WINE JUDGES
Jeffrey Kralik
Experience: Wine Writer
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years
What made you first interested?
When I was a high school teacher, I spent my summers as a cycle tour guide in Europe. There, I first learned about the magic of wine and I have been hooked ever since.
Julie Kuhlken, PhD
Experience: CEO & Co-Owner, Pedernales Cellars; President Texas Hill Country Chapter of Women For WineSense; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines, Currently studying for WSET Diploma
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 2 Years
Why work in wine?
We planted our family vineyard in 1995, and so it is part of our family history. I love discovering every vintage as it comes into the winery and into botttle.
Jon Leahy
Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; Winemaker, Becker Vineyards
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
Why work in wine?
I very much enjoy being part of something that you can see the results of your work and count your success by the number of smiles it creates. I also like the idea that I have made something that so many others have enjoyed.
Michael Leiser
Experience: Planning high end wine and food dinners.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 17 Years
What are your tips for others?
Trying new wines and new wine regions.
Julie Lumgair
Experience: Winemaker for Seventy 90+ Wines; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
Why work in wine?
Wine is an endless story that goes back millennia and has retained its authentic field-to-table roots. I'm a 5th generation farmer, so I love the challenge of seeing every vintage for what Mother Nature is offering us, then solving that puzzle to make wines that I'm proud to share with family and friends and will last for years of enjoyment.
David Maib
Experience: 35+ Years working in the wine industry as a winery representative in all facets of their business.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 21 Years
What made you first interested?
I love the farming aspect of wine and the personalities that put their passion and money into what they believe.
Kristin Martin
Experience: 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; WSET: Level 2 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 9 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I take immense pleasure in participating as a judge for the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. This incredible opportunity allows me to indulge in my love for wines and give back to my community in a unique and impactful way.
Garland McClure
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 12 Years
What are your favorite books and movies?
Biography’s…..stories that become personal off of historical events.
Constance McDerby
Experience: Founder & Co-Producer, Food & Vine; 20+ Years in the Wine Industry; WSET: Level 3 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
What made you first interested?
On a vacation to Spain in 1991. At the time, we were staying at a resort above our means. Cocktails were $20 each. That's a lot for newlyweds and for 30 years ago. The wines were very affordable. So that's what we drank. We fell in love with them, joined a wine club and started dedicated wine travels.
Teresa McKinney
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Wine Educator; WSET: Level 4 Diploma in Wines; French Wine Scholar; NASA: Italian Wine Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 7 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
It is great to be involved in such an organized wine competition with the area's wine professionals... Particularly since it is for such a good cause.
Pat Mitchell
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
What are your tips for others?
Be open minded - there are lots of different wine styles and varieties and some great value regions. It’s fun to explore new regions and varietals!
Menno Ozinga
Experience: Director of Food & Beverage, Invited; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Italian Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
Why work in wine?
The wine industry is a constantly evolving business. There is always something new, unique and exciting to explore. Whether that is an upcoming region, wine producer or simply tasting old world wines that have been around for decades.
Brittani Parshall
Experience: Wente Famiy Estates
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5+ Years
What are your tips for others?
You like what YOU like. Wine doesn't have to be uptight - It's best enjoyed with great people, settings, and food.
Osvaldo Pascolini
Experience: AIS/ IItalian Sommelier Association: Certified Sommelier; WSA: Master Taster and Master of Terroir
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
It's very exciting to meet people sharing the same great passions about the Rodeo and the Wine
Kelly Prohl
Experience: Owner, Double Decanted; 12+ years in the wine industry; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; ISG: Advanced Wine Certificate; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 4 Diploma in Wines; French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 13 Years
What are your tips for others?
Trust your palate. Know why you like something. Like what you like - don't worry what other people think.
Katrina Rene
Experience: Attorney; Wine Writer, The Corkscrew Concierge; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Cava Educator; Rhône Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years
Why work in wine?
Wine can be intimidating and I enjoy breaking down the barriers and making it accessible.
Debbie Reynolds
Experience: Wine Educator, Former Executive Director of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, Past Chair of the Lone Star International Wine Competition
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Why work in wine?
I love how an agricultural product not only takes care of the grower's family, but is the center of great social encounters with friends and family.
Jeff Ritchey
Experience: Winemaker in CA and Armenia, MS Enology UC Davis
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Why work in wine?
Because I make a product people enjoy!
Richard Rolland
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 3 Years
Why work in wine?
I have enjoyed wine and the history of wine. Owning a vineyard and making wine is a constant and interesting challenge.
Rigo Romero
Experience: 20+ Years in the Beverage Industry; Currently with Churrascos Restaurant; CMS: Introductory Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 Years
What are your tips for others?
Try different varietals until you find your favorite one there's so many good options just have fun doing it. Salud!