Try These Winners of Rodeo Houston’s Annual Wine Competition at H-E-B
It’s time to dust off that cowboy hat and strap on your favorite pair of boots because the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has finally made its triumphant return! Did you know there’s a committee called
Rodeo Uncorked! who takes part in an annual International Wine Competition? The best part is you can pick up bottles of the competition winners at your local H-E-B.
Why H-E-B Supports Rodeo Uncorked!
Rodeo Houston’s International Wine Competition was first held in 2004 with 217 entries. To give you a frame of reference for how much the contest has taken off since then, this year’s entries totaled 2,800 wines from around the world. “We aim to be the most respected and reputable wine competition and auction in the country,” says Vice-Chairman of Judging, Rodeo Uncorked!, Monique G. Studak.
“The purpose of the competition has many components,” explains Studak, including
1) raising awareness of the Texas
wine industry,
2) introducing Rodeo patrons to the outstanding quality and values available in today’s wines and
3) to spread the word about the educational and charitable aspects of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, supporting both Texas agriculture and Texas students via scholarship money.
In 2022, over 2,000 volunteers participated, while 120 judges evaluated the entries. Since winners are awarded with one-of-a-kind saddles and buckles, you can find these propped up at wineries in not just Texas and
California, but also as far away as Australia, Germany, Argentina, and South Africa.
Jamie Shamburger, Wine Manager at H-E-B’s Bunker Hill Market, says “at the end of the day, both H-E-B and Rodeo Uncorked! are about supporting Texas business, Texas agriculture, and Texas education.”
The more wines from the International Wine Competition that are stocked at H-E-B stores across Texas, the more wineries will want to participate in the wine competition to have that same opportunity. Best of all, more wineries participating means more money for the education of Texas kids.
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Recent Rodeo International Wine Competition Winners to Try
H-E-B Wine Favorites are wines that are sure to deliver outstanding quality for their price. Of the wine favorites selected by expert H-E-B Wine Buyers, 6 were recently named as International Wine Competition winners.
■ 2017 J Lohr Cuvee Pau
Named Grand Champion Best of Show, Cuvee PAU from J Lohr
Vineyards is a near-perfect wine. Typically, the Rodeo Grand Champion retails for over $100, making this gem an absolute steal. “I’m excited to have a big winner that is a little more budget-friendly,” Shamburger says.
“It’s a truly outstanding wine for only $50.” Dense and structured with notes of cherry, plum, and cigar smoke, this is a limited-release Bordeaux-inspired blend.
■ 2019 Alexander Valley Vineyards Homestead Red
Alexander Valley Vineyards is always a strong rodeo performer, and this year their winery is taking home 6 gold medals. Their Homestead Red took the Gold Medal in the category of Other Red Wine Blends.
Blending half a dozen different grapes (Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah) and offering tasting notes of blueberry, cassis, spice, and vanilla, this cooler vintage is lush and juicy.
■ 2018 J Vineyards California Chardonnay
Previously owned by Judy Jordan of Jordan Vineyards, J Vineyards has been making wine in Sonoma County for over 30 years. The oak is wellintegrated and perfectly balanced by the bright acidity on the finish.
Fruity with notes of green apple, apricot, vanilla, and almond, it’s easy to see why this wine took the Gold Medal for best Oaked Chardonnay. Try pairing this one with roasted chicken, creamy brie, or lemon pasta!
■ 2018 Klinker Brick Cabernet Sauvignon
Klinker Brick wines won Double Gold in three categories at this year’s competition, including for their Cabernet Sauvignon in the $17-$19 range. With tasting notes of blueberry, cassis, and cherry, Shamburger recommends you pair the wine with smokey brisket, blue cheese, or lamb chops.
■ 2020 Chloe Pinot Grigio
Made by Romanian winemaker Georgetta Dane, this wonderful product hales from the cool climate of Valdadige in Northern Italy.
A gorgeous bright color with notes of peach, crisp apple, and honeysuckle, Shamburger adds that Chloe Pinot Grigio is extremely food-friendly, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken, creamy sauces, and fresh seafood.
■ 2019 Messina Hof Artist Series Sangiovese
Here is your chance to support a true artisan of Texas wine! Messina Hof took home a Gold Medal at the Rodeo International Wine Competition as Class Champion of New World Sangiovese and Sangiovese Blends. Thanks to its balanced flavors of tart cherries, strawberries, and a hint of earthiness, this is a remarkable wine to pair with pulled pork, pizza, or manchego cheese.
Supporting Your Local Texas Wineries
“H-E-B is all about Texans helping Texans, and this includes supporting our Texas Wine Industry!” Shamburger says, having been with H-E-B herself for 11 years. “Texas growers and winemakers have changed the landscape of Texas Wine, even in my short time in the industry.”
True to what Shamburger points out, farmers and winemakers in the Lone Star State are currently hard at work pioneering new varietals and growing methods with every vintage. In fact, some Texas wineries are starting to garner real national acclaim.
“If you don’t think you like Texas wine, I encourage you to find your local H-E-B Wine Steward and start that conversation,” Shamburger challenges people. “We have some real gems that will impress even the most skeptical buyers. In my opinion, there’s never been a more exciting time to get into Texas wine!”
Plan Your Next Tasting
All 6 HLSR International Wine Competition winning wines are available at H-E-B stores in Houston. To add one, two, or all of these H-E-B wine favorites to your shopping cart, head to