Travel
Temecula's Annual Xenia Award Nominees Named For 2026
These are some of the brightest names in local tourism and hospitality. See if your favorite restaurant, hotel or person is nominated.
TEMECULA, CA — Temecula runs on tourism, and the annual Xenia Hospitality Awards, presented annually by Visit Temecula Valley, will be awarded at a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 2 at Pechanga Casino Resort this year.
The Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year will be presented at the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
All remaining Xenia Hospitality Awards, including the Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year, will be presented at the Xenia Hospitality Awards Luncheon.
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"The awards honor tourism businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary hospitality and service to visitors and community members," a Visit Temecula Valley spokesperson said.
The awards take their name from the Greek word “Xenia,” which represents the concept of hospitality, defined as generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home.
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Visit Temecula Valley, a membership-based organization, holds the annual Xenia Hospitality Awards to recognize partners in good standing who exemplify outstanding service and commitment to the Temecula Valley visitor experience. Partners may nominate a fellow partner, an individual within their organization, or themselves for consideration.
See the nominees for 2026:
The Social Media Award Nominees Are:
E.A.T. Marketplace
Pechanga Resort Casino
Temecula Life
The New Inn
Van'N Boozy Wine Tour Adventures
The Champion Culinary Award Nominees Are:
Ever Fuentes, Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery
Jonathan Gelman, Leoness Cellars
Marcial Quintero, The Cave Restaurant at Oak Mountain Winery
Robin McCoy, Oak Grove Culinary Creations
Taylor Israelsen, Domenico’s Italian Chophouse at Truffle Pig Winery & Vineyards
The Ambassador Award Nominees Are:
Alicia Marshall, The New Inn
Cherise Manning, Grape Escape Balloon Adventures
Karena Leon, Oak Mountain Winery
Ken Smith, Galway Downs
Leah Di Bernardo, E.A.T. Marketplace
Rebecca Farnbach, Temecula Valley Historical Society
Tina Delgado, Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences
Victoria Gabourel, Temecula Salt Cave and Holistic Center
The Golden Tap of the Year Nominees Are:
Oscar's Brewing Company
Stone Church Brewing
The Hospitality Award Nominees Are:
Danza del Sol Winery
Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences
Grapeline Wine Tours
Leoness Cellars
Temecula Creek Inn
Temecula Wine Trolley Wine Tours
The New Inn
The Cilurzo Winery of the Year Award Nominees Are:
Akash Winery & Vineyards
Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Doffo Winery
Falkner Winery
Leoness Cellars
Oak Mountain Winery
Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery
Wiens Cellars
The Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year Nominees Are:
Andrew Masiel Sr., Pechanga Development Corporation
Rebaux Steyn, Leoness Cellars
The Dining Excellence Award Nominees are:
Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
Corkfire Kitchen
Domenico’s Italian Chophouse, Truffle Pig Winery & Vineyards
Flower Hill Bistro at Miramonte Winery
Haven Haus Cafe
Small Barn Old Town
The Brunch House
The Cave Restaurant at Oak Mountain Winery
The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars
The Innkeeper's Choice Award Nominees are:
Domaine Chardonnay Winery Estate & Luxury Guest Suites
Gaia Inn & Spa
Hilton Garden Inn Temecula
Pechanga Resort Casino
Villa Fabulosa
Villa Inn
The Outdoor Adventure Pioneer Award Nominees are:
California Trails By Horseback, California Ranch Company
Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences
Grapes & Gears UTV Tour, Danza del Sol Winery
Temecula Creek Golf Club
Wine Country Trails By Horseback, Inc.
The Service Star of Hospitality for the Year Award Nominees are:
Amanda Kreyenhagen, Wiens Cellars
Anahii Jimenez, Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery
Anthony Arreola, E.A.T. Marketplace
Christian Larsen & Victoria Monroy, Kompoocha Brewing
Elizabeth Tyler, Grapeline Wine Tours
Gina LaMora, Grazing Theory
Grace Betts, Marshall Stuart Wines
James Wallace, Oak Mountain Winery
Marisol Ramos, Temecula Creek Inn
Miranda Burnette, Yogurt Island
Moe Raulfi, Akash Winery & Vineyards
Sara Cox, Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Som Eldridge, Bella Vista Vineyard & Winery
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