WINE JUDGES

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.

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year

Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 2 in Wines; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 18 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.

Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; Advance Texas Wine Ambassador Certification

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 Years

When you?re not judging or working with wine, what are you most passionate about?

Playing Golf and International Travels

Experience: Winemaker with 16 harvests experience, worked under a french winemaker from Champagne for a harvest, and avid traveler to various wine regions.

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 Years

When you?re not judging or working with wine, what are you most passionate about?

I love traveling to wine regions with generations of experience to hear their stories, see their passion on why they believe they do better than anyone else in the world. Listening imparts so much knowledge and gives a fresh perspective on something that has been important to man for millenniums.

Experience: 30+ Years in the Wine Industry; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; South Texas & Louisiana Market Manager for Vinattieri1385

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years

What makes a wine memorable to you?even after you?ve tasted hundreds or thousands of wines?

Wine becomes more memorable when it?s shared with people you care about, paired with a wonderful meal, and enjoyed in a place that leaves a lasting impression. For me, a glass of a certain Brunello I represent always takes me back to Florence?to a memorable Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner at Cantinetta Antinori, shared with friends and colleagues. That?s one of the things I love most about wine - sometimes a single sip can transport you back to a particular place, a particular meal, and the people you shared it with.

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.

Experience: WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Winemaker, Messina Hof Winery

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 14 Years

Why work in wine?

It is our family heritage and my personal passion to make and share great wine.

Experience: CMS Introductory Sommelier; WSET 3 Award in Wines; Argentina Wine Specialist; Chilean Wine Ambassador; Specialist of Texas Wine

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years

What are your tips for others?

Know your wine, but know your people even better. Product knowledge opens the door, but genuine relationships build a career.

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: 15 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!

Experience: WSET: Level 2 in Wines; Specialist of Texas Wine

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 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.

Experience: 20 Years, WSET Certified Sake Educator, WSET Level 2 in Wine & Spirit

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 12 Years

When you?re not judging or working with wine, what are you most passionate about?

I'm on a mission to spread the SAKE gospel, one tasting, one account and one converted wine drinker at a time. KANPAI!!

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: Second Year

What are your favorite books and movies?

I Taste Red (Book) Sideways (Movie)

Experience: Director, Texas Fine Wine; 20+ Years Wine PR; Wine Educator

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years

When you?re not judging or working with wine, what are you most passionate about?

I'm an athlete at heart! After 32 years in Texas, I recently moved to Northwest Arkansas for cooler temps, four seasons, slower pace and badass cycling. I am an avid cyclist -- road and gravel.

Experience: From Colorado Springs, Colorado; WSET: Level 3 in Wines and Level 2 in Spirits; UC Davis: Introduction to Winemaking

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 12 Years

Experience: Owner/writer, Texas Wine Lover; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; Specialist of Texas Wine

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years

What?s something about judging wine that most people would be surprised to learn?

All wines are initially judged by themselves, not against other wines in the same category.

Experience: Certified Sommelier

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years

Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!

My favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked! is the opportunity to discover such a wide variety of wines in one place. It's exciting to taste both well-known labels and hidden gems, and to share that experience with fellow judges who are just as passionate about wine.

Experience: CMS: Master Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Wine Educator; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; French Wine Scholar

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 7 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.