for you questions:)

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy Congrats on being 1st Advanced #Sommelier in #Minnesota, tell us more? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl @KeeperColl Yes, 1st in MN. Thought several would achieve it before me, but it worked out this way. Very humbling. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl MN community hasn't been pro-credential until recently. Only 12 or so #Certified when I passed in 2012, now dozens! #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Little mentorship in MN. I got lucky, found @SommBremer @nicholaskolnik @LaVinoDolce and #DrewGuthrie to taste with. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Now I'm making a point of helping anyone who asks and puts in the work. Some great peeps in the pipeline here! #SommChat

Kaki Miller @kaki_miller: @MSPWineGuy How does the wine market differ throughout the seasons in #Minnesota, and if it changes how and why? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @kaksonkaks Reds reds REDS virtually anytime. Then suddenly Rose season hits and leaves like white pants after Labor Day. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @kaki_miller But most top restaurants cycle more whites in our 4mo of summer before Cabernet season returns the other 8. #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q @MSPWineGuy what wines and regions have excited you lately? Thanks #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @SandyWasserman Was just in WA last week and my new love is Walla Walla Cab Franc. But I always love CF, so just a new one for me. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @SandyWasserman Diving into NZ whites other than SauvBlanc a lot. My fave Chard still @KumeuRiverWines. Always looking for more. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @SandyWasserman I tend to be a NewWorld whore so I buck the somm trend. Someone has to champion it! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - is there growth for #Somms in #Minnesota & if U could work in any other #wine mkt - where and why @MSPWineGuy

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl There's nothing but growth possible in MN. Was stagnant for a while but the last few years have been amazing. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl We have a phenomenal chef community and it's only a matter of time before the wine crew catches up. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Other cities? Lots of friends in Chicago, Austin, Houston and NYC. Would be up for anywhere there's a challenge. #SommChat

Kaki Miller @kaki_miller: Everyone check out #SommChat hosted by @KeeperColl happening now! A great way 2 learn more about #wine & talk with industry professionals

Miranda Waldron @mirandawaldronc: @MSPWineGuy What were some challenges w/ becoming an Advanced #Sommelier in Minnesota with no one having done it before? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @mirandawaldronc Obviously, a lack of mentorship was the key. No one knew the road so I had to look elsewhere -- Chicago! #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @mirandawaldronc Networking was key via social media. Email groups, Skype, @guildsomm events and @TEXSOM. And lots of “tasting". #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @mirandawaldronc Flew to CHI as often as I could to taste and study. 11x last year alone. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @mirandawaldronc A @guildsomm article by @sommelier57 years ago shaped everything for me. “Sacrifice and have no regrets". #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @MSPWineGuy @mirandawaldronc - @KeeperColl - Would love to taste with you next time you are visiting our Windy City! - #SommChat

Rachel Speckan @racheldriver: What is your approach to wine education for your studies, but, also, clients and other somms? @MSPWineGuy @SommChat #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @racheldriver @SommChat Hi Rachel! If I'm not on the clock for an exam, I take little slices and really learn, not just memorize. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @racheldriver With other somms, I try to be very neutral and present fact, not bias. If bias I always say so. Let them choose. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @racheldriver I let others choose their path. May not be same as mine and that's perfect for them. #snowflakes #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @MSPWineGuy @racheldriver - Great observation. I def want wine to be Plan B career, but not sure sommelier-ing is my best choice. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: q fr #SommChat #Somm - will U adjust UR studies for @MasterSommUS testing fr what U did 4 Advanced if so how and if not why not @MSPWineGuy

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Probably yes. I'm not sitting next year so I'm taking time to get context and experience. Fewer flash cards. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl There are some areas like viticulture and history that fascinate me and I'm taking the time to dive into them. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl @andymcnamarams Said it best: Achieve mastery, then sit the exam. The exam doesn't give you mastery. #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @KeeperColl - Do you see yourself sometimes like an Old School DJ, turning folks on to new bands (wines)? #SommChat - can you overdo that?

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @demilove Great question! Yes, very much like a DJ. Somms see so many things guests don't, I can be an ambassador for those wines. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @demilove But there's a point when you have to listen to the guest and get them what they'll love, not what I'll love. Big point. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy How did you prepare for the exam to become an Advanced #Sommelier? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Reached out to my network, joined email groups. Bi-weekly conference calls with @Jenschmitt and @SakeWithAya were big. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Ultimately just kept pushing myself. Seeing everyone do great things via social media was very motivating. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy What advice do U have for someone who wants to enter the #wine industry? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Do it head-first. Ask questions, make mistakes, learn from all of it. There's always someone smarter, stay humble. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Taste everything you can, don't compromise. If someone says no, go around them. That's what I did. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how long have you been in the industry? R there any things U would do differently to fast track UR career @MSPWineGuy

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl This is my 22nd year since my first job in a bar in college. Been in restos and hospitality since. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Back in 2004 I could have gone to Morton's. That would have been a whole different path. Woulda coulda shoulda. :-) #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Morton's would have put me around wine much more that where I went instead. Might have changed my path. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl But it all led me here. No regrets. I just have more "seasoning" than some of the kids. :-) #SommChat

Kaki Miller @kaki_miller: @MSPWineGuy As a newer, wannabe #wine enthusiast, what are some good go-to #wines to order when out to dinner? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @kaki_miller Tough question! I tend to have a few "Silver Bullet" wines I lean on. Pinot Noir, Macon or Chablis, Barbera. #SommChat

JW Marriott MPLS @jwmarriottmpls: A wannabe #wine enthusiast? Our sommelier @MSPWineGuy chatting about his go-to wines on #SommChat this morning @KeeperColl

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @kaki_miller I love Barbera as a please-all since Alba can be big and Asti more aromatic. Really versatile and budget friendly. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr shy #SommChat peep: suggestions 4 #Champagne under $50 retail for the holidays @MSPWineGuy ?

