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

Fess Parker with son Eli on location in Mexico while

filming Smoky in 1965

June 17, 1961

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY ELI!

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

A fter a significant frost in early April and a relatively cool Spring, we finally saw some heat in early summer. This heat was just

what the vines needed to gear up for a productive harvest. We will see moderate yields this year, which should lead to good concentration and wonderful flavor development. Last harvest was very cool and damp, but will also be remembered by the week-long, record-breaking heat wave that scorched certain areas of California. We are hoping for a much more moderate harvest climate with long, warm days and little to no rain in the months of September and October. At this point, we will just have to keep our fingers crossed!

Before harvest is bottling season. We are bottling all of our 2009 red Rhone wines such as Rodney’s Vineyard Syrah and The Big Easy, as well as our 2010 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir along with our Rhone White wines like 2010 Rodney’s Viognier, Santa Barbara Viognier and Mélange Blanc (a delicious blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier). By emptying all of these barrels of previous vintages, we are making space for the new 2011 vintage wines. After a few months to a year of bottle ageing, these wines will be ready for you to enjoy!

Cheers,

Blair Fox, Head Winemaker

Fifty years is an interesting milestone. You’ve had enough time and experience to build up a nice résumé of achievements, yet you’re still in your prime with

plenty left to tackle – both personally and professionally. Heck, your Dad was 65 when the winery was started! When we first met, you were still under 40 and searching for the best path for the winery. Not a single grape had been harvested from the new Ashley’s Vineyard, and though the potential for the winery was clear, there were more questions than answers. A lot has taken shape since then.

The other day a person in the wine business asked me to tell them more about your role in the winery. Taken by surprise a little, I summed it up by characterizing it as the foundation. I told them how Fess told me “I don’t think we would have gone down the path this far if it weren’t for Eli’s interest in it.” I explained how you found the site that became Ashley’s and led the charge to develop what is now a most respected Chard and Pinot vineyard. I passed along your mantra which still cements the ongoing commitment to quality: “We haven’t made our best bottle of wine yet.” Your unselfish, unassuming leadership should be admired; willing to give the next guy credit and turn the winemaking reins over to Blair when you realized your time was stretched and it was the best move for the progress of the business.

So, we all wish you a very happy 50th birthday. Congratulations on your achieve-ments as a son, father, grandfather, husband and winemaker/vintner. We’re excited to see what lies ahead and trust it will bring happiness and satisfaction.

Sincerely, Tim Snider, President

a birthday note for

ELIhead

WINEMAKER

Tim Snider

Also, Happy Birthday to Laureen, who happens to share the same birth date, June 17th, with her husband Eli.

Happy Birthday, Son! I am so proud of you! – Love you, Mom

Happy 50th Birthday to my much older brother! – Love, Ash

Happy Birthday, Hubby! – Love, Your Wife

Dad, not many can have a father who is half as great as you! You’re amazing and I love you so much. Happy Birthday! – Love, Baby Oli

Happy Birthday, Dad! I am so fortunate to have a father like you. Here’s to 50 more! – Love, your favorite daughter, K$

Happy Birthday Eli! Thanks for being a great Uncle. Enjoy the beard dye we got you to take care of those gray hairs! Have a great day! – Spencer, Greer, and Henry

Happy Birthday, Eli ! – Love, Tara

Happy 23rd year as my father! You’re so lucky! I won’t mention the 50th birthday thing. You’re an amazing dad who deserves a celebration, but we won’t go there again. I love you, Dad! – Amanda

You have touched so many lives with your kindness and generosity. I feel so blessed to have you as my Dad. Happy 50th Birthday! – Always, Tessa

Happy Birthday, Dad! Thank you so much for being a wonderful father and grandfather. You do so much for everyone else. We hope you enjoy a little time off. – Love, Kristopher, Michellene, and Braeden

Happy Birthday, Dad! – Love, Clayton and Jack

Birthday Wishes from Eli’s Family

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

upcoming

EVENTSOutdoor Screening of Old Yeller

Featuring Fess Parker as Jim Coates

Saturday, August 20th

Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening on the lawn at the winery!

Ticket price is $10 Ticket sale proceeds to benefit Guide Dogs for the Blind

Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hot dogs & tri-tip sandwiches will be available for sale. Complimentary candy and popcorn provided. Bring a blanket or low lawn chairs to sit on.

