This oasis that civilization has passed by, even until now, is only 45 minutes from Hollywood. Still private and quiet, with lakes and creeks, it is a best-kept secret.

Time was, Hollywood movie stars had ranches in Bouquet Canyon and cabins on the lake. Pictured are Oscar-winning- film actors Preston Foster, star of My Friend Flicka and over 100 feature films, and Mary Pickford, whom the American Film Institute named as one of the greatest female stars of all time.

What creatures once roamed the valley is impossible to know for sure. From dinosaurs, to native Indians, desperadoes to Hollywood actors, Leona Valley, the canyons and lakes have seen it all.

What is known is the soil is right, and the terroir is the finest nature can provide. History tells of the first wineries in California being established in and around the Valley. Once flourishing, Prohibition shut them all down. When the feds came to break up the wine barrels so they could no longer be used, it is told our creeks ran red. Yet, old-timers in the wine industry from Napa and Sonoma still remember and speak of this area for its outstanding wines.

Leona Valley definitely has four seasons, and the climate during growing season could not be better. The extreme temperature swings at our elevation contribute significantly to properly stressing the grapes and creating magnificent flavor characteristics. Wine snobs never believe it until they experience it, but we are actually growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay down by the creek at the bottom of the valley where it is coldest. And Cabernet and Syrah up on the hillsides where it is the warmest. Plus, whoever heard of producing ice wine in Southern California? We do. Our terroir is that unique. We call it "goblet cooling."