Hope Family Wines brand ambassador receives Paso Robles hospitality award
CJ Gormley.
– CJ Gormley of Hope Family Wines has been named the 2025 Hospitality Star by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
The alliance announced the recognition as part of its annual Community Wine Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that contribute to Paso Robles Wine Country as a place to live and work. The awards include four categories: vineyard worker of the year, cellar worker of the year, hospitality star, and environmental steward. Members of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance nominate and vote on recipients.
Gormley serves as national brand ambassador for Hope Family Wines, where he leads trade and educational tasting experiences. His role includes representing the winery at events and hosting tasting experiences for trade and industry groups.
“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 worked in the hospitality field for more than 10 years. His background includes 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.
In his current role, Gormley travels to accounts, distributors, and events across the country, where he leads wine seminars, brand education meetings, staff trainings, in-store experiences, and wine dinners. When he is not traveling, he hosts 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.”
