WINE JUDGES
Guy Stout
Experience: 30+ Years in the Beverage Industry; Stout Fmily Wines; CMS: Master Sommelier; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine, Certified Wine Educator, and Certified Specialist of Spirits; WSET: Level 3 in Wines and Level 1 in SAKE; Italian Wine Scholar; Certified Burgundy Educator; Certified Bordeaux Educator
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 22 Years
What are your tips for others?
Every Vintage is a new adventure
Qiana Taylor
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier WSET: Level 2 in Wines Specialist of Texas Wine
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What made you first interested?
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: 40+ Years in the Beverage Industry; Currently with Sire Spirits
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 22 Years
What are your favorite books and movies?
Angels' Visits: An Inquiry into the Mystery of Zinfandel by David Darlington and "Adventures on the Wine Route" by Kermit Lynch.
Tiffany Tobey
Experience: CMS: Certified Sommelier; ISG: Sommelier Diploma Program; SWE: Certified Specialist of Spirits; Italian Wine Scholar; Texas Tech: Current Graduate Student of Viticulture
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years
What made you first interested?
I studied abroad for something random for my Business degree at Texas Tech. I went to Tuscany and within 3 days I knew I wanted to become a Sommelier. Italy will change your life.
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: 2 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.
Max Vater
Experience: Retired After 20+ Years in the Beverage Industry; ISG: Intermediate Wine Certificate; WSET: Level 1 in Wines
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 15+ Years
What made you first interested?
My wife's profession as a catering director of a major hotel group drew me into the industry.
Raymond Vines
Mirek von Springer
Experience: Sommerlier, Wine Buyer, Wine Director
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What are your tips for others?
Be open minded
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: 3 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.
Nicole Willis
Experience: 20+ years in the wine industry
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 22 Years
What are your tips for others?
Don't hate anything on the first sip. (Almost) everything deserves a second sip; especially if it is a varietal you are not familiar with.
Andrew Wright
Experience: Licensed and practicing attorney, CMS-USA Certified Sommelier, Italian Wine Scholar
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 5 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I love supporting this great event and meeting all the amazing wine professionals and volunteers.