If you are in Santa Barbara County and looking to spend the day checking out some fabulous wines, be sure to stop by Fess Parker Winery and Vineyards. This winery produces a variety of wines and offers tours and tastings as well.
Scenic Fess Parker Winery and Vineyards
Located at 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos in Santa Barbara County's wine country, Fess Parker Winery and Vineyards has been making wine since 1989. This scenic winery and vineyard, started by actor Fess Parker who played Davy Crockett, produces a variety of wines.
Fess Parker Wines
Fess Parker produces an array of red and white wines, many of which have received critical acclaim.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noirs from Fess Parker are typically well-received by critics. For example, the 2017 Ashley's Pinot Noir received ratings between 92 and 94 points from critics such as Jeb Dunnuck, Vinous, and Wine Enthusiast, and the Pinot Noirs from other vineyards received critical acclaim as well. Pinot Noirs range in price from around $60 to about $90.
Syrah
Fess Parker's two Syrah wines are equally well-received by critics, earning ratings in the low 90-point range. Prices for Syrah range between about $30 and $60.
Red Blends
The winery also currently offers two red blends: a Rhône style blend called The Big Easy that's a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah that costs around $35 per bottle and receives lower-90 point ratings, and the $15 per bottle Frontier Red that's a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Alvarelhão, and Cabernet Franc.
Port Style Red
Fess Parker also offers a Port style red wine made from Touriga Nacional, Souzao, Tinta Cao, and Alvarelhao. It costs around $25 and is aged in Port barrels for three to five years.
Chardonnay
With five different Chardonnays, Fess Parker has this popular white wine for prices ranging from $20 to $40. All Chardonnays have received critical acclaim, most scoring in the lower 90-point range.
Riesling
This popular wine varietal made from the aromatic Riesling grape is an affordable choice with two options at $15 and $25. Both are well received, earning ratings of around 89 to 90 points.
Viognier
This aromatic wine made from the Rhône white wine grape Viognier is light, bright, and acidic. Fess Parker offers two types with prices of around $30 and $40.
White Blend
The winery also produces a dry white blend called Marcella's White Wine that's a blend of Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Marsanne. It costs around $20 per bottle.
Visiting Fess Paker Winery
Fess Parker offers an array of tour and tasting experiences for groups and individuals. The basic wine tasting experience is available to walk-ins and costs $15 per person. Reservations are recommended for the $25 per person enhanced wine tasting experience. On Sunday mornings, visitors can also enjoy the $50 tasting and barrel room tour experience with reservations. Make reservations by calling (800) 841-1104. For more about wine tasting experiences including sommelier curated tastings, visit Fess Parker's wine tasting page. The tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4:45 PM.
Join the Wine Club
Fess Parker offers six different wine clubs with varied deliveries such as the white wine club, reds club, and others. Members receive a 25% discount on purchases and shipments as well as complimentary tastings and tours.
Where to Buy Fess Parker Wines
For those interested in shopping for wine online, visit the wine shop to purchase wines from Fess Parker. You can also find Fess Parker wines at other retailers.
A Visit to Fess Parker
Fess Parker is a great winery to visit when you're in Santa Barbara County, a California wine area made famous in the movie Sideways. In fact, Fess Parker was even featured in the film. With critically acclaimed wines, it's a great place to stop and taste the wines of Santa Barbara.