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Yes! Franciacorta!! I know it's not champagne but same method and more body. I'm a bit of a crusader for it. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Also @RaventosiBlanc Cava is always great. And being a new world guy, Oregon sparkling! But you wanted Champagne, so.. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I like Marc Hebrart or Jean Lallement. Ayala usually gets around 50 also. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy What R some #food and #wine #pairings that U have enjoyed recently? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Been getting back into #beer, actually. Had a saison and chicken chili pairing last week that was really fun. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Also been doing intentionally bad pairings. Learning from mistakes is key, and more educational. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Minnesotans love red wines and fish so that's usually horrible. Cab and Walleye are practically tradition. #SommChat

JW Marriott MPLS @jwmarriottmpls: We hope you're following along with #SommChat this morning. Our very own @MSPWineGuy is chatting all about #wine today! @KeeperColl #WW

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how often do U work with #chef @jwmarriottmpls to coordinate #wine list @MSPWineGuy ?

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl One of the reasons I came back to the floor was to work with chefs again. Love the collaboration. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl But when planning a menu, I let the food go first. I look at the menu, then put the wine menu together. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I love chefs, but they don't get a say in what I bring in. But they know all I want is their food to shine. #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @KeeperColl - Hope not too weird a Q for #SommChat - what do you consider when buying wine for rest. as opposed to just for yourself?

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: great question for @MSPWineGuy on #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @demilove YES! Love this question! I have to consider the guest, the business, my staff's abilities and then trends. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @demilove I think too often that list is reversed. Plenty of wines on my menu now that aren't my favorite but we sell A LOT of it. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @demilove Owners love to see nice numbers. Good sales pays for the nerdy stuff I hand sell and the staff geeks out on. #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @MSPWineGuy @KeeperColl - Had first @surlybrewing when I visited MSP. Now it's in Chicago so I guess not as cool anymore (smile) #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy What #wines have you been enjoying lately? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I'm into Mediterranean whites lately. Soave, Assyrtiko, Greco, Grillo, Rhone whites. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Mostly anything that's not an exam wine! Been drilling classics for so long it's nice to step out of that box. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy What role has #socialmedia played in getting you to where U R now in the #wine biz and #certification #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Social Media is completely responsible. Found first tasting group, found first mentors, found a community on Twitter. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I started following #SommChat years ago and this has been so important for a guy in a remote market. Thank you Diane!

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl It sometimes feels like stalking, but watching pros around the world do their thing is a daily inspiration. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: wow thanks @MSPWineGuy r blushing at #SommChat - glad it could help UR #wine studies - we do it 2 provide education 2 industry and consumers

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy Tell us about your work at @jwmarriottmpls #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl @jwmarriottmpls I run all the beverage purchasing for the property. #CSUrbanTable, lobby bar and Exec Lounge. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl We have great, accomplished guests that I make sure get some wines that are virtually nowhere else in MN. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy What #wine region have you not visited that you would like to go to? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I'm pretty undertravelled abroad -- so anywhere! Germany and NZ top my wish list. And France, of course. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I also want to go places I hate studying. Being there and experiencing the culture will probably change that feeling. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @MSPWineGuy What is your dream job in the #wine biz? #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Aiming to be Bev Director for a diverse resto group or something education-based. Maybe winery group educator. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl Anything that keeps me in touch with guests. I love that interaction. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how many ppl R on the @jwmarriottmpls #wine team - do U educate as well as do list if so tips 4 this @MSPWineGuy ?

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I'm all by myself at @jwmarriottmpls! My servers are great and we do weekly educational tastings for their skills. #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl I also host industry folks for tasting practice every week. Making sure they get correct wines is key. #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @KeeperColl - Enjoyed chatting today! Hope @MSPWineGuy visits chicago soon (first glass is on me!) - #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope U enjoyed talking abt #Wine w/ Advanced #Sommelier Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy on #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy for his time on #SommChat

Peter Plaehn @MSPWineGuy: @KeeperColl This was so fun! Thanks everyone for joining in! #SommChat

JW Marriott MPLS @jwmarriottmpls: Peter on his role at #JWMPLS & #CSUrbanTable. We're so lucky to have you & your expertise at our hotel & restaurant, @MSPWineGuy! #SommChat

Country living @dondickerson0: @jwmarriottmpls @MSPWineGuy @KeeperColl @kaki_miller i hope he is there when we visit next month. My wife loves wine.