The Los Angeles Tribune named Oak Mountain Winery, located in Temecula, CA as The Los Angeles Tribune 2024 Vineyard of the Year, a distinction that recognizes the vineyard for its exemplary innovation, forward-thinking practices, and unmatched vineyard experiences. This prestigious award celebrates the winery’s artistry, dedication to winemaking excellence, and its visionary approach to vineyard management.
The Los Angeles Tribune honored Johnny Leon, owner of Oak Mountain Winery and his team during a special awards ceremony that celebrated entrepreneurs and servant-leaders in southern California in December. Known for its artistry in winemaking and dedication to transforming what it means to visit a winery, Oak Mountain is redefining the gold standard in the industry. Their commitment to innovation, cultural expression, and enriching guest experiences showcases the transformative power of Vineyards in bringing people together and creating lasting memories.
For owner Leon, the award acknowledges years of hard work, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. “We’re honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Johnny Leon, the owner and driving force behind Oak Mountain Winery’s continued innovative spirit. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our team and our commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to the soul of winemaking. Winning this award means so much to us because it celebrates everything we stand for—innovation, inclusivity, and creating extraordinary moments,” Johnny reflected. “It’s a win not just for us but for our entire team and community.”
Where Tradition Meets Transformation
What sets Oak Mountain Winery apart from its peers? It’s their ability to merge timeless winemaking traditions with groundbreaking ideas that keep them ahead of the curve. Johnny characterizes the winery’s philosophy as a seamless fusion of time-honored techniques and bold, forward-thinking innovations.
“We respect the heritage of winemaking—the craftsmanship, the patience, the connection to the land. But we also embrace new ideas that help us evolve,” Johnny explained. This balance is evident in everything that Oak Mountain Winery does, from experimenting with sustainable vineyard practices to introducing alcohol-free mocktails to their offerings, the Winery continues to innovate and evolve.
The mocktails have been a hit, embodying the winery’s inclusive ethos. “We wanted to create an experience where everyone feels they belong, even if they’re not drinking alcohol. Our mocktails give non-drinkers a way to fully participate in the experiences. It’s about inclusivity and making sure everyone feels welcome here. Our mocktails are crafted with the same care as our wines, and they’re just as complex and satisfying,” Johnny explained.
Further setting itself apart, Oak Mountain Winery has embraced distillation as an extension of its offerings. “The distillery was a natural evolution for us,” Johnny shared. “It allows us to explore spirits with the same passion we bring to our wines. It’s been exciting to see how it complements our existing portfolio.”
Spirited Evolution: The Distillery Difference
Oak Mountain Winery’s foray into distilling sets it apart, elevating its reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. The on-site Cave Distillery produces handcrafted spirits that beautifully complement the winery’s celebrated portfolio, offering guests a dynamic and distinctive experience.
The speakeasy-style lounge, with its captivating ambiance, serves signature entrées alongside expertly crafted cocktails and wine-infused creations made from Oak Mountain’s own small-batch spirits and wines. Quickly becoming a fan favorite, the distillery invites visitors to savor everything from silky vodkas to tequila while exploring the artistry of distillation through curated tours and tastings.
“The distillery was a passion project that turned into something bigger,” shared Johnny Leon. “It’s a natural extension of what we do—crafting high-quality beverages that tell a story.”
From bourbon, whiskey, gin, and vodka, to agave spirits., each spirit reflects the same creativity and meticulous attention to detail as Oak Mountain’s wines, creating a seamless blend of tradition and fresh ideas that keeps guests coming back for more.
The Crown Jewel: A Subterranean Sanctuary
Visitors to Oak Mountain Winery are often swept off their feet by its crown jewel: the wine cave. This subterranean, 10,000-square-foot wine cave, located 150 feet below the vineyards, provides a naturally cool environment for aging wines and oak barrels. A centerpiece for immersive guest experiences, visitors can eat meals in the cave, participate in wine tastings. For those that are elite wine club members, they can even adopt a barrel that they can name, and draw on, bringing a personalized touch to those that enjoy experiencing the vineyard over time.
“Not only is there a beautiful cave where you’re walking into a rich piece of Temecula’s history—the previous owners did an excellent job developing that over time—but there’s so much more. You can have a dining experience in a cave, which is something you do not see elsewhere. You are surrounded by barrels, immersed in the cave, and enjoying an amazing dining experience while drinking award-winning wine. It’s truly a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind experience,” shares Leon.
Nestled in the cave is a VIP Reserve Room available for more intimate gatherings, equipped with modern amenities to accommodate presentations and live music, adding a touch of sophistication to any event. The cave Wine tastings, private events, and intimate dinners are elevated to another level in this unique setting – the only wine cave in the Temecula valley.
“When people step into the cave, you can see their eyes light up,” Johnny said. “It’s unlike anything else in Temecula. The atmosphere, the acoustics, transforms the way you experience wine.”’
