F A L L N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 1 2

Fess Parkerand son Eli Parker

We have been going through personal items and albums in recent weeks, and we have uncovered some wonderful old photos of Fess and the family. The cover shot from 1961 is a prime example. We look forward to sharing more of them with you.

1 F a l l N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 2 P.O. Box 908 • Los Olivos, CA 93441 • (805)688.1545 • (800)841.1104 • FAX (805)686.1130 • www.fessparker.com

FESS files

head

WINEMAKER

Blair Fox

Believe it or not, we made it virtually unscathed through the Spring Frosts of 2012. We successfully completed a major

installation of frost protection on the upper mesa at Rodney’s Vineyard which consisted of plumbing 46 acres of overhead sprinklers, pumps and generators. We finished in the nick of time and are now protected into the future. Frost events seem to happen more often in the recent few years with the change of climate. With that behind us we have seen a perfect start of the growing season with ample spring rains, uniform growth and long warm days with plenty of sunshine. Summer appears to be warm and dry, and we will have to wait and see what weather comes in the Fall.

In the winery we are blending and bottling all of our white Rhone blends like the 2011 Rodney’s Vineyard Viognier, 2011 Santa Barbara County Viognier and our 2011 Mélange Blanc. These wines all possess fresh, bright, fruity andfloral aromatics with refreshing acidity perfect for the warm weather. We are also bottling the 2010 red Rhone wines that have been patiently waiting in barrel for almost two years. Now that the tannins have softened and flavors have fully developed, the wines are ready to be bottled and rest for another few months. We are also starting to prepare the cellar for Harvest. We are cleaning up the harvest equipment and making sure everything is in perfect working order. We rely heavily on all of this equipment during harvest, and do not want to have anything break down. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for an excellent 2012 Harvest Season.

Cheers!

Blair FoxAs I write this, my wife Laureen and I are heading home

from a week’s vacation in Hawaii. We’ve had a wonderful time sipping Mai Tais and sitting on the beach, but I’m ready to get home and enjoy summer California style. We’re all about barbecues with family and friends, and maybe a little sailing on the weekend. Ah, there is no place like home!

When I was a child, I remember summer seemed to last an eternity. Now, it feels like the time whips by in the blink of an eye. I remember my father telling me when my sister and I would say we were bored during the long summer afternoons as kids, “Enjoy these days, because they will go by faster as you get older.” This always seemed absurd to me as a child; now I know what he meant.

I hope you all have a terrific summer season with your family and friends. Don’t waste a minute of it, because it goes by far too quickly!

Eli Parker

Eli Parker

OctoberFessKeep checking the Winery Events Page for updates about OctoberFess – Detai ls coming soon!

F a l l N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 2 2

upcoming

EVENTS

For updates on a l l events and act iv i t ies , p lease check out our webs i te a t www.fessparkerwines.com

Wine Club Pick-Up PartyIn the Fess Parker Winery VIP Barrel Room

August 18, 2012 11:00am – 3:00pm

Come by the Barrel Room anytime between 11:00am & 3:00pm on the 18th to pick up

your Fall shipment and enjoy an assortment of cheese and chocolates along with a sneak peak of the new releases in your shipment!There is no cost to members for the Pick-Up Party, we only ask that you RSVP to Elaina if you plan on attending. Please note: This is a Wine Club Member Only EventRSVP: Elaina 888-877-3335

elaina@fessparker.com

Movie Night at Fess Parker WineryOn the lawn at the Fess Parker Winery

August 18, 2012 • 6:00pm – 10:00pm Ticket Price $10

Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening on the lawn at the winery where we will be showing Smoky, starring Fess Parker

as a cowboy who develops an unbreakable bond with a wild stallion he captures and patiently trains, but they are separated by circumstances beyond their control, eventually reuniting after numerous adventures.Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hot dogs & tri-tip sandwiches will be available for sale. Complimentary candy and popcorn provided. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or low lawn chairs to sit on!Movie starts as soon as it is dark enough for optimal viewing.RSVP: Elaina 888-877-3335

elaina@fessparker.com

Call The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn for special packages for the Movie Night weekend • Wine Club rates for that weekend range from $415–$565

Chicken in Sour Cream and Wine

4 Chicken Breasts, boned and skinned6 Tablespoons Butter¾ Cup White Wine

1 Small Onion, finely chopped1 Cup Dairy Sour CreamSalt and White Pepper

Brown chicken lightly in 4 Tablespoons of the butter, turn occasionally. Sprinkle ½ cup of the wine, cover, simmer 25 minutes until tender.

Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in a saucepan. Brown onions, soft but not dark. Add remaining ¼ cup of wine. Slowly stir in sour cream. Add salt and white pepper. Heat only long enough to warm the cream, pour over chicken.

