Fess Parker Syrah The Big Easy

When Fess Parker purchased the 714-acre Foxen Canyon Ranch in 1988, he planned to run cattle, plant a few acres of vineyard, and perhaps, someday, establish a small winery. His dream was to start a family business that he could pass on to future generations. Eli Parker and his sister Ashley Parker Snider are now the stewards of their father’s vision for the family portfolio of businesses. Eli and Ashley work closely with Winery President, Tim Snider (Ashley’s husband) and their children, Spencer Shull, who is the Regional Manager for Fess Parker Winery and Third Window Brewing and Greer Shull, the Director of Marketing for the Fess Parker Family Portfolio.
Fess Parker’s portrayal of frontiersman Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone during the 1950s and 60s garnered him a legion of adoring fans spanning many generations. It might well be said that Fess’s similarity to those straight-talking, hardworking country gentlemen is what endeared him to millions and helped him achieve success in the business world when he decided to walk away from Hollywood in the early 1970s.
Parker continued to star in, co-produce, and direct numerous box office hits for Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Studios while simultaneously laying the foundation for his second career in real estate development. Blending his gracious Texas manner and a tremendous eye for real estate, Parker purchased a 714-acre ranch on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail and set out to make the highest quality wine from estate-grown grapes and the best vineyards in the county.
Fess Parker and his wife Marcella were married for 50 years and lived in Santa Barbara for over 30 years. They raised two children and have 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fess passed away in March of 2010. We miss his wisdom, his smile, and his wonderful friendship.