Blog - Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

Harvest Update from Blair

Our Head Winemaker, Blair Fox provides an update on the 2026 Growing Season.

Harvest will be underway a little earlier than usual this year, and many of you have been asking why.

The answer is actually pretty simple: the growing season got an early start.

After the 2025 harvest, we experienced a cold snap that pushed the vines into dormancy a little earlier than normal. Because of that, our vineyard team was able to complete pruning and all of the necessary winter vineyard work before January. However, the unusually warm temperatures early in 2026 triggered an earlier-than-normal bud break.

That early bud break led to early shoot growth and a healthy fruit set. Overall, we're looking at a very average crop this year—not especially large or small.

The biggest story of the 2026 growing season is simply that everything started earlier. Despite the earlier start, the vines have still enjoyed a good amount of hang time. It's also worth noting that this is very different from 2015, which was the height of the California drought. That year, we had a much smaller crop and a shorter hang time. This year, we actually received good rainfall early in the season.

We're getting ready for the start of harvest and will be busy in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned for more harvest updates here!

a tent with white curtains in a field of plants

A Summer Wedding at The Grange

A picture perfect day at our Rodney's Vineyard venue and The Grange.

Some wedding days feel like they were always meant to happen in wine country, and Rachel and Michael's celebration at Fess Parker Winery was one of them.

Surrounded by rolling vineyards and sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Valley, the couple exchanged vows on the Upper Mesa of our Home Ranch, overlooking Rodney's Vineyard. With estate vines stretching into the distance and the golden California landscape as their backdrop, it was an unforgettable setting for a ceremony that perfectly captured the beauty of the season.

Following the ceremony, guests made their way to The Grange, our signature reception venue, where the evening took on an entirely new look. The pole barn at The Grange was beautifully draped, creating a soft, elegant atmosphere that completely transformed the space while still honoring its rustic character. Warm lighting, abundant florals, and thoughtfully layered details made The Grange feel both timeless and incredibly inviting.

Their wedding beautifully showcased how our property offers two distinctly different yet complementary settings—from an open-air vineyard ceremony to a sophisticated barn reception—all within one unforgettable destination.

A heartfelt thank you to the talented team who brought this beautiful celebration to life:

Venue: Fess Parker Winery
Planning & Design: Amanda Lauren Co.
Photography: Lisa Leanne Photography
Invitation Suite: Christie Manhattan Beach
Florals: Knot Just Flowers
Rentals: Amigo Event Rentals
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Catering, Bar & Dessert: High on the Hog Catering
Band: On the Beat Music Agency
Photobooth: Feature Booth Photo
Dress: En Blanc Bride
Tux: Alan David Custom Suits
Hair & Makeup: Samara Beauty SB
Transportation: Jump on the School Bus

Congratulations to Rachel and Michael—we're honored you chose Fess Parker Winery to celebrate the beginning of your next chapter together, and we wish you a lifetime of happiness.

If you're dreaming of a vineyard wedding in the Santa Ynez Valley, we'd love to help you create a celebration that's uniquely your own.

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