WINE JUDGES
Woodie Stephenson
Experience: 15+ years in the wine Industry; 10+ years working with the Boisset Collection; Society of Wine Educators: Certified Wine Educator. Wine & Spirits Education Trust: Diploma in WIne and Spirits. Wine Scholar Guild: Bourgogne Master; French Wine Scholar; Italian Wine Scholar; Spanish Wine Scholar. Burgundy School of Business (Dijon, France) Master?s of Science - Wine Business
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 10 Years
Why work in wine?
I enjoy learning more about culture, science and geography. I like working in agriculture to create a more sustainable future and to support farmers and farm workers
Qiana Taylor
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; WSET Level 2 in Wines; Advanced Specialist of Texas Wine; Wine Educator/Owner, Living In Vin
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 3 Years
What makes a wine memorable to you?even after you?ve tasted hundreds or thousands of wines?
I love that you can find wine in all subject matter from science to art, from history to religion even in theory it brings us all together.
Ned Thorn
Experience: 43 Years in the Fine Wine and Spirits Business
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 23 Years
What makes a wine memorable to you?even after you?ve tasted hundreds or thousands of wines?
If it tastes like a certain place, either a specific winery label or specific vineyard source, and there's a common thread across several vintages or producers that is recognizable.
Monica Townsend
Experience: Brass NY Head Sommelier/Wine Program Lead; Sommelier at The Modern at MOMA in New York; CMS: Advanced Sommelier; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; Italian Wine Scholar; Spanish Wine Scholar; French Wine Scholar; California Wine Appellation Specialist; Certified Sherry Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 3 Years
Why work in wine?
Working in wine brings me joy. I find pleasure in the moment of connection and being an ambassador for a product that touches all categories of knowledge: history, geography, science, philosophy and art.
Mirek von Springer
Experience: Sommerlier, Wine Buyer, Wine Educator
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 15 years
When you?re not judging or working with wine, what are you most passionate about?
The history of the region, vineyards, and winery.
Shelly Wilfong
Experience: Wine Educator; Podcaster, This is Texas Wine; WSET Level 3 in Wines; WSET: Level 1 in SAKE; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine; Advanced Specialist of Texas Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
Why work in wine?
The story of the Texas wine industry is being written before our eyes. The sky's the limit when it comes to where this industry can go.
Andrew Wright
Experience: Licensed and practicing attorney, CMS-USA Certified Sommelier, Italian Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 6 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I love supporting this great event and meeting all the amazing wine professionals and volunteers.