WINE JUDGES
Jeffrey Kralik
Experience: Wine Writer
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 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.
Kelsey Kramer
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Julie Kuhlken, PhD
Experience: Owner, Pedernales Cellars; Board Member Texas Hill Country Chapter of Women For WineSense; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines, WSET Diploma Candidate
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 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.
Michael Leiser
Experience: Local President of International Food and wine organization Chaine des Rotisseurs. Set up multi course food and wine dinners.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 18 Years
What made you first interested?
Bear Dalton
Craig Lindstrom
Experience: 10 years WSETll
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
What made you first interested?
Working in RUBB on the food side for several years and learning about the wine submissions and and meeting the wine makers!
Jonjie Lockman
Experience: CEO of Intervine, 15+ years in the wine industry, Certified Specialist of Wine, Women for WineSense Raleigh Chapter President
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Why work in wine?
I love sharing a product I enjoy so much myself, whether I'm helping someone discover wine for the first time or engaging with wine professionals who bring incredible depth of knowledge. Both inspire me and make the industry?s passion contagious.
David Maib
Experience: 35+ Years working in the wine industry as a winery representative in all facets of their business.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 22 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: 10 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.
Zackary Matteson
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Garland McClure
Experience: Judged the first 2-3 years of the competition, took some time off and rejoined sometime in 2015-16.
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 13 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: 5 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.
Tim McDonald
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
Teresa McKinney
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 3 Award in Wine & Spirits, Level 4 Diploma in Wine & Spirits and Certified Educator; French Wine Scholar; NASA: Italian Wine Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 8 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.
Dustin McQuaide
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
John Moore III
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 Years
What are your tips for others?
stay hydrated during judging
Liz Palmer
Osvaldo Pascolini
Experience: AIS/ IItalian Sommelier Association: Certified Sommelier; WSA: Master Taster and Master of Terroir
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 7 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
Katrina Rene
Experience: Attorney; Wine Writer, The Corkscrew Concierge; CMS: Introductory Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Cava Educator; Rhone Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 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: 1 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: 1 Year
Why work in wine?
Because I make a product people enjoy!