Celebration of HarvestOct 13, 2012 • 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Santa Barbara Counties annual celebration of the year’s bounty, where vintners take a break from the vineyards and cellars to share

with you harvest tales and wines.The highlight of the weekend is the Festival itself, where 100+ member wineries gather to present their wines, often poured by the winemakers themselves. The Festival also presents some of the best local food from restaurants, catering companies and gourmet food creators.Join us at the Fess Parker table to try some great wines!Tickets are $65.00 and can be purchased online at http://sbcountywines.com/events/COH.html or calling 888-330-6744 Venue Rancho Sisquoc Winery Contact 888-330-6744 • Information@SBCountywines.com

From the Kitchen of Marcella Parker

Pairs well with the 2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay!

3 F a l l N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 2

F o r r e s e r v a t i o n s c a l l 8 0 0 . 4 4 6 . 2 4 5 52 8 6 0 G r a n d A v e n u e • L o s O l i v o s , C A 9 3 4 4 1

the

INNSIdEscoop

We’ve Done Some Work Around the Inn

Summer and fall are wonderful times to visit the charming town of Los Olivos. It’s also a great time to get family and friends

together. Wine Club Members receive exclusive room rates at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa. Our concierge can plan the perfect getaway from just a weekend visit to a week-long stay. The area is rich in activities beyond just wine tasting. We can plan fishing excursions, horseback riding, bicycle tours and more. Call our reservationist or visit us at www.fessparkerinn.com to book your stay. We are fresh off an extensive renovation and are looking forward to showing you the best of Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley.

Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn ~ “The Parker Suite”

We’d like to recommend any of the below restaurants in the Orange County area. Stop by and enjoy a glass

of Fess Parker with your meal! The Cannery Newport Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949) 566-0060

Summit House Fullerton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (714) 671-4111

21 Oceanfront Newport Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949) 673-2100

Yves’ Bistro Anaheim Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (714) 637-3733

Mozambique Laguna Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949) 715-7777

Mastro’s Steakhouse Newport Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949) 376-6990

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (downtown disney) Anaheim . . . . . . . . (714) 776-5200

Catal Restaurant (downtown disney) Anaheim . . . . . . . . (714) 774-4442

Orange County R e s T a u R a n T s

F a l l N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 2 4

available

NOW Prices subject to change. All of the wines l isted below are available through our website at www.fessparkerwines.com or for you traditionalists out there, through our tasting room at 800-841-1104. Shipping is available to the following states only: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, dC, FL, GA, HI, Id, IL, IA, KS, Md, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NV, NY, NM, Nd, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV and WY

ReTail WiNe ClUB Bottle/Case Bottle/Case

2011 CHARDONNAY “Santa Barbara County” ........................................... $19 / $205.20 ........................ $15.20 / $182.40

2010 CHARDONNAY “Ashley’s” .................................................................. $35 / $378.00 ........................ $28.00 / $336.00

2010 CHARDONNAY “Bien Nacido Vineyard” ........................................... $35 / $378.00 ........................ $28.00 / $336.00

2010 RIESLING “Santa Barbara County” ..................................................... $14 / $151.20 ........................ $11.20 / $134.40

2011 DRY RIESLING “Rodney’s Vineyard” .................................................. $24 / $259.20 ........................ $19.20 / $230.40

2009 VIOGNIER “Santa Barbara County” .................................................... $25 / $270.00 ........................ $20.00 / $240.00

2010 VIOGNIER “Rodney’s Vineyard” ......................................................... $35 / $378.00 ........................ $28.00 / $336.00

2010 MÈLANGE BLANC “Santa Barbara County” ...................................... $24 / $259.20 ........................ $19.20 / $230.40

2010 PARKER FAMILY RESERVE WHITE “Rodney’s Vineyard” ............... $28 / $302.40 ........................ $22.40 / $268.80

2009 PINOT NOIR “Santa Barbara County” ................................................ $29 / $313.20 ........................ $23.20 / $278.40

2009 PINOT NOIR “American Tradition Reserve” ....................................... $35 / $378.00 ........................ $28.00 / $336.00

2008 PINOT NOIR “Bien Nacido Vineyard” ............................................... $55 / $594.00 ........................ $44.00 / $528.00

2009 PINOT NOIR “Ashley’s” ...................................................................... $50 / $540.00 ........................ $40.00 / $480.00

2009 PINOT NOIR “Clone 115” ................................................................. $55 / $594.00 ........................ $44.00 / $528.00

2009 PINOT NOIR “Pommard Clone” ........................................................ $55 / $594.00 ........................ $44.00 / $528.00

