Bret Urness

Bret Urness, the founder and winemaker of Levo Wines, represents a new generation of winemakers who are reshaping the landscape of California winemaking. An Idaho native, Urness stumbled into the world of wine more by accident than design. However, his passion for the craft grew steadily, and he has since become a prominent figure in Paso Robles, producing wines that are as unique and adventurous as his journey.

Urness’s initial foray into winemaking occurred when his mother insisted he find a job as a teenager. He began working at a local winery in Idaho, despite having little interest in wine at the time. What captivated him, however, was the behind-the-scenes magic of winemaking—the smells, the hard labor, and the mystery surrounding the craft. Though he didn’t plan on a career in wine, the seed had been planted.

Urness moved to California to attend Santa Barbara City College, where he played football. Once again, his parents pushed him to find work, and with only winery experience on his resume, he was hired by Carr Winery. It was here that Urness received his first real winemaking education. He worked closely with Ryan Carr, learning the ins and outs of vineyard management, crop loads, and the intricacies of grape growing. Carr would drop Urness off at various vineyards with tasks like dropping crop or pulling leaves, immersing him in the viticultural side of winemaking.

In 2011, Urness made his first barrels of wine. By his own admission, the result wasn’t spectacular—his early attempts with Paso Robles Sangiovese were humorous to him in hindsight. However, this experience taught him a valuable lesson: great wine starts with great fruit. From that moment on, he committed to sourcing only the highest quality grapes to craft his wines.

Today, Urness operates out of Tin City, a bustling hub of winemakers, breweries, and artisans located in Paso Robles. Levo Wines is a one-man show, with Urness handling everything from grape sourcing to bottling, branding, and marketing. His laid-back style and personable demeanor, marked by his signature RVCA hat and casual attire, are a stark contrast to the traditional image of a winemaker. But make no mistake, his approach to winemaking is deeply thoughtful and intentional.

Levo’s wines are known for their individuality, with each wine bearing its own name and story. For instance, Urness named one of his wines “Volts” after an experience with a broken press that lacked sufficient voltage. This anecdote, combined with the wine’s vibrant acidity and minerality, inspired its name and identity. Urness’s wines are a reflection of his personality—fun, distinct, and full of character.

What sets Urness apart from many winemakers is his dedication to reductive winemaking, a technique in which the wine is exposed to as little oxygen as possible throughout the process. Urness prefers this method because it preserves the freshness and vitality of the fruit. He likens the experience of opening one of his wines to that of a chameleon—initially closed, but evolving and transforming with air and time.

Urness’s vision for Levo Wines is clear: he creates wines for those with a sense of adventure. He aims to bring fun and excitement to the wine-drinking experience, crafting wines that tell a story and evoke emotion. His wines appeal to the young at heart—those who are looking for something different, something that sparks curiosity.

When it comes to pricing his wines, Urness strikes a balance between quality and accessibility. He works closely with trusted vineyards, like White Hawk Vineyard in Los Alamos, to ensure he’s getting the best possible fruit without inflating costs. This allows him to offer high-quality wines at reasonable prices, ensuring that his bottles are opened, enjoyed, and shared, rather than collecting dust on a shelf.

As a small producer, Urness markets his wines in unconventional ways. Rather than relying on traditional retail, he sends his wines to tastemakers in fields like fashion, music, and art. He believes that these individuals have the power to influence and introduce his wines to new audiences. His approach to marketing reflects his belief that wine is more than just a drink—it’s a part of a broader cultural experience.

Despite the challenges of being a small producer, Urness has carved out a niche for himself in the highly competitive world of winemaking. His focus on quality, creativity, and personal connection has earned Levo Wines a loyal following. Urness continues to push boundaries, always striving to make wines that are as dynamic and adventurous as the people who drink them.