Industry Expert Judges

---

John Robert Eppler is a master winemaker with over 30 years of experience whose journey from wine enthusiast to celebrated vintner spans Texas, Napa Valley, and Southern California.

His passion for wine was ignited when a glass of 1961 Grand Cru Burgundy changed his life forever — "I never tasted anything that good before – it was a representation of the promise of wine." In 1974, he deepened his knowledge working in the wine cellar at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, where he became a wine steward and sommelier. After encountering a small Burgundy producer whose dedication to winemaking inspired him, he returned to school for a degree and moved to California in 1986.

John went on to work in Napa Valley for Robert Mondavi and Rosenblum Cellars before launching his own label. He classifies himself as a farmer first, and built John Robert Eppler Wines into a small-production operation crafting around 3,500 cases annually — including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fumé Blanc, and Chardonnay. His wines, sourced from prestigious appellations including Rutherford and Howell Mountain, earned him a loyal following across the country. 

John now brings over 30 years of Napa Valley experience to Forgotten Barrel Winery, a charming historic estate in Escondido, California, where he crafts premium handcrafted wines using fruit sourced from Napa, Sonoma, the Central Coast, and San Diego County. His arrival in the region has been celebrated as a major boost to San Diego's growing wine scene.

Marshall Stuart is a Southern California entrepreneur with nearly 50 years of experience spanning construction and winemaking. He began his career in 1976 in construction, eventually founding Marshall Stuart Contracting in 1985.

His pivot into wine started in 1988 through hands-on work at a Temecula winery, followed by formal studies at UC Davis. He opened Stuart Cellars in 1998, which became one of Temecula Valley's most respected wineries before he sold it in 2010. He later launched Off the Vine Into Wine (2013), a custom crush and vineyard services company, and his personal label Marshall Stuart Fine Wines (2015), which opened a tasting room in 2024.

He also founded Stuart Ryan, Inc. in 2020, a construction firm focused on wine and agriculture projects, and continues to consult in general engineering.

At his core, Marshall is a builder — of structures, vineyards, and brands — guided by the belief that wine and construction share the same principles: structure, balance, and attention to detail.
Now with decades of experience behind him and more projects on the horizon, Marshall Stuart continues to shape the landscape of Temecula Valley—one barrel, one building, and one bold idea at a time.

Tami Wong is one of San Diego's most respected wine professionals — a Certified Sommelier, educator, entrepreneur, and champion of women in the wine industry.

Tami's roots in the hospitality world run deep, with early memories of working in her family's restaurants — from her grandmother's Rainbow Café in Brookings, South Dakota, to her father's Windsong in Colorado Springs. She eventually planted roots in San Diego, passing her Certified Sommelier exam through the Court of Master Sommeliers in December 2007.

A lifelong veteran of restaurants, Tami was the second San Diegan to be chosen by Wine & Spirits Magazine as one of the six Best New Sommeliers in 2014, and in 2015 she received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for her wine list at Juniper and Ivy. 

She is known for her roles as Wine Director at La Valencia Hotel and Juniper & Ivy, and for founding Stay Classy Selections, the first wholesale distributor dedicated to San Diego County wine and cider. She also serves as a wine judge for multiple competitions, including the San Diego International Wine Competition and the Sommelier Challenge.

Jaime Rueda is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in wine retail, corporate training, and management. His extensive expertise in the industry is backed by prestigious certifications, including:

• Certified Sommelier – Court of Master Sommeliers• Certified Specialist of Wine – Society of Wine Educators• Level III Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits – WSET

As a Corporate Trainer and Manager for one of the West Coast’s largest wine retailers, Jaime has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of wine professionals. He has co-authored and facilitated Basic Wine Fundamentals, along with advanced courses in French and Italian wine studies, educating hundreds of students each year.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jaime is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He organizes charitable wine events benefiting Toys for Tots and the Escondido Police Athletic League (PAL), using his passion for wine to support meaningful causes that uplift children and local communities.

Christian Garcia is a San Diego native. He was raised in North County San Diego and has always called this area home.
After graduating high school, Christian attended UC Irvine where he received his bachelors  After college, Christian served in the United States Peace Corps in Cambodia for two years where he served as a teacher for two years. After coming back home, Christian received his masters degree in public policy from USC. 
In 2020, he got elected to the board of Palomar College. In Janaury 2023, he was was appointed onto the city council and elected to serve in 2024.
His hobby and passion has always been in the culinary arts. In 2017, Christian moved to Costa Rica to work on a coffee farm and learn about the industry. From 2018-2020, Christian and his wife visited nearly 100 vineyards in California and Mexico to take tours, classes and tastings. He has been a member of several wine clubs and has taken certified wine courses to grow is knowledge for his passion. 

Embarking on a remarkable journey from the challenges of a humble childhood. Born without a legacy and facing the harsh realities of homelessness on the streets of San Diego, Richard's determination to forge his own legacy led him to the path of becoming a winemaker and Sommelier. Montano Wines, the embodiment of his resilience and unwavering passion, stands as a testament to overcoming adversity and his commitment to community and family.

Today, Richard Montano not only wears the hat of a seasoned Sommelier but stands as a symbol of triumph, enriching communities and championing the values of family. In every aspect of his life, his commitment shines through, and this commitment is poured into every bottle of Montano Wines. As you indulge in the exquisite flavors curated by Richard, you're not just sipping on wine; you're partaking in a legacy that he hopes will be passed down through generations. 

In crafting Montano Wines, Richard brings a unique perspective to the world of wine, creating a space that is not just about the wine in the bottle but about the stories woven into each sip. The warm and inviting experience of Montano Wines reflects not only the craftsmanship of the Sommelier but also the tales of resilience and the joy of discovery that lie within every drop.