2027 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition Entries Now Being Accepted!
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has selected Northern Italy as the Featured Wine Region for the 2027 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. The designation will highlight wines from eight regions: Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, Aosta Valley, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
Northern Italy was chosen for its diversity of climates, grape varieties, and wine styles. While many consumers are already familiar with wines such as Pinot Grigio and Prosecco, the featured region will also give Rodeo guests and competition judges opportunities to explore wines such as Soave and Franciacorta, along with the area’s many red, white, and sparkling selections.
Rodeo wine leaders consider several factors when selecting a featured region, including industry trends, production, availability in Texas, and the potential to introduce consumers to something new. The designation also supports the Rodeo’s focus on agriculture and education by helping people learn more about the growers, regions, and traditions behind the wines they enjoy.
The Rodeo Uncorked! competition will remain international in scope. More than 3,000 wines from over 1,500 brands and a record 25 countries were entered in the 2026 competition. Northern Italy is expected to contribute approximately 150 to 300 entries in 2027, supported by outreach to wineries, distributors, trade organizations, and other industry partners.
Entries Now Being Accepted
Entries for the 2027 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition will be accepted from Aug. 1 to Oct. 12, 2026. Entries received and paid by Sept. 7, 2026, will be eligible for a discounted entry fee. The 24th annual Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition will be held Nov. 13 – 15, 2026, at Reliant Center.
Wineries interested in participating can find entry information and key deadlines on the Rodeo Uncorked! webpage: https://www.rodeohouston.com/rodeo-uncorked-wine/
