Industry Expert Judges

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Winemaker, Builder, Visionary
Marshall Stuart’s story is one of grit, vision, and deep-rooted passion—for the land, for craftsmanship, and for wine. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Marshall has carved a unique path as both a seasoned general engineering contractor and a pioneering force in Southern California’s wine industry.
His professional journey began in 1976 with a focus on construction equipment and trucking operations. By 1979, he had developed his own 20-acre property, building not only his first home but also an 80’x60’ commercial steel structure—laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong legacy in construction and development. In 1985, he formalized this expertise under the banner of Marshall Stuart Contracting, taking on large-scale general engineering projects across California.
Marshall’s transition into the world of wine was born not out of trend, but out of genuine curiosity and a desire to grow something meaningful. In 1988, while working alongside Carl Key at Keyways Winery in Temecula, Marshall immersed himself in the hands-on process of winemaking. He went on to complete formal studies in Viticulture, Enology, and Winemaking at the University of California, Davis—home to one of the most prestigious programs in the field. It was during this time that his identity as a winemaker began to take root.
In 1994, fueled by the success of his construction business, Marshall purchased 40 acres in Temecula. Four years later, he built and opened Stuart Cellars, a winery that quickly became one of the region’s most respected. His wines—particularly his signature red blends—drew acclaim for their bold character and balance. Stuart Cellars stood not just as a winery, but as a testament to Marshall’s philosophy: that wine, like great construction, is all about structure, balance, and attention to detail.
After selling Stuart Cellars in 2010, Marshall’s influence in the Temecula Valley wine scene only deepened. He collaborated with the principals of Lorimar Winery, helping them develop a brand and product line that elevated the region’s reputation. His wines—often rich and expressive, yet approachable—continued to earn accolades and loyal fans.
In 2013, Marshall launched Off the Vine Into Wine, a venture focused on wine production, custom crush, and bulk wine sales. The company became an essential partner for many small wineries in Southern California, offering everything from vineyard services to equipment like Pellenc harvesters and high-capacity sprayers—tools that revolutionized vineyard efficiency across the valley.
Two years later, in 2015, Marshall debuted his own personal label: Marshall Stuart Fine Wines. With a focus on quality over quantity, the label offers handcrafted wines that reflect both the terroir of Temecula and Marshall’s refined winemaking style. In 2024, the brand opened its first official tasting room inside the historic Vail Headquarters—a move that marked a return to Marshall’s roots as both a builder and vintner.
In addition to his wine ventures, Marshall founded Stuart Ryan, Inc. in 2020, a construction and development firm dedicated to projects within the wine and agriculture sectors. That same year, he acquired an additional 20 acres of plantable land—fueling speculation about yet another future winery development.
Throughout it all, Marshall has maintained an active construction consulting practice, specializing in general engineering, earthwork, structural foundations, and vertical builds. His unique blend of hands-on building knowledge and agricultural intuition has made him a sought-after advisor in the region.
Marshall is known not just for his wines, but for his character. He is a builder of things that last—buildings, vineyards, businesses, and relationships. Influenced by legends like Eugene Seghesio and Robert Mondavi, Marshall often recalls Seghesio’s words: “Once you get the wine in your blood, you can never get away from it.”
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.

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. 

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.

A preeminent voice in ethical farming and slow food culture, Drew Deckman is chef & co-owner of Deckman’s Restaurant Group. Alongside his wife and business partner, Paulina Deckman, their concepts include several MICHELIN-starred and MICHELIN Green-starred restaurants in Baja, Mexico, including Deckman’s en el Mogor and Conchas de Piedra, alongside their newly opened restaurant, 31ThirtyOne, in San Diego, CA. 

Outside of his kitchens, Chef Deckman applies his passionate ethics and knowledge of food systems to his roles as a board member of the Sustainable Seafood Foundation, an active member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force by Seafood Watch, and a culinary advisor for Meals on Wheels. Drew is also the host/producer of Ingrediente: Mexico, a new docuseries highlighting Mexico's rich culinary heritage and local producers which aries on Amazon Prime.

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.