WINE JUDGES
Andy Alfieri
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines and Level 1 SAKE
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 22 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
The camaraderie that exists between multiple personalities from every aspect of the Wine Trade. Buyers, Retailers, Sommeliers, Industry professionals and consumers all gathered in one setting exchanging their experiences and opinions.
Damian Ambroa
Experience: CMS: Certified Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
What are your favorite books and movies?
I enjoy "Windows on the World" by Frederic Beigbeder, it helped me to get really into wine.
Kyle Ashmore
Experience: Wine Wholesale Professional
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
Why work in wine?
We all have to sell something in business. Why not wine?!
Tamara Atkins
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 2 in Wines; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 17 Years
What are your tips for others?
Keep drinking, keep learning. You cannot have a stagnate wine education. I read a lot of wine books and watch winefolly.com.
Bill Atkins
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years
What are your tips for others?
Never say no... Try all wines and judge them what they are not what you like or dislike. Never pass up an opportunity to try a new wine.
Carole Baker
Experience: WSET: Level 1 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years
James Barlow
Experience: SWE: Certified Wine Educator and Certified Specialist of Spirits
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
Why work in wine?
It's my passion.
Mike Batek
Experience: Owner and Winemaker; Hye Meadow Winery
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 Years
Why work in wine?
I work growing and making wine because it has always been a part of life. I enjoy the history and challenge of bringing a raw product to life in a bottle for others to share.
Patrick Bayne
Experience: 25 Years in the Wine Industry; Currently the STX & Louisiana Market Mgr for Vinattieri 1385; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wines and Certified Specialist of Spirits
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
What made you first interested?
I started in wine 25 years ago attending my first ?official? wine dinner in Destin, Florida?and I?ve been enjoying good wines ever since!
Michael Bernard
Experience: 20+ years in the wine industry; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
What are your tips for others?
You DON'T have to spend a fortune to get a great bottle of wine. Explore outside your comfort zone of regions & varietals and you can find that hidden gem to share with your friends.
Warner Boin
Experience: Certified Sommelier & Founder of Confidence Uncorked
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 2 Years
What made you first interested?
I'll never forget my first "wine bug" wine visiting Napa at 22, the etherial experience trying Manchego cheese with red wine, the fascinating storytelling, history, tradition - I was hooked and never looked back!
Paul Bonarrigo
Experience: WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Winemaker, Messina Hof Winery
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 13 Years
Why work in wine?
It is our family heritage and my personal passion to make and share great wine.
Thomas Burke
Stephanie Burleigh
Experience: 15 years in wine sales, former Sommelier for Mortons Steakhouse, wine lover!
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
Meeting so many smart fascinating fellow judges
Bill Burns
Tessa Butterfield
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Argentina Wine Specialist; Specialist of Texas Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
What are your tips for others?
When exploring new wines, have an open mind!
Giorgio Caflisch
Experience: Certified Sommelier - CMS; Certified Italian Wine Educator - Vinitaly International Academy; WSET 3, WSG Italian Wine Scholar: WSG French Wine Scholar: Instructor - Texas Wine School; Co-owner VinSanto Wine Bar * Shop * Bistro.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 14 Years
Why work in wine?
Wine is an essential element of a great meal or a joyful gathering. Wine has primordial and biblical roots, yet it is constantly evolving. It is a fascinating amalgam of geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, history, culture and sociology. And just when you think you have it figured out, there's a new vintage and a new Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition!
Rebecca Castillo
Experience: WSET: Level 2 in Wines; Specialist of Texas Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
The mission of Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is very important to me - to help and support students in Texas by providing them with educational grants and scholarships. It's a pleasure to serve as a wine judge in their International Wine Competition enhancing these overall efforts.
Jason Centanni
Alan Chen
Experience: WSET: Level 2 in Wines and Level 3 in SAKE
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
Getting to meet new judges & reunite with industry colleague and share our passions of wine