Alisal Signature Experiences
BBQ Bootcamp
2025
Guest Chefs
Aaron Franklin
Suzanne Goin
Derek Wolf
Brad Prose
Paula Disbrowe
Chef Erik Sandven
As Executive Chef at Alisal Ranch, Chef Erik Sandven brings Alisal Ranch the best ingredients the state’s central coast has to offer, while creating a sense of place for the hotel’s gues…
BBQ Bootcamp
2025 Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday
4 pm
Check-in at the Ranch
5 pm
Welcome Demo with Chef Erik Sandven of Alisal Ranch
5:30 pm
Whiskey Seminar with Rod and Hammer Spirits
6:00 pm
BBQ Demo with Guest Chef Aaron Franklin
6:30 pm
BBQ Dinner and Live Music
Tastings with Zaca Mesa Winery, Rod and Hammer Spirits, plus local brewery
Day 2 – Monday
7:30 – 11 am
Breakfast Ride to the Old Adobe – demo with Guest Chef Suzanne Goin and Paula Disbrowe
*Horseback riders meet at the barn 7:15am
*Haywagon departs at 8:45am
(Advance sign ups required for horseback riding)
1 – 3 pm
Pop-Up Shop & Artisan Boxed Lunch – featuring retail vendors, massage chairs, and tastings with Sextant Winery and an Aperol Spritz station.
2 – 5:30 pm
Afternoon free time
5:30 pm
Tequila and Mezcal Seminar – featuring Mayenda Tequila and Montelobos Mezcal
6 pm
BBQ Demo by Grill Masters Derek Wolf and Brad Prose, featuring FYR Grills
6:30 pm
BBQ Dinner and Live Music – featuring Mayenda Tequila & Montelobos Mezcal, Laetitia Winery, and Firestone Brewery.
Day 3 – Tuesday
7 – 11 am
Breakfast at Leisure in the Ranch Room
9 & 10 am
Spice Blending Class with Solvang Spice Merchants on Creekside Lawn
(advance sign-ups required)
11 am
Sadly, it’s check-out time. We hope to see you again soon!
Meet Our BBQ Bootcamp Emcee
Valerie Gordon’s business acumen and warm, entertaining charm lend themselves to her extensive brand, including the flagship retail boutique Valerie Confections in HiFi, and a café and bakery showcasing her savory prowess in Echo Park. The celebrated Los Angeles chocolatier—and James Beard Finalist cookbook author for 2013’s Sweet—embraces a philosophy of telling compelling stories through flavor by ensuring every dish remains approachable, with nuanced interpretation. Gordon founded the confectionary in 2004 with her partner Stan Weightman Jr., and eventually guided Valerie Confections to become one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed boutique chocolatiers. Gaining recognition from national media outlets, TV networks, marquee food festivals, Gordon continues to push the boundary of her artisanal confections by collaborating with innovators in fields spanning fashion, design, and sustainability. Her versatile culinary knack includes handmade chocolates, preserves, historic California cakes, savory delights, and a new frontier involving nationally praised grilled desserts. An active community member, Gordon participates in organizations and events including L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, Planned the Parenthood Los Angeles Food Fare, No Kid Hungry, and others.
Photos from Past Bootcamps
The spirit of adventure.
At Alisal Ranch, we believe that true hospitality comes straight from the heart— and want you to feel a warm welcome throughout your stay. Our serene Western-style accommodations offer casual and comfortable luxury, designed to help you unwind and relax.
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