Movie starts as soon as it is dark enough for optimal viewing. ©

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Rhone Rangers - Los AngelesSunday, August 7th • 2pm – 5pmVenue: Pier 59 Studios West, 2415 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA Contact: The Rhone Rangers 800-467-0163 This is an afternoon of tasting of wines from over 35 wineries, paired with artisan cheeses and tapas plates. Pier 59 Studios West is a private multimedia and photography studio servicing the Los Angeles & Hollywood markets, whose facilities have been used for photographing many of Hollywood’s top celebrities. For more info, please visit www.rhonerangers.org

Harvest CelebrationSaturday, September 24th

Enjoy light appetizers with our newest vintages of Chardonnay, Pinot, Syrah and maybe even a re-release of something special from our Library!$30 per person For reservations please contact Elaina at: 1-888-877-3335 or elaina@fessparker.com

Reservations required • Limited to 60 Club members

Please check out our new web s i te www.fessparkerwines.com for updates on winery and regional events

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

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

Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa

Stay Three, Get the Fourth Night Free Make your sophisticated summer getaway even better with an extra night on us. Relax and rejuvenate in an atmosphere of casual elegance while enjoying all Santa Barbara wine country has to offer. This special summer promotion starts at $295* a night.

*Prices are per night, based on single or double occupancy, Sunday through Thursday. Weekend prices subject to higher rate. Offer is valid through 10/31/2011 on all rooms and suites. Other limitations may apply. Please call for details. Prices subject to change without notice.

Stetsons & Stilettos, Hope on the Range A special tribute was paid to Fess at the American Cancer Society’s “Stetsons & Stilettos, Hope on the Range” event that was hosted by the Carriage and Western Art Museum of Santa Barbara recently. Ashley and Tim Snider as well as Eli Parker and wife Laureen were in attendance.

As Honorary chair for the event, Ashley extended a heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and sponsors: “Thank you for coming and honoring Dad. This organization does great work. No one wants to think about this, but it’s reality.”

Event chair Katherine Hanna presented Ashley & Eli with a landscape painting created by Claudia Lash, who is an American Cancer Society board member and cancer survivor, titled “Fess Paradise,” and the crowd was moved as Ashley tearfully accepted the painting.

Ashley thanked the American Cancer Society of Santa Barbara for the treatment and preventive programs that helped Fess fight cancer. “Dad decided not to go with the old standard of treatment, and he was cancer free when he passed away. Events like this make you think about all the wonderful people we have in the community.”

Both Eli & Ashley agreed that Fess would have enjoyed the event that the organizers had put together. Any party where jeans and boots were acceptable attire was A-OK with him. And he would have enjoyed the wine too!

the

INNSIDEscoop

Remembering

FESS

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

available

NOW Prices subject to change. All of the wines listed below are available through our website at www.fessparker.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, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NV, NY, NM, ND, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV and WY.

REtail WiNE ClUB Bottle/Case Bottle/Case

2010 CHARDONNAY “Santa Barbara County” ........................................... $18 / $194.40 ........................ $14.40 / $172.80

2010 CHARDONNAY “Ashley’s” Release July 25th ...................................$35 / $210.00 6pk ................. $28.00 / $168.00 6pk

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

2010 DRY RIESLING “Rodney’s Vineyard” .................................................. $28 / $336.20 ........................ $22.40 / $268.80

2009 VIOGNIER “Santa Barbara County” .................................................... $24 / $259.20 ........................ $19.20 / $230.40

2009 VIOGNIER “Rodney’s Vineyard” ......................................................... $34 / $408.00 ........................ $27.20 / $326.40

2009 MÉLANGE BLANC “Santa Barbara County” ...................................... $24 / $288.00 ........................ $19.20 / $230.40

2010 PARKER FAMILY RESERVE WHITE “Rodney’s Vineyard” ............... $28 / $336.00 ........................ $22.40 / $268.80

2008 PINOT NOIR “Santa Barbara County” ................................................ $28 / $336.00 ........................ $22.40 / $268.80

2007 PINOT NOIR “Bien Nacido Vineyard” ............................................... $45 / $486.00 ........................ $36.00 / $432.00

2008 PINOT NOIR “Ashley’s” ................................................................$50 / $270.00 6pk ................. $40.00 / $240.00 6pk

