Cast Your Vote for the

2026 Sonoma County Tourism 
Stars of the Industry Awards!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for our 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards! Over 170 deserving nominations were received and narrowed down to three finalists in each category. Voting is now open! Learn more about each finalist and cast your vote today! Voting is open through Friday, May 15, at 5pm. Please note that voting is limited to one ballot per person, per day.

2026 Stars of the Industry Finalists:

1) Front of the House (Non-Manager)

  • Minnete Huyoa, Front Office Supervisor, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
  • Tina Perez, Guest Services Coordinator, Safari West
  • Andy Tester, Tasting Room/Wine Ambassador, Limerick Lane Cellars


2) Front of the House (Manager)

  • Susan Goodacre, Director of Food and Beverage Operations, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
  • Margarito Rebolledo, Assistant Manager/Bar Manager, Stark's Steak & Seafood
  • Luchrista Young, Restaurant Manager, The Tides Wharf


3) Heart of the House (Non-Manager)

  • Tarcicio Garcia, Gardener, Dry Creek Vineyard
  • Artemio Perez Garcia, Dishwasher, Costeaux French Bakery
  • Berenice Villegas, Laundry Attendant, Hotel Centro Tapestry Collection by Hilton


4) Heart of the House (Manager)

  • Frank Amante, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club
  • Heather Bishop, General Manager, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
  • Adam Gale, Chef de Cuisine, Enclos Restaurant


5) Rising Star

  • Jennifer Lopez, Owner/Founder, Shugcuterie
  • Carson Pedlar, Rooms Supervisor, The Lodge at Bodega Bay
  • Jacob Poorman, Server, Valette


6) Environmental Stewardship/Sustainable Practices

  • Gravenstein Apple Fair
  • Little Saint
  • Refill Mercantile


7) Customer Experience

  • Bricoleur Vineyards
  • Fleur Sauvage Chocolates
  • Lynmar Estate Winery


8) Lodging Property of the Year

  • Inn at Occidental
  • San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
  • Vinarosa Resort & Spa


9) Community Enrichment

  • The Backdrop
  • Rainbow Cattle Company
  • Reeve Wines and BloodRoot Wines


10) Best Tourism Partnership

  • Appellation Crafted Experiences
  • North Maker Arts District
  • Sonoma County Winegrowers & San Francisco Giants


11) Champion of the Industry

  • Lindsay Darrimon, Proprietor, Beaux Maison, and VP, Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts
  • Margaret Grahame, Project and Community Manager, Timber Cove Resort
  • Oded Shakked, Winemaker/Owner, Longboard Vineyards


12) Visitor Center Program of the Year

  • California Welcome Center, Santa Rosa
  • Russian River Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
  • Windsor Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center


13) Visitor Center Volunteer/Staff Member of the Year

  • Denyce Carillo, Windsor Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
  • Brianna Gilliam, California Welcome Center, Santa Rosa
  • Beverly Harris, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 10, during the 6th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards dinner and ceremony at The Event at Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park. A reception will be held from 5 to 6pm, followed by a dinner and awards program immediately after. 


EARLY BIRD tickets for the event are currently available at $75 each or $600 for a table of 8 until May 15. Beginning May 16, tickets will be priced at $95 each or $675 for a table of 8 until capacity is reached.


If you have any questions regarding the event, please reach out to our team at CommunityEngagement@sonomacounty.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Sponsorships are still available for this sell-out event! We expect between 350 and 400 attendees to celebrate our nominees. 


Please reach out to Judy Groverman Walker at judy@jgwevents.com for additional information.

Sonoma County Tourism | sonomacounty.com

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