About Leoness Cellars
Leoness’ 50-year farming history is the inspiration behind our lifelong quest to create world class wines from the finest vineyards in the Temecula Valley.
Nestled in the rolling hills and vineyards of Temecula’s Wine Country, Leoness Cellars offers a warm setting where visitors can enjoy award-winning wines, spectacular views and memorable experiences with family and friends.
Co-Founder Gary Winder’s working hands after 60 crop years
Farming — A Way of Life
Leoness Co-Founder Gary Winder began farming in Southern California in 1972 and founded Stage Ranch Farm Management with a focus on organic citrus and avocados. He quickly built a reputation in the valley for being a talented, high-quality farmer. Joined in 1989 by Leoness Cellars’ Co-Founder Mike Rennie, they focused on the growth of their newly acquired vineyard operations.
The Founding Fathers of Temecula Valley Agriculture, including John Moramarco, encouraged Gary and Mike to expand their vineyard footprint which led to the sale of grapes to world famous wineries in Central and Northern California, resulting in the acquisition of 60 vineyard acres, owned and leased, and over 450 acres contracted.
Growing — From Grapes to Glass
In 2002, Gary and Mike joined by Rebaux (General Manager), Jessica Steyn (Manager), Tim Kramer (Winemaker), Billy Bower (Farm Manager) and their families, formulated the idea for Leoness Cellars and its commitment to making world class wines on their 20 acre Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, known as Rolling Hills Vineyard. Early winemaking efforts led to the creation of Leoness Cellars’ renowned Port, the 2002 Meritage and Merlot blends and Leoness Cellars’ signature flavor profile.
Cultivating — Perfecting Our Craft
Leoness Cellars’ dedication to creating world class wines continues under the Steyn Family ownership. Strong emphasis on farming remains after 50 years of Temecula Valley agricultural stewardship. Leoness Cellars’ parent company, FLC, LLC, continues to advance Temecula Valley wine country and agriculture through agricultural research and development, expanding and supporting Temecula Valley’s winemaking community, and advocating best practices.
Leoness Cellars’ winemaking program uses grapes grown by Leoness Cellars exclusively, giving us complete control over the quality and exact specifications of our crops.
Great care is taken in selecting the right variety, clone and root stock, to best suit each vineyard block’s needs. Extreme care is taken in the winemaking process to ensure our wines perfectly reflect Temecula’s unique wine characteristics.
Among the wines produced at Leoness Cellars are Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Merlot, Muscat Canelli, and Cinsault Port, as well as small lots of other specially selected varietals.
Tim Kramer’s winemaking continues to gain recognition nationally, reflecting Temecula Valley’s true potential.
