wine judges
Jeffrey Kralik
Experience: Wine Writer
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 Years
What made you first interested?
When I was a high school teacher, I spent my summers as a cycle tour guide in Europe. There, I first learned about the magic of wine and I have been hooked ever since.
Julie Kuhlken, PhD
Experience: CEO & Co-Owner, Pedernales Cellars; President Texas Hill Country Chapter of Women For WineSense; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
Why work in wine?
We planted our family vineyard in 1995, and so it is part of our family history. I love discovering every vintage as it comes into the winery and into botttle.
Jon Leahy
Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; Winemaker, Becker Vineyards
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 3 Years
Why work in wine?
I very much enjoy being part of something that you can see the results of your work and count your success by the number of smiles it creates. I also like the idea that I have made something that so many others have enjoyed.
Jay Long
Experience: Goody Goody Liquor
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 Years
What are your tips for others?
Don't be afraid to get into wine. It may seem intimidating, but it's not. It will open up a whole new world for you. Everyone loves talking about wine.
Julie Lumgair
Experience: Winemaker for Seventy 90+ Wines; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Why work in wine?
Wine is an endless story that goes back millennia and has retained its authentic field-to-table roots. I'm a 5th generation farmer, so I love the challenge of seeing every vintage for what Mother Nature is offering us, then solving that puzzle to make wines that I'm proud to share with family and friends and will last for years of enjoyment.
Cristina Madruga
Experience: Mark Ryan Winery
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What are your tips for others?
Smell everything! The best tip I got when I was new to wine was to smell absolutely everything at the grocery store and in nature to help build my "smell bank". This made it so much easier to detect and pinpoint distinct aromas in wine.
David Maib
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 20 Years
Why work in wine?
I love the farming aspect of wine and the personalities that put their passion and money into what they believe.
Kristin Martin-Evans
Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I take immense pleasure in participating as a judge for the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. This incredible opportunity allows me to indulge in my love for wines and give back to my community in a unique and impactful way.
Constance McDerby
Experience: Founder & Co-Producer, Food & Vine; 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; WSET: Level 3 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 3 Years
What made you first interested?
On a vacation to Spain in 1991. At the time, we were staying at a resort above our means. Cocktails were $20 each. That's a lot for newlyweds and for 30 years ago. The wines were very affordable. So that's what we drank. We fell in love with them, joined a wine club and started dedicated wine travels.
Teresa McKinney
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Wine Educator; WSET: Level 4 Diploma in Wines; French Wine Scholar; NASA: Italian Wine Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
It is great to be involved in such an organized wine competition with the area's wine professionals... Particularly since it is for such a good cause.
Tiffany Mencacci
Experience: Winemaker, Haak Vineyards and Winery; 15+ years in the wine industry; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; French Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
What made you first interested?
My undergraduate course(s) in Microbiology. The unit on fermentation science really intrigued me. I wanted to learn more so I eventually took a harvest position in California. It blossomed from there.
Pat Mitchell
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years
What are your tips for others?
Be open minded - there are lots of different wine styles and varieties and some great value regions. It’s fun to explore new regions and varietals!
Chris Morgan
Experience: Co-Founder & COO, Better Beverage; 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; CMS: Certified Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What are your tips for others?
Food without wine is a meal. Food with wine is an experience.
Menno Ozinga
Experience: Director of Food & Beverage, Invited; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Italian Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Why work in wine?
The wine industry is a constantly evolving business. There is always something new, unique and exciting to explore. Whether that is an upcoming region, wine producer or simply tasting old world wines that have been around for decades.
Liz Palmer
Experience: Executive Director, Texas Wine School; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 4 Diploma in Wines; French Wine Scholar; Italian Wine Scholar; Spanish Wine Scholar; Bourgogne Ambassador; Certified Rioja Educator; Certified Sherry Educator
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5+ Years
Brittani Parshall
Experience: Wente Famiy Estates
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5+ Years
What are your tips for others?
You like what YOU like. Wine doesn't have to be uptight - It's best enjoyed with great people, settings, and food.
Osvaldo Pascolini
Experience: AIS/ IItalian Sommelier Association: Certified Sommelier; WSA: Master Taster and Master of Terroir
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
It's very exciting to meet people sharing the same great passions about the Rodeo and the Wine
Maeve Pesquera
Experience: 20+ Years in the Beverage Industry; CMS: Certified Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits; WSET: Level 3 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 2 Years
What made you first interested?
I fell in love with wine as a young woman while in France. Working with restaurateur Tony Vallone here in Houston allowed me the opportunity to delve deeper and pursue a career in the wine business.
Kelly Prohl
Experience: Owner, Double Decanted; 12+ years in the wine industry; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; ISG: Advanced Wine Certificate; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 4 Diploma in Wines; French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 12 Years
What are your tips for others?
Trust your palate. Know why you like something. Like what you like - don't worry what other people think.
Katrina Rene
Experience: Attorney; Wine Writer, The Corkscrew Concierge; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Cava Educator; Rhône Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
Why work in wine?
Wine can be intimidating and I enjoy breaking down the barriers and making it accessible.