Fess Parker Winery Appoints David Baird Assistant Winemaker

Fess Parker Winery, located on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail of Santa Barbara Wine Country, has announced the appointment of David Baird as Assistant Winemaker.

Baird, who graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Agricultural Business and minor in Wine and Viticulture, will work under the guidance of Head Winemaker, Blair Fox. As Assistant Winemaker, he will be tasked with managing the Enology Laboratory and Cellar staff.

Previously, Baird enjoyed successful stints as Cellar Master at Justin Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles. Baird first started his career in winemaking as an intern at both Edna Valley Vineyard and Halter Ranch Winery, both on California’s Central Coast.

Of his new appointment, Baird says, “I am very excited to be working for such a well-known and reputable brand as Fess Parker. There is such a wonderful history of great wines, with things only improving in recent years. I look forward to continuing the positive momentum and creating great wines.” Baird, who has never made wine in Santa Barbara Wine Country before says, “I am looking forward to working in a cooler AVA, especially one where such promising things are happening. The area is gaining notoriety for being among the top regions in the United States for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone wine varieties. “