Winery’s National Brand Ambassador Recognized for His Indelible Mark on Local Community and Beyond
December 11, 2025 (Paso Robles, CA) — Hope Family Wines proudly shares that National Brand Ambassador CJ Gormley has earned the prestigious “2025 Hospitality Star” award from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA), the official trade and marketing organization representing the world-renowned Paso Robles wine country.
This distinction is part of PRWCA’s annual Community Wine Awards, which “recognize individuals and organizations that make Paso Robles Wine Country a better place to live and work.” The Community Wine Awards span four categories: Vineyard Worker of the Year, Cellar Worker of the Year, Hospitality Star, and Environmental Steward. PRWCA members nominate and vote on their peers to determine the final selections.
Gormley is a dynamic force of hospitality who leads Hope Family Wines’ trade and educational tasting experiences. He is beloved for his wine expertise, educational skills, warm personality and enthusiastic love for Paso Robles—qualities that have culminated in this award.
“CJ’s welcoming spirit, deep knowledge and engaging style reflect the best of Paso Robles,” said Owner-Winemaker Austin Hope. “Whether he’s hosting guests in our tasting cellar, representing us at special events, or sharing our story nationwide, he lights up every room and always draws a crowd. This award is a testament to both his professional skills and his flair for authentic connection.”
Gormley has been in the hospitality field for more than 10 years, including luxury hospitality positions in Las Vegas before returning to the Central Coast to work in the wine industry. He joined Hope Family Wines in 2021 as Brand Ambassador and was promoted to National Brand Ambassador in January of this year. In this expanded role, Gormley travels to accounts, distributors and events across the nation to lead wine seminars, brand education meetings, staff trainings, in-store experiences and wine dinners. When not on the road, he frequently hosts VIP trade groups at the Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar and Hope on Park in downtown Paso Robles.
“The Paso Robles community inspired me to fall in love with hospitality on a much deeper level,” Gormley said. “Hospitality here is almost an art form. It’s distinctive and completely next level compared to so many other destinations. I’m proud to represent the story of Paso Robles and Hope Family Wines across the country, and the fact that this award comes from my peers makes it all the more meaningful and humbling.”
About Hope Family Wines
Hope Family Wines is one of the pioneering heritage wineries that helped spark the modern winemaking era in Paso Robles. Owner & Winemaker Austin Hope grew up in Paso Robles as the son of winegrowers Chuck and Marlyn Hope, from whom he inherited his love and respect for the region. Hope Family Wines today spans six brands that exemplify the world-class quality and diversity of Paso Robles: Austin Hope, Treana, Quest, Austin, Liberty School and Troublemaker. In the fall of 2022, Hope Family Wines was named “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast’s annual Wine Star Awards. Most important, Hope Family Wines works with 50 partner growers and a dedicated family of employees who make it all possible. More at HopeFamilyWines.com.
