Horses, California sunshine and great food are on the menu at luxurious Alisal Ranch in Solvang, located on 10,500 acres in the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley. Throughout the year, guests can look forward to a great selection of programs designed in partnership with Chef’s Roll, a culinary community comprised of MICHELIN-starred chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, culinary students and hospitality industry professionals. Events at the ranch will include a BBQ Bootcamp May 4–6, and a BBQ University from Sept. 2 to 5.
© Alisal Ranch
“Alisal Ranch is proud to continue to build upon the programs from past years and introduce a stellar line-up of top culinary talent to further bolster the already incredible experiences available to our guests,” said Kathleen Cochran, general manager, Alisal Ranch. “Alisal Ranch continues to be recognized as a place where guests can escape the everyday, connect with the stunning natural beauty of the ranch, and enjoy the many amenities the property offers. We’re thrilled to welcome such talented chefs to collaborate with our culinary team and provide guests with memorable dining experiences set right on our private ranch.”
During BBQ Bootcamp in May, chef, entrepreneur and tastemaker Valerie Gordon will emcee a program of grilling, smoking and barbecuing featuring fresh, local ingredients. Participating chefs include Suzanne Goin, a James Beard-celebrated chef; food and travel writer Paula Disbrowe; New York Times bestselling cookbook author Aaron Franklin; and Derek Wolf and Brad Prose of FYR Grills. The event also includes a whiskey tasting and a class in blending spices.
© Alisal Ranch
In September, BBQ University will find television host and BBQ Hall of Famer Steven Raichlen leading guests in hands-on instruction on how to prepare Memphis dry rub ribs, Thai rotisserie chicken, Texas Hill Country brisket, Brazilian rib roast and other dishes. A five-course lunch with craft beers and local wines is included with each class.
Beginning in May and continuing throughout the year, a series of five California Ranch Cookouts will also be offered. These include May 31 with Chef Drew Deckman, co-owner of MICHELIN-starred restaurants in Baja, Mexico and San Diego; June 21 with chefs Brian Malarkey, a frequent judge on Food Network and various Bravo television shows, who will be accompanied by Carlos Anthony, executive chef of Herb & Wood in San Diego; teacher, author and chef Javier Plascencia on July 19; first-ever female Iron Chef Cat Cora on Aug. 16; and Chef Maeve Schulz, owner and executive chef of Sugar & Scribe Bakery in La Jolla, California on Aug. 23. During their stay, guests can also enjoy the ranch’s many activities, which include horseback riding, hay wagon rides, kayaking, golf, tennis, canoeing and stargazing.
Read This Next
EDITION Hotels, Sotheby’s Partnered with DYNE
Daily
Jan 13, 2026
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedJanuary 2026
Jan 13, 2026Entrepreneur Travelers Embrace Flexibility but Also Face Unique Challenges
Business travel is business travel ... right? Well, not if you’re an entrepreneur. Traditional business travelers are beholden to corporate travel policies, forced to book via a dedicated platform or with certain brands, and restricted by their employers’ duty of care. When it comes to entrepreneur travel, however, anything and everything is an option — and travel brands, from airlines to hotels and beyond are taking notice and adjusting their offerings accordingly.
Sponsored Content
Meliá Hotels International: Redefining Luxury Travel with Unforgettable Experiences
As discerning travelers seek authentic stays, Meliá’s luxury offerings in the Americas — Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, ME by Meliá and Paradisus by Meliá — stand ready to captivate across key destinations in the Americas and the world, Meliá offers unique stays that elevate every journey.
January 2026
Jan 12, 2026Be Resourceful to Find the Best Restaurants in Your Destination
Finding an unforgettable meal while traveling can feel daunting. When you’re lucky, a local meal can be the most memorable part of your trip. However, oftentimes visitors wind up somewhere mediocre simply because they rely on convenience or proximity. Tourist traps can trick even the most studied traveler, and hidden gems can often be overlooked, but exceptional meals may lie right around the corner — you simply need to know where to look.
Slideshow
Jan 12, 20269 Reasons to Put Hong Kong on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Hong Kong with us.
Sponsored Content
Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, Reopens After Stunning Transformation
Gorilla Forest Lodge offers an unrivaled base for encountering mountain gorillas. The lodge's location inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s gates means guests are never far from these magnificent creatures, with gorillas occasionally wandering onto the property itself.
January 2026
Jan 9, 2026Follow These Expert Tips to Help You Avoid Symptoms of Jet Lag
When most travelers think about jet lag, they typically associate it with the feeling after a long flight — groggy, disoriented and even a little sore. This occurs because the circadian rhythm, responsible for our body’s physical and mental responses, has been disrupted by the crossing of time zones.
eFlyer Deals
Jan 7, 2026Get Balcony Upgrades, Up to 30 Percent Off Holland America Line Fares
Holland America Line embraces Wave Season with a massive deal. The cruise line’s Start Your Journey promotion is available on more than 500 cruises to Alaska, Europe and beyond, and includes up to 30 percent off cruise fares, free balcony upgrades, and onboard and shore excursion credits.
Sponsored Content
26 Unforgettable Luxuries Across the Island of Ireland in 2026
From dramatic coastlines and ancient sites to lively festivals and hidden gems, the island of Ireland offers unforgettable experiences year-round. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for more, this list will guide you through both classic favorites and underrated treasures.
eFlyer Deals
Jan 7, 2026Hotel San Luis Obispo Launches Promotion for Meetings, Retreats
Hotel SLO in California just launched a SLO Your Spend offer, available for events with a minimum of 50 room nights booked by March 31. This offer includes exclusive $305 rates during eligible dates and no food and beverage minimum.
ShareThis