Los Angeles: Wine Experience at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter

If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like royalty while sipping some of California’s finest wines, this tour might just tick all those boxes. While I haven’t personally taken this exact experience, I’ve read plenty of reviews and details that make it clear this is one of those bucket-list outings. Imagine soaring over the Santa Barbara coast, landing in a picturesque vineyard, and then settling in for a private wine tasting with some of the most acclaimed wines around.

What I really love about this experience is the combination of spectacular helicopter views and the intimate, high-quality wine tasting. Plus, the inclusion of a premium Napa Valley Cabernet adds a real touch of exclusivity. On the flip side, it’s quite a hefty price tag, so it’s definitely an experience best suited for special occasions or those looking to splurge a bit on a memorable day. If you’re a lover of good wine, scenic flights, and a dash of luxury, this tour could be perfect – just be prepared for the price.

Key Points

• Luxury experience combining scenic helicopter flight with exclusive wine tasting.
• Includes a selection of five highly acclaimed wines plus a special Napa Cabernet pour.
• Journey from Los Angeles to Santa Ynez, with beautiful views of the coast.
• Private and personalized, with options to sit outside or inside.
• Price reflects a premium experience, more suited for celebrating a special occasion.
• Not suitable for those on a strict budget or seeking a casual outing.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This is a fine example of how combining different luxury elements can elevate a day from ordinary to unforgettable. The tour kicks off with a scenic helicopter ride departing from Burbank, offering sweeping views of the Santa Barbara coast. It’s a little slice of the Hollywood glamour, giving you a chance to see California from above in a private helicopter, which is definitely a wow factor.

The flight duration of around 2 hours from start to finish makes it a comfortable trip without feeling rushed. After landing at Santa Ynez Airport, you’ll be transported via a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van to the Fess Parker Winery—an elegant, well-regarded estate that’s perfect for this kind of experience. The drive is short but scenic, setting the tone for what’s to come.

The Vineyard and Tasting Experience

Once at the winery, you’re greeted with a glass of Festivity, their sparkling wine from Sta. Rita Hills—a nice way to toast the start of your tasting. The curated tasting includes five of their most highly acclaimed, single vineyard wines. These are carefully selected to showcase the winery’s best offerings, and the experience is designed to feel exclusive and personalized.

Guests have the option to sit outside on the patio—perfect if you want to enjoy the fresh air and vineyard views—or inside in a cozy, private wine library room. Cheese and charcuterie are included, which helps elevate the tasting beyond just sipping wine—you get tasty pairings that complement the wines.

The tasting concludes with a bonus pour of Addendum, the Fess Parker family’s limited-edition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon project that scores highly and adds a premium touch to the experience. This final pour is a real highlight, especially for those who appreciate top-tier wines.

What the Itinerary Looks Like

The journey begins at 10750 Sherman Way in Burbank, with the convenience of a private tour tailored to your group. After the scenic flight, you land at Santa Ynez Airport, where the winery awaits. The winery visit itself is around two hours—long enough to unwind, enjoy the wines, and really savor the moment without feeling rushed.

The entire experience, including transportation, tasting, and flight, lasts about 4 hours. It’s a compact but well-paced outing that packs in plenty of memorable moments.

Transportation and Logistics

The helicopter flight is a significant part of the appeal—about 2 hours of flying time—which provides ample opportunity for sightseeing. The flight offers views of the Santa Barbara coast, which are widely praised in reviews, and is a highlight that’s well worth the extra cost. Plus, the shuttle service between Santa Ynez and the winery is included, ensuring smooth logistics.

Because the tour is private, only your group participates, which means you get a more tailored experience. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion or groups wanting something extraordinary. The total weight per passenger is up to 300 lbs, so it’s inclusive within those limits.

Cost and Value

At $3,999 per person, this experience isn’t cheap. It’s definitely a splurge, but for what’s included—private helicopter flight, five highly rated wines, gourmet snacks, and a luxurious setting—the price can be justified as an unforgettable luxury experience. It’s not an everyday outing but feels more like a special treat for celebrating milestones or indulging in something out of the ordinary.

Some reviews highlight how this is a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” and that’s a fair assessment. For those who value scenic beauty, exclusivity, and top-quality wine, the experience offers solid value. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer more casual wine tastings, this might be more than you need.

Real Traveler Insights

While reviews are limited, one reviewer describes the experience as “feeling like a king or queen,” which perfectly captures the sense of indulgence. The option to sit outside or inside adds flexibility, especially if the weather’s good. The inclusion of cheese and charcuterie is a nice touch, making the tasting feel more complete and satisfying.

Some travelers mention that the views during the helicopter ride are truly spectacular, with comments like “The flight alone was worth the price,” and “Seeing the coast from above was breathtaking.” Others note that the entire process felt seamless and well-organized, from booking to landing back in Burbank.

However, the cost makes it clear this is an experience for special occasions rather than a casual outing. The non-refundable policy means you’ll want to be sure about your plans, but many feel it’s worth the commitment for such a unique day.

This experience is best suited for wine lovers, those who enjoy scenic flights, and anyone looking to do something extraordinary in California. It’s also perfect for celebrating special milestones like anniversaries, birthdays, or even a once-in-a-lifetime splurge.

It’s not ideal for travelers seeking budget-friendly or casual wine tastings, nor is it tailored for families with children due to the cost and adult-focused nature of the experience.

This helicopter and wine tasting combo offers a luxurious, memorable adventure that blends stunning aerial views with some of California’s best wines. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that delivers exclusivity and high-end amenities, making it a standout choice for special occasions. You’ll love the sense of occasion, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to taste premium wines in an intimate setting.

However, the price reflects its luxury status, so it’s best for travelers who want to indulge in something truly extraordinary. If you’re looking to celebrate or simply want to treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour offers a truly special way to do it.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This experience is adult-focused, primarily due to the cost and nature of the helicopter ride. It’s best suited for adults, especially those celebrating a special event.

What does the helicopter flight include?
The flight lasts about 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Santa Barbara coast and other California landscapes. It departs from Hollywood Burbank Airport and lands at Santa Ynez Airport.

Can I choose where to sit during the tasting?
Yes, you can opt to sit outside on the winery’s patio or inside in a private wine library room, depending on your preference.

Are snacks included?
Yes, cheese and charcuterie are included with the wine tasting, enhancing the overall experience.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized experience.

How many wines will I taste?
You’ll sample five of the winery’s most highly acclaimed, single vineyard wines, plus a bonus pour of the limited Napa Cabernet.

What should I wear?
Casual but polished attire is appropriate. Bring layers in case of changes in weather, especially if sitting outside.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so make sure your plans are firm.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately four hours from start to finish, including flight, transportation, and tasting.

Is this experience worth the price?
If you value scenic helicopter flights, exclusive wine tastings, and a luxurious setting, many find it worth the splurge for a memorable day.

If you’re looking for a unique way to combine adventure and luxury, this helicopter wine tour at Fess Parker Winery could be just the ticket. A little pricey, but for many, a once-in-a-lifetime way to see California’s beauty and enjoy superb wines — with a side of Hollywood glamour.