WINE JUDGES
Susan Elias
Ginny Endecott
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 12 Years
Makenzi Ewing
Experience: Retail and on-premise wine sales, brand building, enology and viticulture degrees
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 7 Years
Why work in wine?
Wine is always changing and evolving. You will always learn something new and different.
Rachel Fanning
Experience: Wine production, enology
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What made you first interested?
I found wine and winemaking to be the place where my love of biology and chemistry come together to produce something so lovely, we get to enjoy in all avenues of life.
Tiffany Farrell
Experience: With 17 years of experience in the wine industry, I have spent the majority of my career honing my craft as an award-winning winemaker across four states. Along the way, I also enjoyed a dynamic role as an on-premise wine representative for a Houston-based distributor, as well as a rewarding position with a local Texas winery as a supplier.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I began my career after college as a high school physics teacher, where I encouraged my students to pursue higher education and seek opportunities to help fund it. That is the reason HLSR Uncorked is my favorite wine competition?it champions education by financially supporting students in the greater Houston area. I love being able to donate my time to a cause that aligns so closely with my values and my professional journey.
Erica Fine
Experience: 20+ years in the wine industry in Texas; Instructor at The Texas Wine School for 7 years.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 18 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
The camaraderie and community!
Marshall Flowers
Experience: Victoria House Resort and Spa - Belize; CMS: Introductory Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 2 Years
What are your tips for others?
I like to remind people to keep an open mind about a grape varietal, producer or region. Sometimes people have had unsavory experiences with a particular grape, producer or region and might have decided they do not like or no longer wish to try certain wines. Sometimes things aren't as you remember them and things do change!
Vince Foligno
Experience: Retired after 15+ years in wine industry; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 15 Years
What are your favorite books and movies?
Bottle Shock
Stephanie Franklin
Experience: Winemaker, Owner & Founder of Franklin Vines Wines; WSET: Level 1 & 2; Specialist of Texas Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
What made you first interested?
I first became interested in wine in my late 20s, drawn to the elegance of holding a glass and the stories inside each bottle. My journey began with Pinot Grigio and weekend tastings that slowly grew into a true passion. Over time, that curiosity led me to study wine more seriously, become a winemaker, and now plant a vineyard on my ancestral land in historic Shankleville, Texas. Today, I'm proud to bring that passion to Rodeo Uncorked! as a judge, celebrating the wines that shape our industry and our culture.
Greg Freeman
Experience: 23 years as a California winemaker
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
It's full circle for me, I am a native Houstonian having attended the LS&R since I was a small child, so good to be back in this wine judge role.
Mark Fusco
Experience: CS, CSW. 30+ years in F&B. 15+ years as a video wine critic.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
Exposure to such a wide variety of wines!
Raju Gajarawala
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier, SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine, WSET: Level 3 in Wines, WSG: French Wine Scholar, Champagne Masters, SSA: Certified Sake Sommelier and Certified Sake Educator
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years
Why work in wine?
I enjoy talking about and learning about wine. The world of wine is huge and diverse, it is always interesting and challenging.
Kipp Galleymore
Maria Ghiglieri
Experience: SWE: Certififed Specialist of Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I love the science behind wine and the way it is like a puzzle. The same ingredients are used (generally) and yet, it always comes out differently! To see this in action by tasting wines in specific classes is truly awesome.
Stephen Ghiglieri
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years
Theodore Ghiglieri
Experience: Chef in Bowling Green, Kentucky; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
What are your tips for others?
Trust your instincts.
Robert Gilroy
Experience: 20+ years in the wine industry; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; Certified Specialist of Spirits; WSET: Level 3 in Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 23 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
Recognizing and Championing extraordinary accomplishments in viticulture and winemaking from across the globe.
Julie Godfrey
Experience: Wine sales
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 Years
What made you first interested?
While studying patisserie at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) in Napa Valley, I was able to go wine tasting on the weekends. This is where it began for me!
Nathan Graham
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
Michael Graves
Experience: WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 11 Years
What made you first interested?
When in college I was on the board of a housing co-op. I convinced them to fund a wine tasting and got the local "Vintages" store to help me do the research and pick the wines. It was a blast. And very well received. Even if the effort was lost on some of my beer swilling friends.