Pursuing a profound love of world-class wines throughout their personal and professional lives, father and daughter Lloyd Messer and Dana Brown developed a real thirst for cultivating something of their own. Truly distinctive terroir-driven wines can be elusive, but this remote plateau in Paso Robles—this place—certainly had a voice like no other. Planting their family vineyard here, atop 442 acres of solid calcareous rock, it has been a labor of love to cultivate fruit on this challenging land, but the reward is immediately apparent when savoring the award-winning results.

Lloyd passed on in 2006, but Dana continues to advance their vision as Calcareous consistently produces a collection of world-class Rhône and Bordeaux wines that speak with an undeniable sense of place.

Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes.

Pisoni Vineyards & Winery

All work is done by hand - from planting to canopy work to harvest. Mark and Gary Pisoni farming and winemaking are deep rooted in Burgundian traditions.

When Fess Parker purchased the 714-acre Foxen Canyon Ranch in 1988, he envisioned a future filled with cattle, a modest vineyard, and perhaps one day, a small winery. His dream was to establish a family business that could be passed down through generations.

Today, Eli Parker and his sister Ashley Parker Snider carry forward their father’s vision, managing the family portfolio with the help of Winery President Tim Snider, Ashley’s husband. Many of Fess’s grandchildren are also actively involved in the family business, ensuring the legacy continues.

Fess Parker, an actor and entrepreneur, captivated audiences with his portrayals of frontiersman Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in the 1950s and 60s, earning a devoted following across generations. His down-to-earth charm and hardworking spirit endeared him to many, paving the way for his successful transition from Hollywood to the business world in the early 1970s.

While he continued to star in and produce numerous hits for Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros., Parker laid the groundwork for his second career in real estate development. With his warm Texas demeanor and a keen eye for opportunity, he purchased the Foxen Canyon ranch and dedicated himself to producing high-quality wines from estate-grown grapes and the finest vineyards in the county.

Fess and his wife, Marcella, enjoyed a 50-year marriage and raised two children in Santa Barbara, where they lived for over 30 years. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fess passed away in March 2010, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, warmth, and friendship.

Visitors to the Fess Parker Winery can still feel his presence, as his spirit lives on through his family and the remarkable wines they produce. For wine lovers exploring California's wineries, Fess Parker Winery offers not just exceptional wines, but a heartfelt connection to a beloved figure and his enduring legacy.