2008 PINOT NOIR “Clone 115” ...........................................................$55 / $330.00 6pk ................. $44.00 / $264.40 6pk

2009 PINOT NOIR “Pommard Clone” ..................................................$55 / $330.00 6pk ................. $44.00 / $264.40 6pk

2007 PINOT NOIR “American Tradition Reserve” ....................................... $35 / $378.00 ........................ $28.00 / $336.00

2008 SYRAH “Santa Barbara County” ........................................................... $25 / $270.00 ........................ $20.00 / $240.00

2007 SYRAH “Rodney’s Vineyard” ..........................................................$45 / $243.00 6pk ................. $36.00 / $216.00 6pk

2008 “THE BIG EASY” ..........................................................................$35 / $189.00 6pk ................. $28.00 / $168.00 6pk

FRONTIER RED “Lot 102” ......................................................................... $12 / $129.00 .......................... $9.60 / $115.00

TRADITIONS “Port style wine” (375mL) .................................................... $20 / $240.00 ........................ $16.00 / $192.00

2008 CROCKETT (750mL) ...................................................................$75 / $450.00 6pk ................. $60.00 / $360.00 6pk

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

CHARTER CLUB 1 Red + 1 White2008 Big Easy $342010 Ashley’s Chardonnay $34Retail Price: $68Club Price: $54.40

A TO V CLUB 2 Whites2010 Ashley’s Chardonnay $342010 Viognier $25Retail Price: $59Club Price: $47.20

REDS ONLY CLUB 2 Reds2008 Big Easy $342009 Pommard Clone $50Retail Price: $84Club Price: $67.20

QUAD CLUB 2 Reds + 2 Whites2008 Big Easy $342009 Pommard Clone $502010 Ashley’s Chardonnay $342010 Viognier $25 Retail Price: $143Club Price: $114.40

PARkER’S PINOT CLUB 6 PinotsEach spring and fall you will receive 6 bottles of our award-winning Pinot Noirs. Each shipment will contain 2 bottles each of 3 different Pinot Noirs. (The price range is $225 – $240 depending on your membership options)

THE RIESLINg CLUB For You White Wine LoversOnce a year you will receive 6 bottles each of our new vintage release of Santa Barbara County Riesling and Rodney’s Vineyard Dry Riesling. (The price range is $171 – $182 depending on your membership options)

NEW CLUB OPTIONS! at Fess Parker Winery we appreciate the feedback we get from our members and after much demand we have created two new club options to add to our already great lineup:

the best news is, if you add one of these to clubs to an existing wine club membership, you will receive 25% off club shipments instead of the normal 20%. Re-orders will still be discounted 20%.

Fall 2011

Wine Club OfferingsWinemaker notes can be found on page 6.

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.

NOTE

From a Fan

local

FAVESCome visit us this summer or for harvest! May we suggest some Santa Barbara favorites for your dining pleasure? You might also enjoy a glass of Fess Parker while you’re at it!

Beachside Bar-Café ~ Goleta (805) 964-7881

Bouchon ~ Santa Barbara (805) 730-1160

Ca Dario ~ Santa Barbara (805) 884-9419

Café Luck ~ Santa Barbara (805) 962-5393

Chuck’s Steak House ~ Santa Barbara (805) 687-4417

Chuck’s Waterfront grill ~ Santa Barbara (805) 564-1200

Emilio’s Restaurant & Bar ~ Santa Barbara (805) 966-4426

Louie’s California Bistro ~ Santa Barbara (805) 963-7003

Olio E Limone Ristorante ~ Santa Barbara (805) 899-2699

Opal Restaurant & Bar ~ Santa Barbara (805) 966-9676

The Palace grill ~ Santa Barbara (805) 963-5000

Rodney’s Steakhouse at the Fess Parker Doubletree

Santa Barbara (805) 884-8554Wine Cask ~ Santa Barbara (805) 966-9463

Hi Elaina –

I wanted to say what a great time my wife and I had

at the bar-b-que and Big Bottle Bash. Good thing I

was able to convince Blair to go along with my idea

to do some barrel tasting. If you would like, you can

mention in one of your upcoming newsletters what a

huge hit the “Big Bottle Bash” was, including a secret

barrel tasting surprise by Blair Fox, after being coaxed

on by 10-year Wine Club member Gregg Mullery who

said it would be a great hit! Something like that…

Anyway, thanks again and I hope to see you soon.

