Though there are plenty of great places to eat and drink in Santa Barbara Wine Country, I can really only recommend a small handful of places to stay the night. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, located right in the heart of Los Olivos, is one of those places. Sure, it’s walking distance to dozens of tasting rooms — and just a short drive to the area’s larger wineries — but location aside, the inn itself is a worthy destination. Expect spacious rooms, a pool and day spa, plus a delicious onsite restaurant, The Bear and Star. It all adds up to a great place to rest your head in Los Olivos.
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn | Photo Credit: Fess Parker Inn
Recently, Nick and I attended a special dinner at The Bear and Star and decided to make a little staycation out of our visit. If you’ve been following me for a while, then you’re probably not all that surprised to hear we’d revolve a staycation around a food and wine experience! Ha. But really, we had been wanting to stay at The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn for some time and this dinner was the perfect excuse.
Lobby area | Credit: Fess Parker Inn
THE INN
The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn was established by the late actor turned vintner, Fess Parker, who purchased the inn in 1998. It was completely renovated in 2012, and today, the inn is owned and operated by Parker’s family who have helped make it the contemporary boutique hotel it is now.
The feel of the Fess Parker is light and sophisticated with details that remind you you’re in wine country, like repurposed oak barrels used in the lobby floors. It’s also quaint with a welcoming vibe.
Photo credit: Fess Parker Inn
While each of the 19 rooms is slightly different, they are all comfortable and tasteful, with in-room Keurig coffee makers, gas fireplaces and large bathrooms. I can’t tell you how lovely it was to lounge on the bed (complete with pillow top mattress) in front of a fire at the end of the night. So relaxing!
Photo credit: Fess Parker Inn
Since we checked in later in the day on a Sunday, Nick and I didn’t have time to enjoy the pool (which is warmed to the low 80s) or a treatment at the day spa, sadly. We did take full advantage of the bar and restaurant downstairs, though. We’d been to eat here several times, but as I mentioned, the whole reason for our staycation was to attend a special dinner at The Bear and Star. Specifically, it was the Chef’s Table dinner, which did not disappoint!
CHEF’S TABLE DINNER AT THE BEAR AND STAR
The Bear and Star serves “refined ranch” cuisine and is certainly worthy of a visit any day or night of the year (you can read my past coverage here). If you get a chance, though, I’d highly suggest reserving a spot at one of the ongoing Chef’s Table Dinners. Held in the exclusive Chef’s Room next to the kitchen, this intimate multi-course dinner series blends the talents of The Bear and Star’s Chef John Cox and team with those of other esteemed California chefs, paired with wine from around the world.
The dinner we attended featured Red Bird LA’s Chef Neal Fraser, who teamed up with Chef Cox and team to put on quite an impressive meal. And with only 8 seats during our seating (there are two seatings), you can imagine what an exclusive experience it was. From winemakers to comedians, we were amongst great company, too!
Our dinner included dishes like sea urchin risotto with squash and sweet shrimp paired with Chablis, and the playful forest mushroom dish with black garlic and zucchini crumbs paired with Grenache. Each course was beautifully presented and even more delicious.
Forest mushrooms & beets
Past guest chefs have included Chef Suzanne Tracht of Jar and this month’s Chef Cal Stamenov of Lucia at the Bernardus Lodge. Be on the lookout for future guest chefs, including Ted Walter of Passionfish, Tim Hollingsworth of Otium and Nancy Silverton of Mozza. I’m already planning which one/s I want to join next!
BREAKFAST AT THE BEAR AND STAR
If you don’t make it to dinner, definitely take advantage of the complimentary breakfast at The Bear and Star (included with your stay). This is far from a continental breakfast with some stale pastries and boxed cereal — no, no… this is breakfast done right! You can order whatever you’d like from their farm-to-table breakfast menu, including things like Smoked wagyu hash, spiced apple pancakes and eggs with house smoked bacon.
After noshing on a still warm chocolate scone and a delicious plate of Huevos Rancheros, it was time to pack up and head back to reality. Our time was too short, but we can’t wait to repeat this mini staycation again soon.
**The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn**
Location: 2860 Grand Ave – Los Olivos, CA
Phone: 805-688-7788
Room Rates: $289 – $800 + depending on the season
1 comment
The Inn looks like such a cozy getaway! Definitely can’t wait to try the food at The Bear and Star, looks delicious!