Leo Tellez’s winemaking journey is deeply rooted in his family’s Napa Valley legacy. His great-grandfather first came to Napa from Jalisco, Mexico, in 1950, and since then, winemaking has been a part of his family’s story—his grandfather worked at Charles Krug, and his father spent years at Robert Mondavi. For Leo, wine wasn’t just a career path; it was a natural extension of the world he grew up in.
His passion for wine first bloomed while working at Domaine Chandon’s Étoile restaurant, later expanding during his time at La Toque, The French Laundry, and Masa’s, where he honed his palate and learned from incredible mentors. Though he initially earned a degree in International Relations, his heart eventually led him back to Napa, where he studied winemaking at Napa Valley College and completed an internship at Kapcsandy Family Vineyards.
In 2012, Leo became assistant winemaker to Denis Malbec, an experience that shaped his approach to crafting exceptional wines. He went on to join Sodaro Estate in 2016, where he focused on small-production Cabernets, before bringing his expertise to Ackerman Family Vineyards in 2018.
Leo’s winemaking style is a blend of tradition and modernity, drawing inspiration from Bordeaux while embracing the vibrant ripeness of California fruit. Whether through techniques like cold soaks and extended maceration or simply trusting his palate, Leo strives to craft wines that tell a story of balance, depth, and authenticity.
At Flynn Rae Cellars Leo is focusing on breaking the mold of what Italian varietals can be showcasing their own flavors, mixing them with the best of Napa tradition and Celebrating Italian Heritage, one sip at a Time!
When he’s not in the cellar, you’ll find Leo enjoying Napa’s natural beauty, connecting with family, or exploring the endless possibilities of food and wine pairing—a passion that continues to fuel his creativity with every vintage.