Moving to the United States from the Philippines in the early 90s, Leo was determined to find a path for himself and his family. After answering an advertisement in the local paper for the bottling line at a neighboring winery, Leo learned about wine and developed an interest and passion for the winemaking process. The various winemakers took Leo under their wing and all of his winemaking skill is mentor or self-taught. While building Sweet Cheeks Winery, founder Dan Smith would visit this neighboring winery and began forming a friendship with Leo. Offering Leo a position at Sweet Cheeks Winery, he was the first employee hired in 2005. The 2013 harvest was the first that Leo was named lead winemaker and has continued to grow the Sweet Cheeks Winery portfolio. In 2023, Leo's wines were awarded multiple 90+ point scores and two Wine Enthusiast Editor's Choice accolades. His son, Ian, works full-time with Leo in our cellar, and his daughter, Imari, assists on bottling days. Outside of the winery, Leo enjoys spending time with his entire family, including his three rambunctious grandsons and newborn granddaughter.