Community Corner
Visit Temecula Valley's Top Hospitality, Tourism Professionals Receive 2024 Xenia Awards
Inspired by the Greek word "Xenia," which is defined as hospitality or generosity shown to Temecula travelers.
TEMECULA, CA—Over 400 people attended this year's Xenia Hospitality Award celebration at the Pechanga Resort Casino. Following the evening which showcased some of the best in hospitality that Temecula has to offer, Visit Temecula Valley announced the winners of the 14th Annual Xenia Hospitality Awards.
Each year, Visit Temecula Valley hosts professionals in the tourism and hospitality business, a cornerstone of the Temecula area, to recognize and honor outstanding tourism-related individuals and businesses, a spokesperson said. The name is inspired by the Greek word “Xenia,” which means hospitality or generosity shown to those far from home.
"Tourism plays a significant role in Temecula Valley. Travel-related hospitality jobs employ nearly 10,000 people, and recent data shows that the area attracts almost 3.5 million annual visitors," according to VTV. "Travel spending from outside visitors goes into the City of Temecula’s general fund, which enhances city residents’ quality of life through road improvements, public safety, and beautification."
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Scott A. Wilson, CEO and President of Visit Temecula Valley, shared his thoughts on the evening.
"The Xenia Awards are all about celebrating those who go the extra mile to create amazing, unforgettable experiences for our visitors," Wilson said. "Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their incredible work – you’re all rock stars and you do so much to make Temecula a premiere travel destination.”
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The Xenia Awards were presented in 12 categories:
- Ambassador Award
- Champion Culinary Award
- Cilurzo Winery of the Year Award
- Dining Excellence Award
- Golden Tap Brewery of the Year Award
- Hospitality Award
- Innkeeper’s Choice Award
- Outdoor Adventure Pioneer Award
- Social Media Award
- Spotlight on Service Award
- Service Star of Hospitality Award
- Welty Award
Arguably the most impactful individual award, the Spotlight on Service recognition, identifies and honors front-line hospitality workers “spotted” in the community providing exceptional service to guests. Members of the Visit Temecula Valley Hospitality Committee submit nominations.
2024 Xenia Spotlight on Service Award Recipients
- Abraham Marquez, Bolero at Europa Village
- Anthony Rodgers, The Brunch House Temecula
- Annie Diehl, E.A.T. Marketplace
- Armando Valencia, Brew Boyz Tacos
- Christy Johnson, Great Oak Insurance Solutions
- Danielle Powell, Peltzer Farm & Winery
- George Atkinson, Stryder Transportation
- Hunter Johnson, Somerset Vineyard & Winery
- Jim Jensen, Falkner Winery
- Julie Ngo, State Farm
- Karina Quiroz, Embassy Suites by Hilton Temecula Valley Wine Country
- Kayli Guadalupe, Uncle Bob's
- Keith Greene, Old Town Tire & Service
- Lorenzo Fulwider, Stryder Transportation
- Luis Martinez, Gourmet Italia
- Melody Ruiz, Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant
- Natalie Lee, Luke’s On Front
- Rebecca Farnbach, Temecula Valley Historical Society
- Roberto Sanchez, Pechanga Resort & Casino
- Ryan Latta, Wiens Cellars
- Sandra Crayton, Masia de la Vinya Winery
- Tina Delgado, Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences
- Valery Navarro, Devilicious Eatery
- Wendy Wells, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Each year, one outstanding Spotlight on Service Award recipient is singled out for consistently exceeding expectations and is presented with the Service Star of Hospitality Award. This year, the winner was Tina Delgado of Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences.
Additional Xenia Hospitality Award winners are as follows:
2024 Xenia Award Winners by Category
- Ambassador Award: Walter Carter, Danza del Sol Winery
- Champion Culinary Award: Christopher Gimeno, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
- Cilurzo Award for Winery of the Year: Altisima Winery
- Dining Excellence Award: Gourmet Italia
- Golden Tap Award: The Distillery at Oak Mountain Winery
- Hospitality Award: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
- Innkeeper’s Choice Award: Temecula Creek Inn
- Outdoor Adventure Pioneer Award: A Grape Escape Hot Air Balloon Adventure
- Social Media Award: 1909
2024 Xenia Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year
The 2024 Welty Award for tourism professional of the year was presented to Ken Smith, owner of Galway Downs, Danza del Sol Winery, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Cross Creek Golf Club, and Native Falls. This award is presented to someone who is innovative, creative, and inspiring and maintains a strong commitment to tourism in the Temecula Valley.
More information on Temecula Valley Xenia Hospitality Awards can be found here.
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