The Beginning of Leoness Cellars
Award Winning Winery In Temecula Valley, CA
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.
Our Vineyard and Winemaking Philosophy
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.
The Leoness Experience in Temecula
Commitment to Quality and Hospitality
Estate Grown Winemaking at Leoness Cellars
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.
Stage Ranch Farm Management Founded
Gary Winder grew up farming alongside his father. After earning a degree in Agriculture from Cal Poly Pomona, he moved to Temecula Valley and founded Stage Ranch Farm Management, focusing on citrus and avocado farming.
First Vineyard Partnerships
Gary Winder partnered with farmer Mike Rennie when Temecula viticulturist John Moramarco asked them to manage their first 100 acres of leased vineyards in the valley.
Wine Grape Expansion
Stage Ranch Farm Management began supplying premium wine grapes to wineries across Temecula Valley, Paso Robles, and Napa.
First Estate Vineyard
Gary Winder and Mike Rennie purchased a twenty acre Rolling Hills property and hand planted their first estate vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon using select clones and rootstocks.
Leoness Cellars Founded
Leoness Cellars was founded on the Rolling Hills Vineyard Estate. The first tasting room opened inside a converted tractor pole barn.
First Wedding at Leoness
Leoness Cellars hosted its first wedding, celebrating winemaker Tim Kramer and his bride Denise.
Hilltop Tasting Room Opens
A new tasting room opened on a hilltop overlooking the Rolling Hills Vineyard Estate along the De Portola Wine Trail.
Historic Wine Recognition
Leoness Cellars became the first winery in Temecula history to earn four consecutive 90 point wine scores from Wine Enthusiast and Connoisseurs Guide.
Winemaker of the Year
Tim Kramer was named Inland Empire Winemaker of the Year by Inland Empire Magazine.
The Restaurant at Leoness Opens
The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars opened, introducing refined alfresco dining to the De Portola Wine Trail.