After 14 incredible years with Becker Vineyards, winemaker Jonathan “Jon” Leahy has announced his retirement. Since joining the team in 2012, Leahy has helped elevate Becker Vineyards and Texas wine alike, earning Double Gold and Gold medals at prestigious national and international competitions. His dedication to excellence from vineyard to bottle has left a lasting mark at the winery and in the wine industry.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Richard Becker – proprietor of Becker Vineyards – named the 2019 Merlot blend the “Leahy Cuvee”. This special wine is composed of 77% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot.
Although Jon Leahy was born at March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, CA, his family has Texas ties. In the 1950s, his father’s Air Force Basic Military Training took place in San Antonio and then Lubbock for flight school. After living in California, his parents later returned to Texas, where his father worked for a company near Ft. Worth.
Leahy graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor’s Degree (Food Science). His first wine industry job was as a teenager, but his career inspiration came when he was in Crested Butte, CO, where a chef held wine classes. He said, “The classes were well done – they were helpful. I also learned how food and wine pairings worked.”
He gained experience in different wine production positions as well as working for different wineries.
“My first winery was at Chateau St. Jean during the night shift. I was filling 200 French Oak barrels with Chardonnay to begin fermentation,” said Leahy with a fond smile.
He also worked at Codorniu Napa (now Artesa Vineyards & Winery), was an assistant winemaker for Russian River Valley Vineyards/Topolos Vineyards, and also worked at Fetzer (post-sale) for winemaker Dan Fetzer.
When in the Bacciagalupe Vineyards, he discovered a yeast strain for commercial production of Pinot Noir. “I named it ‘Herald’ like ‘Hark, the Herald Angels Sing’ Christmas hymn,” said Leahy with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
He is also a member of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture.
Becker Vineyards has been Leahy’s best place to work. He has enjoyed the team he works with. He has also been impressed with both the quality of Texas grapes and the diligence of the grape growers. After being hired by Becker Vineyards, he went to meet the different grape growers and visit their vineyards. “I wasn’t through with interviews. I was interviewed by each of the growers. I wasn’t offended – they wanted to be sure this guy from California wasn’t going to mess up their hard work (growing grapes).”
“We have won the most awards and accolades with Jon Leahy,” proudly shares Dr. Richard Becker, proprietor of Becker Vineyards. “We have 340 Golds and Double Golds. The wines he makes are really good. They are superb. He is a talented genius!”
Becker Vineyards’ Winery Estate, 11 miles east of Fredericksburg off U.S. Hwy 290, consists of the Winery Tasting Room, Lavender Haus Reception Hall, lavender and poppy/zinnia fields, and Barrel Chai for Wine Club Members. The Beckers also have an additional Tasting Room on Main Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Along with growing their own grapes, Becker Vineyards is the largest purchaser of premium Texas grapes in Texas.
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