Paso Robles isn’t just a wine region—it’s a revelation for the senses. With its sun-drenched hills, calcareous soil, and creative winemakers like Levo Vineyard, it offers a wine experience grounded in terroir and bursting with personality.
Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will help you navigate Paso’s diversity, highlight wines worth your attention, and introduce you to unique offerings from Levo—wines crafted with soul, verve, and serious edge.
Understanding Paso Robles Wine Regions
Diverse Microclimates, Limitless Potential
Paso Robles spans over 11 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), and no two are alike. The Willow Creek District, where Levo Vineyard is located, is one of the most revered—its steep hillsides, limestone-rich soils, and ocean-cooled evenings cultivate wines of incredible density and lift.
This variability allows over 40 grape varieties to thrive—from Bordeaux stalwarts to Rhône renegades and rare experimental hybrids. Winemakers here embrace creativity, forging bold paths that break tradition while staying true to the land.
“Paso’s terroir doesn’t follow rules—it writes its own script. And Levo? We pour that story into every bottle.”
What Makes Willow Creek So Special?
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Willow Creek is a sanctuary of extremes. Its elevation ranges from 900 to 2,200 feet, allowing for dramatic temperature swings between warm days and cool nights. This diurnal shift helps grapes retain acidity and complexity. Combine that with calcareous shale and limestone soils, and you get dense, expressive, and lifted wines—all hallmarks of Levo’s style.
This high natural stress level on the vines promotes lower yields and higher-quality grapes, producing wines with concentration, verve, and exceptional balance. For discerning drinkers, wines from this subregion deliver a true sense of place, telling the story of the land with precision and flair.
Signature Grape Varietals in Paso Robles
Paso Robles is famous for its bold yet nuanced wines. Here’s what to look out for:
- Syrah – Dense, brooding, complex. At Levo, the Warm Regards Syrah is a benchmark—84% Syrah with Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Graciano aged in French oak for 17 months.
- Grenache – Bright, vibrant, and layered. Warm Regards Grenache is handpicked early for purity and aged gently to preserve its vivid character.
- Petite Sirah – Known for its inky richness and tannic grip, often featured in red blends like the newly released 2023 “El Paso de Robles” Red Blend.
- Mourvèdre (Mataro) – Earthy, gamey, and structured—dominant in the El Paso de Robles blend, reflecting Paso’s rugged soul.
Paso Robles also fosters impressive expressions of white varietals such as Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, and Roussanne—particularly when grown in the Willow Creek District’s cooler pockets. These whites often exhibit zesty acidity, minerality, and aromatic lift, as showcased in Levo’s Summer Collection.
Meet the Maker: Bret Urness
Levo began as a dream with no roadmap—just raw talent, vision, and a refusal to follow convention. Founder and winemaker Bret Urness brings fine art and fearless experimentation into every step of Levo’s process. With no industry pedigree and no rules to follow, Bret’s hands-on philosophy turns each wine into a liquid expression of place, season, and emotion.
“Each label, each blend—it’s a story in liquid and line. We’re not just making wine. We’re making meaning.”
Bret’s design-forward ethos is also evident on the label. He creates all of Levo’s artwork, translating the vineyard’s energy into bold visual identities that challenge convention. His ability to blend creativity, precision, and authenticity has helped Levo carve out a cult-like following.
Tasting Paso: The Levo Vineyard Way
At Levo Vineyard, you don’t just taste wine—you feel the vineyard’s story in every sip. Situated in the Willow Creek District, the estate is defined by wild terrain, limestone soils, and an irreverent approach to winemaking that breaks the mold.
From Levo’s 3-, 6-, or 12-bottle wine club to exclusive seasonal drops like “Two of a Kind” and “El Paso de Robles,” membership isn’t just about access—it’s an invitation into a movement.
Why Join Levo’s Wine Club?
- First access to limited wines.
- Biannual shipments curated by the winemaker.
- Invitations to private tastings and exclusive vineyard events.
- Customization and barrel tasting opportunities.
- Complimentary tastings and personalized experiences.
Planning Your Wine Journey Through Paso Robles
Optimize Your Route
Map out your day by AVA or style. Spend time in the Willow Creek District for rich Rhône-style reds or cruise east for structured Cabernet Sauvignons.
Schedule Smart Tastings
Book ahead, especially for boutique wineries like Levo. Their Tin City tasting room offers an immersive dive into their experimental bottlings and vineyard stories.
Savor with Food Pairings
Levo’s vibrant whites from the Summer Collection are summer in a bottle. They are ideal for pairing with citrus salads, seafood, and patio evenings.
Add a local cheese and charcuterie board to elevate your tasting. Paso’s proximity to Central Coast farms means you’ll find outstanding artisanal food options to enjoy alongside your favorite bottle.
Taste Profiles: Match the Wine to Your Palate
| Your Mood | Drink This Levo Wine | Because… |
| Reflective | El Paso de Robles Red Blend | Deep, earthy, and grounded in place |
| Ready to Party | Warm Regards Syrah | Bold, expressive—brings the energy |
| Seeking Joy | Summer Collection White | Vibrant acidity that dances on your palate |
| Exploring New | Two of a Kind Drop | Experimental, edgy, full of Paso swagger |
Beyond Wine: Immersive Paso Experiences
SENSORIO: Field of Light
This one-of-a-kind light installation pairs beautifully with a post-tasting evening. Book ahead—it’s magical.
Tin City Cider Co.
Switch things up with a flight of dry ciders, steps away from Levo’s tasting room. The vibe is casual, communal, and fun.
Seasonal Events
Time your visit with Levo’s member-only release parties or Paso’s Harvest Wine Weekend for a complete immersion into local wine culture.
Explore other gems like farmers’ markets, live music in the vineyards, and food and wine festivals throughout the year. Paso isn’t just a place—it’s a rhythm, a culture, and a way of life.
Levo’s Collections to Explore
Vineyard Series (Fall Release)
Estate-grown and bottled expressions from the Willow Creek District.
El Paso de Robles Series (Spring Release)
Wines that honor Paso’s landscape and history—crafted with reverence and creativity.
Summer Collection
Gulpable whites and rosés bursting with acidity and lifted aromatics. Built for warm days and sunny palates.
Two of a Kind (Spring Drop)
Serious wines with irreverent labels. This limited drop abandons familiar comforts and pushes creative boundaries in both the vineyard and the design process.
Choosing with Confidence
Paso Robles offers wine lovers something rare—freedom. Freedom to explore, taste, and choose wines that resonate. Whether you’re drawn to Rhône reds with muscle and finesse or new-school blends that defy tradition, Levo Vineyard lets you chart your own path with confidence, creativity, and a sense of joy.
So trust your palate. Let the terroir speak. And when in doubt, follow the warmth, artistry, and irreverence of Levo Vineyard.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to discover your taste profile in Paso?
A: Taste widely, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to love something offbeat. Clubs like Levo’s make discovery personal and exciting.
Q: Can I buy Levo wines online?
A: Absolutely. Shop wines here.
Q: What’s special about Willow Creek District wines?
A: The altitude, limestone soils, and Pacific breezes create wines of rare structure and lift.
Q: Is membership worth it?
A: If you want exclusive wines, sneak peeks, and a personal relationship with the vineyard, then yes, join today.
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