Thanks,

Gregg Mullery

in this

SHIPMENT

Receipts for Wine Club shipments are not included in the package due to time constraints. See cost per shipment under each Club Offering on page 4. The amount will show on your next credit card statement. For further information please call your Wine Club Coordinator, Elaina, directly at her toll free number 888-877-3335.

FOR YOUR RECORDS

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

2010 Santa Barbara County Viognier Santa Barbara County Vineyard Sources: 59% from Rodney’s Vineyard and

41% from Camp Four Vineyard, both located in the Santa Ynez Valley

Composition: 83% Viognier, 11% Grenache Blanc, 5% Marsanne, 2% Vermentino

Harvest Dates: 9/15/10 – 10/29/10 Harvest Brix: 23.4 – 25.6 Barrel Aging: 70% barrel fermented and aged 8 months

in 1-year and older French oak barrels, 30% stainless steel fermented

Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.44 T.A.: 0.639g/100ml Production: 3,500 cases

2009 Pommard Clone Pinot NoirSanta Barbara County Vineyard Source: 100% from Rancho Las Hermanas (formerly

Ashley’s Vineyard) in the Sta. Rita Hills Blocks: W Clone Selection: Pommard Composition: 100% Pinot Noir Harvest Dates: 9/15/09 – 10/6/09 Harvest Brix: 23.6 Tons per Acre: 1.8 Barrel Aging: 16 months in 30% new French oak Cooperage: Sirugue, François Frères, Boutes, Dargaud &

Jaegle, Quintessence & Ermitage Alcohol: 14.2% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.56 T.A.: 0.612g/100ml Production: 200 cases

2008 Big Easy Syrah Santa Barbara County Vineyard Source: 54% Camp 4 Vineyard located in the Santa Ynez Valley,

23% Rodney’s Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley, 12% Mormann Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, 11% Hampton Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley

Clone Selection: Syrah: Clone 1, Noir, Shenandoah, 877, Estrella Petite Sirah: Palisades, Rockpile Composition: 78% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah Harvest Dates: 9/8/08 – 10/28/08 Harvest Brix: 25.5 – 26.9 Barrel Aging: 22 months in 40% new French & American Oak Cooperage: Remond, François Frères, Ermitage, Meyrieux Alcohol: 14.9% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.80 T.A.: 0.666g/100ml Production: 1,996 cases

Color:Opaque/InkyDark Burgundy

aromas:Black PepperBlueberryBlackberryMochaSmoked Meat

CreosoteLeatherPlumFloral Note

Flavors:BlackberryBlack CherryBlueberryDark Chocolate

BBQ SpiceSmoked MeatVanilla

Color:Light Straw

aromas:White Flowers (Jasmine)Ripe PeachHoneysuckle

VanillaNutmegHint of Toast

Flavors:Citrus Honeydew MelonApricotLemon Zest

VanillaTouch of OakBright Acidity

Color:Ruby/Garnet

aromas:Black CherryForest FloorRaspberryBaking Spices

Red PlumCedarSandalwoodVanilla

Flavors:Black CherryCranberryPlumTobacco

VanillaBlack RaspberryCinnamon

Color:Light Straw

aromas:White PeachApplePearHoney

VanillaBaking SpicesTouch of Oak

Flavors:Pear CitrusLemon CreamGreen Apple

Pastry CrustVanillaBaking Spices

2010 Ashley’s ChardonnaySanta Barbara County Vineyard Source: 94% from Rancho las Hermanas Vineyard (formerly

Ashley’s Vineyard) located in the Sta. Rita Hills and 6% from Sierra Madre Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley

Blocks: G, J, I, H Composition: 100% Chardonnay Harvest Date: 9/22/10 – 10/28/11 Harvest Brix: 23.5 – 24.4 Tons per Acre: 2.2 – 2.8 Barrel Aging: 10 months in 37% new French oak and

25% one-year-old French oak barrels Cooperage: Sirugue, De Mercurey, Ermitage, François Frères,

Berthomieu, Seguin Moreau, Boutes Alcohol: 14.1% alcohol by volume p.H.: 3.37 T.A.: 0.672g/100ml Production: 2,300 cases

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.