The wine cave is the stage for some of the winery’s most sought-after events, from intimate candlelit tastings to exclusive wine-pairing dinners. Guests often leave raving about not just the wine, but the sheer magic of the environment.
A Day at Oak Mountain: A Full Sensory Experience
An afternoon at Oak Mountain Winery is a feast for all the senses. Guests can sip wine flights on a sun-soaked terrace overlooking Temecula Valley, delve into the intricacies of wine and spirit production, or indulge in gourmet pairings that elevate every pour.
About the wine, Johnny reflects, “Temecula Valley offers great Bordeaux classics and Rhône-style wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. But we also have something truly unique here: Pinotage, a South African varietal that’s a blend of Cinsault and Pinot Noir. It grows remarkably well in Temecula, and it’s one of our flagship wines. We also have an amazing Tempranillo, fantastic Sangiovese, and other standout wines.” Oak Mountain offers guests over 30 award winning wines.
For families or non-drinkers, the winery offers picnic-perfect lawns, fresh juices, and its now-famous mocktails. Food, crafted with care and precision, is approachable yet elevated, rounding out the experience.
On what people can expect when they go to Oak Mountain, Johnny shares, “beyond the amazing menu and great food, the experience itself is unique. You get to dine in a cave surrounded by barrels. The breathtaking views are incredible—whether you’re enjoying a glass of Merlot or just taking it all in. The wine club membership is also special. Members can adopt a barrel, which becomes part of their personal collection. The barrel has their family crest, personalized inscriptions, and it’s something they can share with family and friends. It’s a really unique experience.”
The True Stars: An Exceptional Team
While the wines, caves, and distillery garner much of the attention, Johnny proudly shares that “our team is the heart and soul of this winery. They’re the ones who make every visit memorable,” he said. “Whether it’s guiding a tasting, explaining the nuances of a new wine, or simply sharing a smile, they’re the reason guests keep coming back.”
It’s clear the Oak Mountain team’s passion is contagious. Guests frequently rave about the personalized attention and deep knowledge shared by the team. During his acceptance, Leon thanked his team for all that they do at the Vineyard.
The team at Oak Mountain goes above and beyond, whether they’re guiding guests through a tasting, explaining the finer points of barrel aging, or simply ensuring that every visitor feels welcomed. During his acceptance, Leon thanked his team for all that they do at the Vineyard acknowledging their ability to take notice of the details and make every moment feel special.
Bringing People Together, One Glass at a Time
For Johnny and the team at Oak Mountain, the true magic of wine lies in its power to bring people together. The 10-acre hilltop estate provides a serene and elegant backdrop for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. The Event Pavilion, nestled among rolling hills and vineyards, offers an enclosed, climate-controlled space suitable for year-round gatherings. The event’s experience, spearheaded by Wendy Ramos the Events Manager, provides guests with a custom experience for visitors to transform the Vineyard into their destination of celebration for special moments in their lives.
Whether visitors are joining a public event or planning a private celebration, Oak Mountain Winery’s exceptional staff ensures that every experience is memorable, providing superb fine wine, delectable cuisine, and spectacular views, seven days a week.
At Oak Mountain Winery, the calendar is brimming with events designed to delight and engage every visitor. From lively concerts to intimate private celebrations, there’s always something happening amidst the vines.
Oak Mountain Winery provides visitors with an experience. From the artful pairing of wines with food to the family-friendly atmosphere and stunning views of Temecula Valley, it’s a place where people come together to create memories. “I want to continue growing the winery, making it approachable for everyone. Whether you enjoy wine, cocktails from our distillery, or even mocktails, there’s something here for you. It’s about creating memories—bringing your family, including your dog, and enjoying a welcoming environment. Recently, I released a wine in memory of my mother, Marielena. It was a proud moment for me and a way to honor her influence on my life,” shares Johnny.
As Oak Mountain Winery celebrates its 2024 Vineyard of the Year Award, it does so with a deep appreciation for its past and an eye firmly on the future. With innovation as its guiding principle and a commitment to creating unforgettable moments, Oak Mountain continues to push the boundaries of what a vineyard can be, elevating what it means to be a leader in the industry.
Whether savoring wine in its enchanting cave, exploring the art of distillation, or sipping a meticulously crafted mocktail under the California sun, one thing is certain: Oak Mountain Winery pours its heart and soul into every guest experience.
About Oak Mountain Winery
Oak Mountain Winery is a fun, family owned winery on the De Portola Wine Trail, in Temecula California’s wine country. Home to Southern California’s only mined wine caves, Oak Mountain offers tours and tastings with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. We are known for our famous raspberry and strawberry champagnes and offer over 30 award winning wines.
For more information visit Oakmountainwinery.com. Oak Mountain Winery is located at 36522 Vía Verde, Temecula, CA 92592.
To connect with someone on the Oak Mountain Winery team email info@oakmountainwinery.com or call (951) 699-9102.
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