Awards Nominations are open. Calling all wine industry professionals and Willamette Valley wine lovers.
January 12, 2026 (Willamette Valley, OR) — This is the second annual celebration of “the people behind hospitality” in the Willamette Valley. The nominations are designed to call out the direct-to-consumer sales personalities who enhance and elevate the experience of tasting and buying wine in the Willamette Valley. Voting reopens for the entire month of January.
Please vote and nominate the Cellar Stars you’d like to acknowledge
The Cellar Stars Awards event was created as a positive networking experience that strengthens community connections, and honors the hospitality professionals who create unforgettable guest experiences and embody the spirit of wine country.
“Tasting rooms are often a visitor’s first and most lasting impression of a wine region, where stories are shared, questions are welcomed, and moments slow down. Cellar Stars recognizes the tasting rooms that consistently create unique spaces and experiences where guests feel at ease, inspired, and genuinely connected to the place and people behind the wine,” says Kristin Baxter, event founder.
IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW
- Wine Industry and General public nominations: January 2026
- Wine Industry and General public voting for finalists: February 2026
- Categories include: Best New Tasting Room, Best Customer Experience, Best Staff, Best Special Events, Best Tour Operator, Most Dog Friendly, Best Staff, Best Overall, Best Outdoor area
- Cellar Stars Social: April 21, 2026, at Abbey Road Farm
Get tickets to the April 21st Cellar Stars Industry Social here
Who will YOU nominate this year?
ABOUT CELLAR STARS AWARDS
Cellar Stars Awards celebrate excellence in the wine industry by recognizing standout Willamette Valley tasting rooms that provide exceptional hospitality, innovative offerings, and outstanding service. While there are many ways to be recognized for great wine in the Valley, the Cellar Stars shine a spotlight on the experiences that make these tasting rooms truly special.
This unique awards program allows wine enthusiasts and industry professionals to nominate and vote for their favorite tasting rooms across various categories. Join us as we honor the best of the best in hospitality and celebrate the artistry and dedication that make these tasting rooms true ‘Cellar Stars.’
