Viewers from a particular era may recall Fess Parker as the lead in 1950s and 1960s TV series Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. However, among wine connoisseurs, Parker is renowned as a notable figure in the Santa Ynez Valley, credited with elevating the region into a sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts. Spending many years in Santa Barbara County, Parker, upon retiring from acting, transitioned into a well-respected winemaker and hotelier. Over time, he and now his family have curated an esteemed collection of hospitality experiences around the allure and richness of Santa Barbara County. Visitors to Los Olivos can revel in the comprehensive offerings of the Parker family’s warm hospitality by staying at the charming Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, a gateway not just to their vineyard but also to over 30 nearby tasting rooms.
This intimate inn, part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, is ideal for exploring Los Olivos. Situated conveniently amidst numerous tasting rooms and boutiques, the inn remains under the stewardship of Fess’s son Eli Parker and his sister Ashley Parker Snider, champions of their father’s wine and hospitality legacies. With 19 rooms and suites of varying sizes across two buildings, guests are treated to luxurious amenities like a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, a heated pool, a verdant garden with firepits, a sumptuous buffet breakfast, and sumptuous beds and linens.
Nestled within the inn is Nella Kitchen & Bar, a local hotspot featuring a heated front patio and a cozy interior, perfect for post-wine tasting gatherings and savoring the standout Pinsas – Roman-style pizzas with flatbread-like bases and a range of toppings. Options include the “Carciofi” with baby artichokes, fior di latte, pancetta lardons, carbonara sauce, and Pecorino Fiore Sardo, the “Bianca” showcasing fior di latte, Parmigiano, Challerhocker, and caramelized blonde onions, and the “Scarpetta” prepared with fior di latte, five-hour Bolognese, and Parmigiano. For lunch, visitors can visit the newly acclaimed Michelin-starred Bar Le Côte, a chic seafood eatery inspired by contemporary coastal European cuisine, where the Fried Oyster Po’Boy with sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, and spicy BLC tartar sauce is a favored pick.
A stay at the inn includes complimentary wine tastings at Epiphany (the Parker family’s second label focused on lesser-known varietals) and at the namesake Fess Parker Winery, situated nearby along the scenic Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Renowned for its outstanding Rhône and Burgundian varietals sourced from Santa Barbara County, the winery has recently revamped its tasting room, blending a modern design with elements that honor the family’s heritage while enhancing the winery’s elevated wine tasting experiences.
Delightful touches in the decor include a mural depicting the Fess Parker Home Ranch, a showcase of the sprawling 714-acre estate purchased in 1988, as well as a captivating Kodiak Greenwood photograph showcasing Parker’s favorite spot on the ranch, displayed as a tryptich above the fireplace on metal. Memorabilia from Parker’s acting days, like the guitar he used for the Davy Crockett role audition and an original copy of ‘The Ballad of Davy Crockett’ lyrics with edits in the margins, pay homage to the late patriarch’s origins.
Just as Yountville in Napa Valley is affectionately known as “Kellerville” due to Chef Thomas Keller’s myriad restaurants along the main street, Los Olivos in Santa Ynez Valley could be dubbed “Parkerville” owing to Fess Parker’s enduring influence and his initial belief in the countless charms and qualities of this tranquil central California locale. Regardless of being a fan of Davy Crockett/Daniel Boone or a wine enthusiast, Los Olivos promises a delightful experience for all.
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