By the late 1970s, Parker was focusing on real-estate investment in Santa Barbara and developed numerous projects over the years. In 1989 Fess and his family turned an interest in fine wine into an adventure now 20 years in the making.
The Fess Parker Winery is a highly regarded and popular destination on the Foxen Canyon wine trail in Los Olivos, CA. The family also farms over 300 acres of vineyard in the Santa Ynez valley. Creating a successful business with his family was one of Fess' proudest achievements.
Parker and his wife, Marcella, marked their 50th wedding anniversary in January of this year. He had remained active up until a year ago when his health began to fail. Tim Snider, who is married to Parker's daughter, Ashley, is president of the winery and has been overseeing day-to-day operations.