wine judges
JULIE DALTON
Experience: CMS: Master Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Wine Educator; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; French Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
Why work in wine?
Working in wine brings me joy because for the most part, wine brings people joy. I love how wine is a subject matter about which so many other subjects can be discussed.
Jane Degler
Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; Currently Employed by Ste Michelle Wine Estates; CMS: Certified Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
The Rodeo Uncorked is such a prestigious competition. I am excited to get to work beside some of the best in the industry.
Mike Diezi
Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What are your favorite books and movies?
Trade news and reference books... but mostly the experts I work with (at Spec's) every day.
Courtney Diezi
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
What made you first interested?
There are endless possibilities for wines - it never gets boring. Some of my favorite vacation spots are wineries and vineyards to taste local takes on anything from bubbles to full-bodied reds. The ideal wine changes with the seasons, food, and event.
Patrick Dodd
Experience: CMS: Certified Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine, Certified Wine Educator, and Certified Specialst of Spirits; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; French Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years
Why work in wine?
I have spent nearly 40 years in this industry because it simply never gets old. There is also such a broad range of roles that you can professionally play within it, I can honestly say that I've easily had two dozen different jobs, all within the same industry.
Marissa Dodson
Experience: Winemaker with 15+ years with Bingham Family Vineyards
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Why work in wine?
I got into it because of my family business, but stayed because of the vast knowledge that there is to be gained.
Mike Dunne
Experience: Wine Writer & Author of "The Signature Wines of Superior California: 50 Wines that Define the Sierra Foothills, the Delta, Yolo and Lodi"; Has Judged in up to 23 Wine Competitions Globally in One Year
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 19 Years
Why work in wine?
I enjoy working in the wine scene as a writer because it is a field that provides several avenues for story telling - success stories, the rise of this or that region or grape variety, challenges the industry faces in hoping to thrive, and most of all the colorful, quotable personalities the trade attracts.
Jake Eckert
Experience: CMS: Certified Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 Years
What made you first interested?
I've always liked the taste of wine growing up, but I really got interested in wine during my last deployment. I needed something to escape the current surroundings, so I buried myself into every wine book possible. I fell in love with wine then. After the military, I starting working as a Manager and Sommelier in restaurants and hotels.
Denise Ehrlich
Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 20 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I've always loved that the work we do in judging these wines supports youth and education in Texas and at the same time promotes wine.
RUSK ELATASSI
Experience: WSET: Level 3 in Wines; French Wine Scholar; Spanish Wine Scholar; Certified Sherry Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What are your favorite books and movies?
"Reflections of a Vintner: Stories and Seasonal Wisdom from a Lifetime in Napa Valley" by Tor Kenward
Will Fehlis
Experience: WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 Years
What made you first interested?
I was once the Executive Pastry Chef for two 4-star Italian restaurants in Dallas. Part of my compensation was a rather large personal comp. I ended up using it mostly to buy wine from the restaurant cellar with no real knowledge of what I was drinking. After I left, I found out the Ornellaia I had been drinking on the on the regular was actually pretty special and sadly no longer in the budget. But that started me on the journey to find more about wine and search for quality wines that are more budget friendly.
Christine Ferry
Experience: WSET: Level 3 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
What are your tips for others?
Make sure you take chances on wine you’ve never tried! Wine is living, always changing, and can surprise you. It’s like art: Every bottle is different and even if you think you won’t love it, always taste and see!
Marshall Flowers
Experience: Victoria House Resort and Spa - Belize; CMS: Introductory Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
What are your tips for others?
I like to remind people to keep an open mind about a grape varietal, producer or region. Sometimes people have had unsavory experiences with a particular grape, producer or region and might have decided they do not like or no longer wish to try certain wines. Sometimes things aren't as you remember them and things do change!
Vince Foligno
Experience: Retired after 15+ years in wine industry; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 13 Years
What are your favorite books and movies?
Bottle Shock
Stephanie Franklin
Experience: Winemaker, Franklin Vines; WSET: Level 2 in Wines; Specialist of Texas Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 2 Years
What made you first interested?
I started exploring wine in my late 20's. Wine seemed very sophisticated and sexy. I loved how I felt holding a glass a wine. I believe Pinot Grigio was one of the first wines I tried, and every other weekend I would buy wine from different regions, take them home and read about it. I was studying wine before I knew I was studying wine.
Raju Gajarawala
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier, SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine, WSET: Level 3 in Wines, WSG: French Wine Scholar, Champagne Masters, SSA: Certified Saké Sommelier and Certified Saké Educator
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years
Why work in wine?
I work in wine and stay interested because there is so much to learn and experience in the huge world of wine. I also love that learning about wine involves so many topics like geography and chemistry.
Kipp Galleymore
Experience: 20+ years in the wine industry; CMS: Certified Sommelier; Intermediate Wine Certificate (IWC)
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 7 Years
Why work in wine?
Its is a passion. I have always enjoyed the process of wine making (soil composition, climate, wine makers style) the influences and how it plays a role in cultures and classes.
Maria Ghiglieri
Experience: SWE: Certififed Specialist of Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years
Why work in wine?
I love the science behind wine and the way it is like a puzzle. The same ingredients are used (generally) and yet, it always comes out differently!
Robert Gilroy
Experience: 20+ years in the wine industry; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; Certified Specialist of Spirits; WSET: Level 3 in Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 21 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
Recognizing and Championing extraordinary accomplishments in viticulture and winemaking from across the globe.
Cory Graff
Experience: CMS: Certified Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What made you first interested?
Many years ago I took a position in a Hotel and one of my responsibilities was the wine list. I had no choice but to taste and learn and I have been hooked ever since.