Television enthusiasts of a certain age may remember Fess Parker as the star of ’50s and ’60s TV shows. Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. But for wine enthusiasts, Parker is better known as an icon of the Santa Ynez Valley who helped make the area a wine-lover’s destination. Parker lived for decades in Santa Barbara County, and After taking a break from acting, he has reinvented himself as a well-respected wine merchant and hotelier. He, and now his family, has built a world-class hotel portfolio around the beauty and generosity of Santa Barbara County. Guests to Los Olivos can experience the full range of Parker family hospitality while staying at the quaint Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, which serves as a gateway not only to their winery but to more than 30 tasting room within walking distance .
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn Library. Photo courtesy of the inn
This Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection boutique inn is the perfect base from which to explore Los Olivos. Centrally located with numerous tasting rooms and shops, the Inn continues to be run by the family led by Fess’ son Eli Parker and sister Ashley Parker Snider, who curate the wine and soul vision their father’s hospitality. The 19 rooms and suites of varying sizes housed in two buildings offer luxury delights such as a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, heated swimming pools, lush gardens with fireplaces, breakfast buffets Rich, luxurious beds and linens.
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn living room. Photo courtesy of the inn
The swimming pool of the Fess Parker Wine Country pub. Photo courtesy of the inn
Located in the Inn is the Nella Kitchen & Bar. With a heated front yard with heat lamps and cozy interiors, it’s the local spot to gather after a day of wine tasting and star-studded Pinsas, roman pizza with a pie-like crust flat noodles and a variety of toppings, such as “Carciofi” (baby artichoke, fior di latte, lard pancetta, carbonara sauce, Pecorino Fiore Sardo), “Bianca” (fior di latte, Parmigiano, Challerhocker, caramelized yellow onions ) and “Scarpetta” (fior di latte, five o’clock Bolognese, Parmigiano). For lunch in town, try the new Michelin-acclaimed Bar Le Côte, a stylish seafood bistro inspired by the modern cuisine of European seaside capitals. Po’Boy Fried Oysters with sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and spicy BLC tartar quickly became a favorite.
Nella Scarpetta Pinsa Restaurant & Bar. Image courtesy of Nella
Bar Le Côte Po’Boy Fried Oysters. Photo courtesy of Bar Le Côte
A stay at the Inn includes free wine tastings at Epiphany (the Parker family’s second brand that allows Eli to explore lesser-known wines) and at the Fess Parker Winery with The name is located nearby along the picturesque Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Long a top wine tasting destination thanks to exceptional Rhône and Burgundian wines from Santa Barbara County, the winery recently renovated its tasting room to reveal a contemporary design that expresses pays homage to the family’s roots while supporting the winery’s more enhanced tasting experience.
Fess Parker Distillery Interior. Photo courtesy of the winery
Fess Parker Winery Tasting Court. Photo courtesy of the winery
Decorative details include a mural of Fess Parker Family Farm, showcasing the 714-acre property purchased in 1988, as well as a stunning Kodiak Greenwood photograph of Parker’s favorite spot on the farm, printed on metal and hung like a picture above the farm. heater. Memorabilia from Parker’s acting days – including the guitar he auditioned for as Davy Crockett and an original copy of the lyrics from ‘The Ballad of Davy Crockett’ with side edits – are a nod to the late patriarch’s origins.
Just as Yountville of Napa Valley is fondly called “Kellerville” due to the many restaurants of Chef Thomas Keller lining the small town’s main thoroughfare, Santa Ynez Valley’s Los Olivos can be considered “Parkerville.” due to the welcoming influence of Fess Parker and his early belief in the many wonders and attributes of this rural central California area. Whether a Davy Crockett/Daniel Boone fan or a wine aficionado, each will find something to love in Los Olivos.