2010 SYRAH “Santa Barbara County” ........................................................... $28 / $302.40 ........................ $22.40 / $268.80

2008 SYRAH “Rodney’s Vineyard” ................................................................ $49 / $529.20 ........................ $39.20 / $470.40

2009 “THE BIG EASY” ................................................................................ $35 / $378.00 ........................ $28.00 / $336.00

FRONTIER RED “Lot 122” (Flag label) ....................................................... $14 / $151.20 ........................ $11.20 / $134.40

TRADITIONS “Port style wine” (500mL) .................................................... $20 / $216.00 ........................ $16.00 / $192.00

Orange County R e s T a u R a n T s

5 F a l l N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 2

in this

SHIPMENT

Prices are subject to change and do not include shipping or taxes required by each state. If you are not receiving emails regarding shipping dates, tracking information, or special offers please email wineclub@fessparker.com and let us know.

CHARTER CLUB1 Red + 1 White2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay $35

2010 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir $30

Retail Price: $65

Club Price: $48.75

WHITE WINE CLUB2 Whites2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay $35

2011 Rodney’s Vineyard Viognier $35

Retail Price: $70

Club Price: $52.50

REDS ONLY CLUB2 Reds2010 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir $30

2010 Clone 115 Pinot Noir $55

Retail Price: $85

Club Price: $63.75

QUAD CLUB2 Reds + 2 Whites2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay $35

2011 Rodney’s Vineyard Viognier $35

2010 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir $30

2010 Clone 115 Pinot Noir $55

Retail Price: $155

Club Price: $116.25

Fall 2012

Wine Club

aromas:Ripe peachPink

grapefruitJasmineHoneysucklePear

VanillaBaking

spices

Flavors:White apricotHoneydew

melonCitrusVanillaHint of oak

2011 Rodney’s Vineyard ViognierSanta Ynez Valley

Vineyard Source: 100% Rodney’s Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley

Clone Selection: R Composition: 100% Viognier Harvest Date: 10/19/11 Harvest Brix: 25.6 Tons per Acre 2.0 Barrel Aging: 100% barrel fermented, aged 8 months in

1-year and older French oak barrels Alcohol: 14.9% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.58 T.A.: 0.616 g/100ml Production: 200 cases

Color:Garnet

aromas:Black cherryForest floorLavenderRaspberryGraham

cracker

Rose petalVanilla

Flavors:Bing cherry Red currant Cranberry

EarthCacaoMineral

2010 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot NoirSta. Rita Hills

Vineyard Source: 60% Rio Vista Vineyard from Sta. Rita Hills, 40% from Rancho las Hermanas (formerly Ashley’s Vineyard) in the Santa Rita Hills

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir Harvest Date: 9/8/10 – 10/31/10 Harvest Brix: 23.1 – 26.3 Tons per Acre 0.6 – 2.8 Barrel Aging: 10 months in 40% new French oak Alcohol: 14.6% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.78 T.A.: 0.599g/100ml Production: 8,123 cases

Color:Dark garnetaromas:Black cherrySageEarth

Forest floorGarrigueLavender Nutmeg Vanilla

Flavors:Black cherryRed currantRed plumCranberryClove

Aged tobacco

Dark chocolate

VanillaNutmeg

2010 Clone 115 Pinot NoirSta. Rita Hills

Vineyard Source: 100% from Rancho las Hermanas (formerly Ashley’s Vineyard) in the Sta. Rita Hills

Blocks: 70% ASH-U, 30% ASH-1A Clone Selection: 115 Composition: 100% Pinot Noir Harvest Date: 10/5/10 Harvest Brix: 24.8 – 25.3 Tons per Acre 1.8 – 2.7 Barrel Aging: 16 months in 75% new French oak Cooperage: François Frères, Rémond, Seguin Moreau,

Mercurey Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.71 T.A.: 0.589g/100ml Production: 246 cases

aromas:White peachApplePearHoneyVanilla

Baking spices

Touch of oak

Flavors:PearCitrusLemon

creamGreen apple

Pastry crustVanillaBaking

spices

2011 Ashley’s ChardonnaySta. Rita Hills

Vineyard Source: 95% Rancho las Hermanas (formerly Ashley’s Vineyard) in the Sta. Rita Hills, 5% Hayes Ranch Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills

Tons per Acre: 2.5 Composition: 100% Chardonnay Harvest Dates: 10/17/11 – 10/21/11 Harvest Brix: 28.9 Barrel Aging: 8 months in 43% new French oak, 17% 1-year old,

40% 2-year or older Alcohol: 14.3% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.25 T.A.: 0.903g/100ml Malic Acid: 164mg/100ml Production: 2000 cases

For further information please call your Wine Club Coordinator, Elaina, directly at her toll free number 888-877-3335. Rece ip ts fo r Wine C lub sh ipments are not included in the package due to t ime const ra in ts . See cost per sh ipment under each C lub Of fer ing a t le f t . The amount wi l l show on your next c red i t card s ta tement .

recent

PRESS

F a l l N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 2 6

Fess Parker Winery Sales Team Now Selling Shipyard Craft Beer in California

Getting My Viggy on with Fess!

