You probably know the name Fess Parker as the man who brought Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone to life on the television screen. But did you know his son, Fess Elisha Parker III, known to friends as Eli, carved his own path? Eli didn’t chase the bright lights of Hollywood; instead, he found his calling amidst the rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards of Santa Barbara County.
It’d be easy to assume Eli simply rode his father’s coattails, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While the Fess Parker Winery, nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, stands as a tribute to the family name, Eli turned it into something uniquely his own. He poured his heart and soul into the craft of winemaking, transforming the winery from a novelty to a destination for true connoisseurs.
The winery itself is like stepping into a memory of Fess Parker’s acting career. Eli cleverly wove nods to his father’s iconic roles throughout the estate, ensuring his legacy lives on in every corner—and every glass. But don’t for a second think this is just a tourist trap for nostalgic fans. Eli’s wines have earned their own accolades, standing tall on their own merit within the competitive world of fine wines.
The Making of a Winemaker
Eli’s journey wasn’t always easy. Stepping outside the shadow of a legend like Fess Parker is no small feat. He had to prove himself, to show the world he was more than just “Davy Crockett’s son.” And prove himself he did. Eli’s dedication to quality, his unwavering commitment to his craft, shines through in every bottle. He built a reputation on his own terms, a testament to his hard work and passion.
What’s truly special about the Fess Parker Winery is the way it bridges generations. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. You can feel Fess Parker’s presence in the air, in the stories shared, in the subtle reminders of his larger-than-life persona. But you can also sense Eli’s influence, his modern touch, his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what a family winery can be.
More Than Just a Business
The Fess Parker Winery is more than just a business; it’s a love letter to family, to legacy, and to the art of winemaking. It’s a place where you can raise a glass to a bygone era while savoring the fruits of a new generation’s labor. And that’s a legacy worth toasting to.
A Family Affair
Did Fess Parker have kids? You bet he did! Fess and his wife, Marcella, had two children: Eli, and a daughter, Ashley Allen Rinehart (who now goes by Ashley Parker-Snider).
You might think that growing up with a dad as famous as Davy Crockett himself would mean a childhood in the spotlight, but Fess and Marcella had other ideas. They wanted Eli and Ashley to have as normal an upbringing as possible, keeping their family life private and close-knit.
And it seems like that down-to-earth approach stuck with both of them. Instead of chasing Hollywood dreams, Eli and Ashley have dedicated themselves to keeping a different part of their dad’s legacy alive—his passion for winemaking. They’re both involved in the family business, the Fess Parker Family Winery and Vineyards. Even the winery’s labels, adorned with a golden coonskin cap, are a nod to Fess’s most famous role. It’s clear that family and tradition meant the world to Fess Parker, and Eli and Ashley are carrying that torch with pride.
A Veteran of Stage and Screen
Was Fess Parker in the military? You bet he was! Before he was Davy Crockett or Daniel Boone, Fess Parker served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He joined up hoping to become a pilot, but while the details of his service aren’t crystal clear, it’s clear that his time in the Navy really stuck with him. Some experts believe it set him on a new path, leading him to the bright lights of Hollywood after the war.
Think about it – the same guy who wrestled bears and explored the frontier on TV was once a sailor! It just goes to show there was more to Fess Parker than met the eye. His time in the Navy probably gave him a taste of adventure and a sense of duty that shines through in those classic roles he played.
A Legacy Remembered
Fess Parker, the actor who embodied Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, passed away in 2010 at the age of 85. His name lives on, not just through reruns of his classic TV shows, but also through the Fess Parker Winery.
The winery has been winning awards and accolades left and right, a testament to Eli’s dedication to quality. It seems the entrepreneurial spirit runs in the Parker family, with Eli building his own success story while keeping his father’s memory alive in a truly unique and delicious way.
Did you know that this person called Edith Newbold Jones who was also referred to by her pen name Edith Wharton was related to a famous Colonial figure?
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