When Fess was cast in the Walt Disney Studio's role of Davy Crockett in the mid-1950s, it caused an international sensation and changed his life forever. So too did the purchase of 714 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley change the course of the Parker family's history. Realizing the potential of Santa Barbara County as a premium grape growing region, Fess and his son Eli originally set out in 1989 to plant a small vineyard, sell the fruit to local producers and see how the industry progressed.

The Fess Parker Winery has since grown from an initial planting of 5 1/2 acres of Johannisberg Riesling to over 700 acres as of July 2000. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Viognier are among the varietals grown.