When veteran grape growers Mike Rennie and Gary Winder founded their winery in 2003, they chose the name Leoness Cellars, which means “village of dreams” in Gaelic.
Since then, many dreams have certainly come true at Leoness. The wines, born in premium vineyards that Mike and Gary were farming as early as 1990, have quite a following. Winemaker Tim Kramer continually strives to make the best wine possible to put Leoness Cellars on the map, and to build recognition for the Temecula Valley as well. His efforts have resulted in a stellar portfolio: four wines have earned 90+ points from some of the most respected wine publications in the United States. Leoness offers an impeccable three-tiered wine program: Cellar Selection wines are crafted to suit a range of palates; Vineyard Selection wines are handcrafted, small lot wines from single vineyards; and Signature Selection wines are blended for the utmost in elegance and character.
The winery’s dreamlike grounds and vineyards are decidedly romantic, making it one of Southern California’s most popular settings for wine country weddings. A dedicated ceremony lawn overlooks the winery’s estate Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard with vista views of the valley and mountains in the distance. A scenic vineyard path beckons guests from both the tasting room and the events lawn down to the winery’s enchanting barrel room, complete with chandeliers. It accommodates up to 350 guests.
The Restaurant at Leoness serves superb Mediterranean and French artisanal cuisine in an exquisite setting. Guests dine on seasonally prepared artisan appetizers, salads, and entrées created by Chef Daragh Matheson and beautifully paired with Leoness wines. Recently, Inland Empire Magazine named the restaurant the best al fresco dining experience in Temecula Valley wine country.
With exceptional wine, an idyllic location, gracious hospitality, and a romantic flair, Leoness Cellars has achieved and surpassed its founders' dream of creating the perfect wine experience for all of its visitors.
An Interview with Co-owner Mike Rennie
T&T: You often say you’re dedicated to providing your guests the perfect wine experience. Why?
MR: We want to go beyond our guest’s expectations. We have created an in-house wine and hospitality training program to assess and create what makes it “perfect” for each unique guest. And we believe that the more our guests learn about wine, the more they’ll enjoy it. That’s why we developed a self-guided vineyard tour. They can see and touch the vines and grapes in every stage: from flowering, to fruit set, to fruit development, and learn about what’s involved in viticulture. The self-guided tour puts them right in the middle of agriculture. We also offer extensive educational tours like Wine 101, to teach people how wine is made in different regions.
T&T: Your tasting room is so warm and inviting. Was it designed that way on purpose?
MR: Absolutely. Gary and I want to make people feel like they’re coming into our home. It’s a cozy place with a fireplace and both public and private tasting rooms. But, the focal point of our tasting room is the large windows looking out on Rolling Hill Vineyard. We’re a farming family and we want to remind people that a great wine’s journey begins in the vineyard.
T&T: As co-owner of Leoness, do you have any dreams for the next ten years?
MR: To continue to strive for perfection. Winemaking and viticulture are always in flux. There are always new techniques and new discoveries. My goal is to continue to refine Leoness as one of the premier wineries in Temecula, California, and the nation, for that matter.