WINE JUDGES
Monica Townsend
Experience: 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: 1 Year
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.
Seth Urbanek
Experience: Winemaker, William Chris Wine Co.; Master of Science - Enology, Cornell University
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 1 Year
What are your tips for others?
Try lots of different wines from different places, the same grape can have different expressions in different growing regions.
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.
Mirek von Springer
Experience: Sommelier; Wine Buyer; Wine Director
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: First Year
What are your tips for others?
Be open minded
Paul Warburton
Experience: CMS: Introductory Sommelier; ISG: Intermediate Wine Certificate; SWE: Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits; WSET: Level 3 in Wines; French Wine Scholar; Italian Wine Scholar; Certified Italian Wine Specialist; Certified Italian Wine Professional; Certified Sherry Wine Specialist ; Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 12 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I love the "buzz" of this competition and reconnecting with many great friends that I made over the years and, of course, it's all for a good cause.
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: 2 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: 21 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: Attorney and CMS-USA Certified Sommelier
Rodeo Uncorked! Judge: 4 Years
Favorite part of judging Rodeo Uncorked!
I love supporting this great event and meeting all the amazing wine professionals and volunteers.