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.
