Renowned Temecula Winery Also Ranks Top Five in USA Today’s Best Winery Restaurants 2024
Leoness Cellars, a celebrated winery and restaurant in the picturesque Temecula Valley, has once again been honored for its exceptional winemaking prowess. In the latest review by Wine Enthusiast, six of its selections earned impressive 90+ point scores, further cementing Leoness as a must-visit destination for wine lovers. In addition, Leoness Cellars’ restaurant was recently ranked in the top five best winery restaurants in the nation by USA Today, which has been praised for its stunning Temecula Valley setting and culinary team that masterfully fuses French cooking techniques with modern Californian cuisine to create a diverse menu designed to pair beautifully with its award-winning wines. These recognitions serve as a continued testament to Leoness Cellars' unwavering commitment to producing wines of the highest caliber while delivering a fine dining experience for visitors from around the world.
Leoness Cellars’ six 90+ point wines include:
2021 VS Syrah Alessandro Vineyard, Summit Block (92 points) – This Syrah stands out with its intense flavors and remarkable aging potential. Wine Enthusiast writer-at-large, Matt Kettman notes, “Baked fruit and woodspice on the nose, with hickory smoke and rich berry flavors on the palate. Ideal for cellaring until 2039.”
2021 VS Syrah Alessandro Vineyard, Foundation Block (92 points) – Celebrated for its complexity, this wine offers a deep blend of rich fruit and earthy notes. Kettman describes it as featuring “roasted fig, black plum, and fig flavors, heavily spiced with nutmeg, clove and allspice.”
2021 VS Syrah Dragon’s Den Vineyard (92 points) – Known for its bold flavors and smooth, lingering finish, this Syrah boasts “Cabernet-like aromas of pepper, cocoa, and dried berry, with charred plum and berry flavors complemented by bay leaf and anise,” according to Kettman.
In addition to these standout selections, three other wines have also achieved critical acclaim but are currently sold out: The 2021 Signature Series Grande Mélange (91 points) captivated with its balanced ripe berries and subtle spice, while the 2021 Signature Series Eloquent (90 points) showcased Leoness Cellars' artistry with its rich, silky texture and refined barrel notes. Finally, the 2021 Signature Series Syrah (94 points) was celebrated as a collector’s item, praised by Wine Enthusiast for its rugged, earthy aromas and complex flavors.
In addition to its success with Wine Enthusiast, Leoness Cellars has also earned the distinction of ranking number five in USA Today’s 2024 list of Best Winery Restaurants in the United States. The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars has risen in prominence not only for its award-winning wines but also its “stunning views of both the vineyards and surrounding mountains, creating the perfect backdrop for dining and drinking.” USA Today describes The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars as a culinary gem, where seasonal fare, such as wild mushroom risotto and grilled local yellowtail, are expertly paired with Leoness Cellars' wine selections, creating an unparalleled dining experience. The accolade highlights the winery's commitment to excellence in both winemaking and hospitality.
“We are honored to receive these prestigious accolades from both Wine Enthusiast and USA Today,” said Rebaux Steyn, CEO and co-founder of Temecula Valley Winery Management and owner of Leoness Cellars. “Crafting exceptional wines and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests is the cornerstone of what we do. We are proud to be recognized for our achievements in both areas.”
As Leoness Cellars continues to garner recognition for its exceptional wines and dining experiences, guests are invited to explore all that the winery has to offer. Whether through guided wine tours, educational tastings, dining or weddings and special events, Leoness Cellars delivers the perfect wine experience in the heart of Temecula Valley. To learn more, visit www.leonesscellars.com.
ABOUT LEONESS CELLARS: Founded in 2002, Leoness Cellars is a prestigious winery and restaurant situated in the scenic Temecula Valley of Southern California. Renowned for its exceptional wines and innovative approach, Leoness Cellars offers a rich array of experiences, including guided wine tastings, immersive vineyard tours, a vibrant wine club membership program and engaging wine education sessions. Guests can savor a unique dining experience at the top-rated Restaurant at Leoness, which features a sophisticated blend of French cooking techniques and modern Californian cuisine curated to create a diverse menu that pairs beautifully with its wines. The estate also serves as an elegant venue for weddings and special events, providing an unparalleled setting for creating unforgettable memories. Discover more about Leoness Cellars and its offerings by visiting www.leonesscellars.com.
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