Fess Parker: 25 Years Later the Dream is Thriving

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Fess Parker: 25 Years Later the Dream is Thriving
In the 80's, Fess Parker dreamt of building a great winery with an elegant place for people to stay. A quarter-century later guests can live that dream.
BY TOURING & TASTING

Photos courtesy of Fess Parker
A view of the Fess Parker winery, which is just down the road from the elegant accommodations of the Inn.

“ The winery itself can be found on the picturesque Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a narrow country road that winds past ranches dotted with cattle and low-lying oak trees.”

When Fess Parker purchased his 714-acre ranch back in 1987, he had a vision for the future of his family and Santa Barbara County wine country as a whole. He pictured multiple generations of the family producing wines that would express the terroir of the land he so loved and believed in. An outgoing and hospitable man, he also dreamed of owning and managing an elegant and yet unpretentious inn where guests could relax and enjoy the best the country life has to offer. Today, Fess’s dreams are realized in the Fess Parker Winery, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, and the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, located in the heart of nearby Los Olivos, California.

Crafting wines of the highest quality has always been the goal at Fess Parker Winery and a testament to its success is that every current release, including the Santa Barbara County tier of wines, has scored 90 points or higher in most of the major U.S. wine publications. Recent examples include the 2011 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir, which received 92 points from Wine & Spirits Magazine, and the 2012 Ashley’s Chardonnay, which earned 94 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The winery itself can be found on the picturesque Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a narrow country road that winds past ranches dotted with cattle and low-lying oak trees. The grounds at Fess Parker are perfect for a picnic and the winery is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable tasting room consultants. The winery is open daily for tasting with no appointment necessary. However, larger groups, private tastings, and food and wine pairings must be arranged by appointment and can be enjoyed in the winery’s VIP Barrel Room.

Fess Parker Wine Country Inn
Just down the road, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn is a surprisingly sophisticated escape with 19 beautifully appointed guest rooms featuring sleek, modern bathrooms and inviting fireplaces. Its unrivaled location in the township of Los Olivos is within walking distance of numerous tasting rooms, including the winery’s Rhône-focused label, Epiphany, and some of the finest dining opportunities in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring vineyards and the countryside.

In addition to first-class accommodations, the inn features Petros, the highly acclaimed restaurant; spa services; and a spacious fitness room. The friendly and able staff is always pleased to coordinate spa, culinary, golf, horseback riding, and of course, wine tasting experiences. The inn also facilitates smaller wedding groups, business incentive trips, and girlfriend getaways. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn does all it can to make sure its guests enjoy all the possibilities of the sensational Santa Barbara wine country.

What to Buy
'12 Santa Barbara County Viognier - $28
Honeydew, white peach, mango, light butter

'11 Santa Barbara County Syrah - $28
Dark cherry, blackberry, spice

'12 Rodney’s Vineyard Dry Riesling - $24
Apricot, honey, orange, mineral finish

Special Notes
Private tastings and tours by appointment, picnic grounds, wine club discounts and events, educational seminars.

Contact
Winery
6200 Foxen Canyon Road
Los Olivos, CA 93441
Phone: 805-688-1545
E-mail: infowinery@fessparker.com
Website: fessparker.com

Inn
2860 Grand Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
Phone: 805-688-7788
E-mail: reservations@fessparkerinn.com
Website: fessparkerinn.com

Tasting Room Hours: Open Daily 10-5

Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.

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