Early this year, Fess Parker Winery forged an innovative partnership with New England-based, family-run brewer Shipyard Brewing Co. to grow

their presence in California. We originally began working with Shipyard’s distribution company about four years ago in northern New England. Shipyard’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Bruce Forsley, states, “We’ve been in the wine business for about 10 years. We saw that as a way to get more vertically integrated in our pubs. We wanted to control soft

drinks, because we also make those, obviously we make the beer, and to have a hand in the wine business. We’ve always felt that the craft beer consumer is more often also a wine consumer, and going back the other way,

wine consumers are more often than not craft beer consumers. We’re basically looking to sell to the same demographic.” With this partnership we are hoping to make both companies stronger, provide more leverage with wholesalers and open new doors. Forsley states, “We have more breweries in America now than we ever have in the history of this country, and we’re probably now more aligned channel wise with wineries than ever in the history of beer in America. It makes perfect sense for a wine sales rep when talking to a chef or the buyer of a fine dining establishment to talk about craft beer as well.” After conducting research, Tim Snider, President of Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, agreed with Forsley finding a convergence with fine wine and craft beer drinkers both at the restaurant level, including fine wine boutiques and specialty shops, and consumers. Snider stated, “Once we started to study that a little bit, it made a whole lot of sense for our sales people to sell both categories, because oftentimes we’re talking about a very similar consumer base and a very similar account base.” So next time you are in the mood for a good beer, make sure to keep an eye out for Shipyard brews.

Let’s be honest, I’m not a huge Viognier fan. I try. I really do, particularly because it’s Virginia’s

signature grape and I try to support the local wineries. But, Viognier just never does it for me. Considering my tumultuous relationship with Viognier, I was torn on whether to participate in this month’s Wine Blogging Wednesday: “Get Your Viggy On.” The whole idea of buying a wine that wouldn’t wow me just to participate in WBW seemed like a waste of wine. At the same time, my whole goal with the blog is to taste new wines…explore new horizons…push myself beyond my wine comfort zone. (drinkwhatyoulike.wordpress.com)

So … I decided to get my Viggy on … and I’m so glad I did!The 2009 Fess Parker Viognier is from Santa Barbara, California and is made with 80% Viognier, 13% Marsanne, 5% Grenache Blanc, and 2% Roussanne grapes. The wine was a light lemon yellow. On the nose, there was honeydew, white nectarines, champagne mangoes, and hints of pineapple and vanilla. In the mouth, there were white nectarines, champagne mangoes, and hints of drawn butter, pineapple, vanilla, and wet stones. The wine was well-balanced with a medium body and medium acidity.Is this worth a glass after work? It’s worth more than one! What are you waiting for? At $24, this wine is a delightful summer white that will be perfect for Friday evenings up on our roof deck (notice I said “will be,” as I expect the Wine Ladies and I will be drinking this white again in the near future). It is food-friendly—maybe some guacamole and chips or some manchego cheese and prosciutto to snack on while on the roof deck—but also the perfect sip-and-type wine to accompany me on my afternoon of blogging. My one word of warning is that the wine has 14.5% alcohol, so it definitely packs a wallop without tasting like it. If you’re gonna get your Viggy on, this is the wine do it with!Special thanks to Frank Morgan for hosting this month’s Wine Blogging Wednesday. Clearly, I wouldn’t have picked up this wine without the WBW excuse, and I would definitely have been missing out. Cheers!

Price: $24 ~ Purchased at Whole Foods Market ~ Overall: 4.5 Corks

Excerpts taken from “A Glass After Work” June 20, 2012 blog post: An honest, straight-forward look as I learn about, taste my way through,

and just generally explore the world of wine, while also searching for a great glass that calls for forgetting about work and settling into a relaxing evening.

Please check out her blog at www.aglassafterwork.com

Excerpts taken from the Daily Vista’s June 7, 2012 article by Managing Editor, Josh Stone.

Please go to www.dailyvista.com to see the article in its entirety.

A GlassAfter Work

PRESORTEdSTANdARd

U.S. POSTAGE PAId SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

PERMIT NO. 7

Warning: drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

P.O. Box 908 • 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd.Los Olivos, California 93441

Printed on recycled paper.