Xenia Award Winners (L to R): John Kelliher, Grapeline Wine Tours; Dave Wilson and Tina Delgado, Destination Temecula Wine Tours & Experiences; Richelle Woodard and Taylor Israelson, Domenico’s Italian Chophouse at Truffle Pig Winery & Vineyards; Andrew Masiel, Sr., Pechanga Development Corporation; Samara and Luis Gonzalez, Temecula Life; Moe Raulfi and Akash Patel, Akash Winery & Vineyards.
Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) today announced the winners of the 15th Annual Xenia Hospitality Awards, honoring tourism-related businesses and individuals for displaying exemplary hospitality and service. Through hard work and commitment, they contribute to the growth of tourism in Temecula Valley, which generates more than $1 billion in revenue and attracts more than 3 million visitors each year.
The Xenia Awards ceremony was held at Pechanga Resort Casino with more than 300 guests in attendance, marking the largest audience in its 15-year history. The awards program is inspired by the Greek word “Xenia,” which is defined as the concept of hospitality or generosity shown to those who are far from home.
"Hospitality remains the heartbeat of our region's tourism, and the Xenia Awards celebrate the visionaries who turn a simple stay into a truly profound experience," said Chris Baily, Visit Temecula Valley Board Chair. "We’re incredibly proud to honor this year’s winners and recognize nominees for their relentless pursuit of excellence and their role in making Temecula a world-class destination."
Awards were presented in 11 categories, and the annual Spotlight on Service recognition was given to 23 hospitality workers and small business owners.
Xenia Awards categories are as follows:
- Ambassador Award
- Champion Culinary Award
- Cilurzo Award for Winery of the Year
- Dining Excellence Award
- Golden Tap of the Year Award
- Hospitality Award
- Innkeeper’s Choice Award
- Outdoor Adventure Pioneer Award
- Social Media Award
- Service Star of Hospitality Award
- Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year
The Spotlight on Service recognition identifies and honors front-line hospitality workers who are “spotted” in the community providing exceptional service to a visitor. Nominations are submitted by members of the Visit Temecula Valley Hospitality Committee.
2025 Xenia Spotlight on Service Recipients
Anthony Arreola, E.A.T. Marketplace
Jehan Assria, Margarita’s Cocina Y Cantina
Nikki Bedford, Chili’s Grill & Bar
Grace Betts, Marshall Stuart Wines
Dan Brow, The Bar Next Door
Miranda Burnette, Yogurt Island
Sara Cox, Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Julia Dunn, The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars
Som Eldridge, Bella Vista Vineyard & Winery
John Fackelman, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
Hannah Herbach, Small Barn
Anahii Jimenez, Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery
Amanda Kreyenhagen, Wiens Cellars
Gina LaMora, Grazing Theory
Christian Larsen, Kompoocha Brewing
Todd McGregor, The Bar Next Door
Victoria Monroy, Kompoocha Brewing
Marisol Ramos, Temecula Creek Inn
Moe Raulfi, Akash Winery & Vineyards
Michelle Starr, Richie’s Real American Diner
Elizabeth Tyler, Grapeline Wine Tours
Brandon Van Dam, Halter Ranch Temecula
James Wallace, Oak Mountain Winery
One Spotlight on Service recipient rose to the top and was selected for the Service Star of Hospitality Award. Moe Raulfi, Akash Winery & Vineyards, was honored for consistently exceeding expectations and setting a positive example for others.
Xenia Hospitality Award winners are as follows:
2025 Xenia Award Winners by Category
- Ambassador Award: Ken Smith, Cross Creek Golf Club
- Champion Culinary Award: Taylor Israelson, Domenico’s Italian Chophouse at Truffle Pig Winery
- Cilurzo Award for Winery of the Year: Akash Winery & Vineyards
- Dining Excellence Award: Domenico’s Italian Chophouse at Truffle Pig Winery
- Golden Tap of the Year: Oscar’s Brewing Company
- Hospitality Award: Grapeline Wine Tours
- Innkeeper’s Choice Award: Domaine Chardonnay Winery Estate & Luxury Guest Suites
- Outdoor Adventure Pioneer Award: Destination Temecula Tours
- Social Media Award: Temecula Life
2025 Xenia Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year
The 2025 Welty Award for tourism professional of the year was presented to Andrew Masiel, Sr., Pechanga Development Corporation. This award is presented to someone who is innovative, visionary, and maintains a strong commitment to tourism in the Temecula Valley.
More information on Temecula Valley Xenia Hospitality Awards can be found here.
About Visit Temecula Valley
Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(6) destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism-related businesses including wineries, restaurants, breweries, retail and specialty boutiques, hotels, and more. It is a popular destination that includes Southern California Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. For more information go to www.visittemeculavalley.com.