WINE JUDGES

Experience: Certified Sommelier

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 2 Years

What are your tips for others?

In the wine world, one should be able to find the good in everything. Winemaking, service, and wine culture are meant to be an enjoyable experience.

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year

What are your favorite books and movies?

I Taste Red (Book) Sideways (Movie)

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

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years

Experience: WSET: Level 3 in Wines

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year

Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!

For me, it’s a full-circle moment. As a former livestock exhibitor, having the chance to stay involved and channel my passion for wine—while helping more kids experience the same HLSR that shaped me—is truly a dream come true.

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year

Experience: Certified Sommelier

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 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: Winemaker/Owner of Fall Creek Vineyards

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 Years

What are your favorite books and movies?

What Price Bordeaux? by Lewin MW, Benjamin.

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

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 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.

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years

Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!

The people - both judges and volunteers

Experience: Houston-based wine educator, Advanced Sommelier, and tasting curator with over 38 years of experience in the grocery and beverage industry, most of it with one of the largest retailers in the U.S. Over the past two decades, he has played a key role in shaping in-store wine culture ? introducing curated selections, bilingual education tools, and customer-focused tasting experiences across Texas.

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years

Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!

The amazing wine communities including the volunteers has made this event an unbelievable success and I'm honored to be a part of this event!

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 2 Years

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.

Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; WSET: Level 2 in Wines

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 3 Years

Why work in wine?

In a glass of wine you have almost everything; agriculture , climate , culture, stories, the art of wine making, food pairings, commerce and experiences. Just add good people and you have got it all!

Experience: SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine, WSET: Level 3 in Wines, Specialist of Texas Wine

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year

What made you first interested?

I've grown up in the Texas wine industry, working for over 25 years at Kiepersol, and with wine, it's a new, joyful adventure every day.

Experience: Wine writer and author of "The Signature Wines of Superior California: 50 Wines that Define the Sierra Foothills, the Delta, Yolo and Lodi"; Mike has judged up to 23 wine competitions in one year.

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 21 Years

Why work in wine?

I enjoy writing of wine because it offers several avenues for story telling - success stories, the rise of this or that region, grape variety or wine style, the many challenges the industry faces in hoping to thrive, and most of all the colorful, creative, quotable personalities the trade attracts.

Experience: CMS: Certified Sommelier

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 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.

Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine

Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 22 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.