Fess Parker Riesling

Fess Parker Riesling is a 100% Riesling from Santa Barbara County, California, bottled at 750ml with an ABV ranging from 11% to 12.5% depending on vintage. The 2022 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, confirming its standing among the top California Rieslings produced today.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11–12.5%  |  Origin: Santa Barbara County, California  |  Style: Off-Dry Riesling  |  Winery: Fess Parker Winery

Production & Heritage

Fess Parker Winery, founded in 1989 by the late actor and entrepreneur Fess Parker, has become one of Santa Barbara County's most recognized producers. This Riesling is sourced predominantly from Camp Four Vineyard (87%) and Rodney's Vineyard (13%), both situated in the Santa Ynez Valley, where cool Pacific Ocean breezes moderate temperatures and preserve bright natural acidity in the fruit. Fermentation takes place entirely in stainless steel tanks, a deliberate choice that maintains the grape's aromatic purity and crisp citrus-driven character without oak influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe apricot and white peach before giving way to brighter notes of Key lime and lemon cream. A subtle mineral thread runs underneath, lending complexity beyond the primary fruit.

Taste: The entry is juicy and immediate, with Granny Smith apple and apricot flavors leading into a mid-palate of lemon and Key lime accented by light minerality. A balanced touch of residual sweetness amplifies the fruit without masking the wine's lively acidity, keeping the profile refreshing and well-structured through a light-to-medium body.

Finish: Clean and sleek, the finish carries lingering citrus zest and a faint hint of lychee nut. The acidity provides a crisp, mouthwatering close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Fess Parker Riesling

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, to highlight the wine's aromatic intensity and acid structure. This Riesling is versatile enough to enjoy on its own as an aperitif or alongside food.

• Riesling Spritz: Combine with sparkling water and a twist of lime for a low-ABV warm-weather refresher that plays off the wine's natural citrus profile.
• White Wine Sangria: The apricot and peach character makes it an ideal base when mixed with fresh stone fruit and a splash of elderflower liqueur.
• Classic Wine Cocktail: A small measure of brandy and a dash of aromatic bitters transform this into an elegant pre-dinner drink where the Riesling's sweetness and acidity stay balanced.

Best For

• Introducing a wine drinker to quality California Riesling beyond the usual Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
• Pairing with spicy Asian cuisine where the off-dry profile tempers heat
• Summer entertaining where a chilled, aromatic white sets the right tone
• Gifting to someone curious about Santa Barbara County wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fess Parker Riesling taste like? It delivers juicy apricot, Granny Smith apple, and Key lime flavors with a light mineral edge, wrapped in a refreshing off-dry profile with lively acidity.

How does Fess Parker Riesling compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling? Both are approachable, off-dry American Rieslings at a similar price tier, but Fess Parker sources its fruit from Santa Barbara County's cooler coastal vineyards rather than Washington's Columbia Valley. The result is a slightly more citrus-driven and mineral-inflected wine, whereas Chateau Ste. Michelle tends to lean more toward ripe stone fruit and floral notes.

Is Fess Parker Riesling good for beginners? Its balanced residual sweetness, bright acidity, and fruit-forward character make it an approachable entry point for anyone new to Riesling or white wine in general.

Where is Fess Parker Riesling made? It is produced by Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara County, California, using fruit from Camp Four Vineyard and Rodney's Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.

What foods pair well with Fess Parker Riesling? Thai green curry, where the off-dry sweetness counters chili heat; seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, complementing the wine's lime notes; pork tenderloin with apricot glaze, echoing the stone fruit character; soft goat cheese with honey, balancing acidity and sweetness; and sushi or sashimi, where the clean finish refreshes the palate between bites.

What sizes does Fess Parker Riesling come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Fess Parker Riesling worth the price? It positions as a mid-range California Riesling, and the 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast for the 2022 vintage suggests strong value relative to its price tier, particularly given the estate-quality vineyard sourcing from Santa Ynez Valley.

Why Fess Parker Riesling?

California Riesling remains a niche category, and Fess Parker's version stands out because of its specific vineyard sourcing from Camp Four and Rodney's Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley — sites where the cool maritime influence preserves the natural acidity that defines great Riesling. Stainless steel fermentation keeps the aromatics transparent, allowing the terroir to speak clearly. The 92-point Wine Enthusiast score validates what the wine delivers in the glass: a precise, refreshing white that bridges Old World Riesling structure with California fruit generosity. For anyone seeking an alternative to the Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio mainstream, this is a compelling bottle to reach for.