During our recent couples trip to Los Olivos, California, we chose to stay at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, a boutique hotel in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. One of our main reasons for choosing it was its unbeatable location — within walking distance of about 20 wine-tasting rooms, including two of our favorites: Saarloos & Sons and Larner Vineyard & Winery Tasting Room. The hotel also has an interesting history. Fess Parker, the owner, famously portrayed Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett in Disney’s TV series during the 1950s and 1960s. He later purchased a 714-acre ranch to produce high-quality wines and expanded into hospitality. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, purchased in 1998 and renovated in 2012, is now one of the most charming boutique hotels in Los Olivos and a perfect base for exploring the Santa Ynez Valley’s wineries.
Rooms and Suites at Fess Parker Inn
The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn offers 19 spacious rooms and suites. Each includes a cozy fireplace — perfect for relaxing on chilly evenings with a complimentary bottle of Fess Parker wine. We also loved the plush bathrobes. In the morning, guests can enjoy a self-serve drink station with coffee and tea. The rooms are modern yet warm, with thoughtful touches throughout. Don’t miss the evening turndown service — we were pleasantly surprised with a small treat of homemade peanut brittle left by the staff.
Dining Options
Breakfast is included with your stay and features a buffet spread of fruits, pastries, meats, cheeses, cereals, yogurts, and beverages like juice, coffee, and tea. The dining room is small, but on sunny mornings, the outdoor patio is a great choice. For lunch and dinner, the on-site Nella Kitchen & Bar serves delicious pinsas (similar to pizzas), pastas, and salads for lunch and dinner. Guests may bring their own bottle of wine for a corkage fee. Reservations are recommended and can easily be made online. In the evenings, the fire pits and outdoor seating areas on the lawn offer a relaxing space to unwind with a glass of wine.
Hotel Amenities
Guests at the Fess Parker Inn enjoy a variety of thoughtful amenities that make their stay even more enjoyable:
- A heated swimming pool — perfect for relaxing or for families traveling with kids.
- Exclusive discounts on wine tastings in Los Olivos and surrounding regions.
- Free on-site parking.
- A helpful concierge service for arranging wine tastings and dining reservations — something we found extremely convenient during our stay.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Vineyard is a lovely boutique hotel conveniently located near Los Olivos’ best shopping, dining, and wine-tasting spots. While it’s on the pricier side, the comfort, style, and exceptional service make it worth the splurge. We’ve stayed here twice now and always had a wonderful couples’ getaway. If you’re planning a romantic trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, Fess Parker Inn is a top choice. For more recommendations on where dine and taste wine in Los Olivos and Southern California, check out our website.