wine judges
Seth Urbanek
Experience: Winemaker, William Chris Wine Co.; Master of Science - Enology, Cornell University
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
What are your tips for others?
Try lots of different wines from different places, the same grape can have different expressions in different growing regions.
Macy Vance
Experience: Wine Educator, Nice Winery; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 3 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
This will be my first year to judge with the Rodeo! I look forward to playing a part in the amazing outpouring of charitable efforts that is the Houston Rodeo. I am also thrilled to get to know some of the other judges - a team I hear is known for their camaraderie and excellence.
Max Vater
Experience: Retired After 20+ Years in the Beverage Industry; ISG: Intermediate Wine Certificate; WSET: Level 1 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 15+ Years
What made you first interested?
My wife's profession as a catering director of a major hotel group drew me into the industry.
Paul Warburton
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; ISG: Intermediate Wine Certificate; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; French Wine Scholar; Italian Wine Scholar; Certified Italian Wine Specialist; Certified Italian Wine Professional; Certified Sherry Wine Specialist ; Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I love the "buzz" of this competition and reconnecting with many great friends that I made over the years and, of course, it's all for a good cause.
Shelly Wilfong
Experience: Wine Educator; Podcaster, This is Texas Wine; WSET Level 3 in Wines; WSET: Level 1 in SAKE; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; Advanced Specialist of Texas Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
Why work in wine?
The story of the Texas wine industry is being written before our eyes. The sky's the limit when it comes to where this industry can go.
NIcole Willis
Experience: 20+ years in the wine industry
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 20 Years
What are your tips for others?
Don't hate anything on the first sip. (Almost) everything deserves a second sip; especially if it is a varietal you are not familiar with.
Cheryl Wood
Experience: CMS: Advanced Sommelier; ISG: Advanced Wine Certificate; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Wine Educator; Italian Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 20 Years
Why work in wine?
I love the wine business, I started out pre-med and read an article in the New York Times about a woman who was a wine supplier. I chose wine and have never looked back.