Johnny Leon – The Visionary Behind Oak Mountain Winery
As the sun dipped below the rolling hills of Temecula, casting a warm glow over the sprawling vineyards, Johnny Leon stood tall, surveying his kingdom. This was his dream realized – a winery that not only produced award-winning wines, but one that offered an unparalleled experience for all who stepped foot on the property.
Born and raised in the modest suburbs of Chula Vista, Johnny had always possessed an insatiable thirst – not just for fine wine, but for life itself. As a young man, he cut his teeth in the hospitality industry, honing his skills at the prestigious Hotel Del Coronado. It was there that his passion for oenology was truly ignited, as he was exposed to the world’s most celebrated vintages. This experience sparked an almost obsessive passion for wine, leading him to become what he fondly refers to as a “wine geek.”
Yet, Johnny’s ambitions extended far beyond simply being a wine connoisseur. He yearned to create something of his own. Call it the hustler’s mentality or sheer grit and ambition, but when the opportunity presented itself as Johnny stumbled upon the picturesque property that would become Oak Mountain Winery, he jumped at the chance. From the moment he laid eyes on the sweeping vistas and lush vineyards, he knew this was his destiny.
“When I was looking for a property to purchase here in Temecula, I was looking for a winery that had a few things,” Johnny recalled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “It had to have beautiful views, it had to have good food, but most importantly, had to have great wine. And when I was looking at the property, I found all three. But actually I found much, much more.”
Johnny made a sweeping motion seemingly unveiling the beauty of Oak Mountain as he moved. He paused as his eyes rested on the balcony behind us. In that moment, it was clear that what he found was not just a winery, but a canvas upon which he could paint his vision.
Armed with a lifetime of experience and the unwavering support of his family, he set to work, meticulously crafting every aspect of the winery to reflect his unique perspective.
The true driving force behind Johnny’s success, however, was not his passion for wine, but rather the relentless pursuit of his dreams – a trait instilled in him by his mother from a young age.
“My mom was always kicking my butt to do more. Don’t be okay with mediocrity,” he recalled, a wistful smile playing on his lips
Momma definitely knew best! It was this unyielding determination that propelled Johnny through the challenges that inevitably surfaced during the winery’s development. From navigating the complex regulations to assembling a team of skilled artisans, each obstacle was met with the suave confidence that Johnny is known for.
When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail his dreams, he refused to be deterred.
“Covid was the one that actually put me over the edge. But I said, ‘Okay, it’s time to do something if we survive this. This is not going to be a life-ending situation. We have so much work to do.’ And that really was a game changer for me,” he explained.
He frowned slightly at that memory, his voice hinting at a sense of urgency.
With the pandemic raging on, Johnny poured his heart and soul into transforming Oak Mountain Winery into a true oasis – a place where visitors could escape the stresses of the outside world and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences he had meticulously curated.
From the moment guests step foot on the property, they are transported to a world of pure indulgence. Johnny has grand plans too!
“I’m going to be expanding the distillery and expanding the pavilion to be able to look at that epic view back there. It’s going to be open-concept and multi-tiered, so you’ll be able to sit there, enjoy drinking a glass of wine, and look at that gorgeous view. I’m excited,” he shared with a beaming smile.
But it’s not just the physical growth of Oak Mountain that excites Johnny—it’s the stories the winery continues to create. From selling his first $1,000 bottle of wine to helping customers celebrate life’s milestones, Johnny is constantly reminded of why he chose this path. Perhaps one of the most touching moments in Johnny’s career was when his father visited Oak Mountain Winery for the first time. His father, who had once worked the fields picking grapes, now stood in awe at the sight of his son’s flourishing vineyard. “He had tears in his eyes,” Johnny remembers. “To see him look at this place and know the journey we’ve both been on—it was incredible. It felt like everything had come full circle.”
It was clear that, for him, it’s not just about the wine; it’s about the experience, the joy, and the memories created with every sip.
If you want to create a memory of your own, visit Oak Mountain Winery at 36522 Vía Verde, Temecula, CA 92592
Watch Johnny’s interview here: Building a Winery Legacy | Johnny Leon’s Journey at Oak Mountain Winery
