12th Annual Temecula Valley Xenia Hospitality Awards

The Xenia Hospitality awards are presented by Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) and are awarded to tourism businesses and individuals who have displayed exemplary hospitality and service to our visitors and community members. The awards were named from the Greek word "Xenia", which is defined as the concept of hospitality, or generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home.

VTV is a membership-based organization, but recipients of the Xenia Awards are not required to be VTV members. VTV members in good standing may nominate a member or nonmember, individual or themselves for the awards. The Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year will be presented at the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala in March and the seven (7) additional awards are presented at the Xenia Hospitality Award luncheon in April.

2023 Winners

360 Video Booth Gallery Photos

2022 Xenia Award Nominees

See All Award Categories

Welty Award For Tourism Professional of the Year

Bill Wilson - Wilson Creek Winery
Damian Doffo - Doffo Winery
Patricia O'Brien - Danza del Sol Winery
Alex & Charity Prestifilippo - Gourmet Italia
Luis Gonzalez - Temecula Life
John & Kim Kelliher - Grapeline Wine Tours
John Goldsmith - Europa Village Wineries & Resort

Hospitality Award

Sidecar Tours Inc.
Danza del Sol Winery
Doffo Winery
Avensole Winery
Temecula Valle Balloon & Wine Festival
Peltzer Farm & Winery
Oak Mountain Winery
Barefoot Vacation Rentals
Falkner Winery
Galway Downs Equestrian Center
The Goat & Vine
Grazing Theory
E.A.T. Marketplace

Ambassador Award

Luis Gonzalez - Temecula Life
Brandie Newman - Temecula Stampede
Walter Carter - Danza del Sol Winery
John Kelliher - Grapeline Wine Tours
Jaime Castellanos - Bluewater Grill Temecula
Mary Gehrman - Temecula Life App
Sara Crapes - Masia de la Vinya Winery

The Golden Tap Brewery of the Year

Kevin Dyer-Black Market Brewing
Ironfire Brewing Company

Champion Culinary Award

Chef Matt Steffen - Cork|Fire Kitchen
Gourmet Italia
Chef Hany Ali - Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Chris Chang - YouandI Sushi
Chef Albert Park - South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Chef Taylor Israelsen- Avensole Winery
Bluewater Grill Restaurant
Alex Prestifilippo
PokePort
Chef Darnice Calhoun - E.A.T. Marketplace
Oak Grove Culinary Creations

Social Media Award

Temecula Life
Cable Car Wine Tours
Falkner Winery
Doffo Winery
City of Temecula: Community Services Department
Avensole Winery
A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Peltzer Farm & Winery
Grazing Theory
JDS Creative Academy

Cilurzo Award for Winery of the Year

Peltzer Winery
Bottaia Winery
Wilson Creek Winery

Spotlight on Service Recipients

Recipient List

Mandi Kramer - Public House
Hanna Mill - Staples 79 S.
Aspen Snider - Crush & Brew
Lester Sunga - Crush & Brew
Selena Flint - Small Barn Old Town
Brittany Russell - Be Good Restaurant & Experience
Jeff Beck - Be Good Restaurant & Experience
Zachary Laufer - Bolero at Europa Village
Cathy Hitz - Wilson Creek Winery
Arian Kemp - 1882 Cantina (Pechanga)
Kalie Sauceda - Lazy Dog Café
Ramon Ascencio - Journey's End Restaurant (Pechanga)
Jake Cruz - The Customer Service Experts (Promenade Express - Train)
Sharon Bonham - A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
Angela Vredenburg - The Goat & Vine