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Alisal Signature Experiences

BBQ Bootcamp

BBQ Bootcamp:
Spring Classic

May 4th-May 6th, 2025

Escape to Alisal Ranch for a two-night culinary experience like no other, hosted by the incredible Valerie Gordon. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for a fun getaway, this event is packed with world-class chefs, delicious meals, and unforgettable ranch activities. From grilling lessons to tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We kick things off with a welcome demo from our very own Alisal Ranch Executive Chef, Erik Sandven, followed by a whiskey tasting with Rod and Hammer Spirits. Indulge in an exclusive seminar and dinner with the legendary Aaron Franklin, while closing out the evening listening to live music and tastings from Zaca Mesa Winery, local brews and more. On Monday, enjoy your breakfast at leisure before heading to the lake for a demo and lunch by chefs Suzanne Goin & Paula Disbrowe. Unwind waterside and soak in the views from our Aperol Spritz station and tasting with Sextant Wine. Spice things up in the afternoon and create your very own signature spice blend with Solvang Spice Merchant. For cocktail hour, grab a seat at the tequila and mezcal seminar, featuring Mayenda Tequila and Montelobos Mezcal. Then fire up the grill with Derek Wolf and Brad Prose of FYR Grills for a sizzling demo and dinner. We wrap up Tuesday morning with a breakfast horseback or haywagon ride to the Old Adobe.

When you’re not grilling or indulging, explore our 10,500-acre luxury ranch. This event is perfect for foodies, families, and friends looking to enjoy incredible food, great company, and world-class BBQ instruction.

At Alisal Ranch, we pride ourselves on our Western hospitality and some of the finest BBQ in the West. Join us for a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure full of fun, flavor, and unforgettable memories!

This Experience Includes:

  • Accommodations for 2 nights (Sunday – Tuesday)
  • All meals including special dinners with celebrity chefs
  • Wine, spirits, and beer tastings nightly
  • A selection of alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages at our bars & restaurants
  • Demonstrations on grilling methods & equipment,
  • Spice blending class
  • Special event keepsakes
  • Breakfast ride to Historic Adobe by hay wagon

Limited availability – adults only.

people eating at the outdoor dining area beside the lake
 

2025

Guest Chefs

Aaron Franklin

Suzanne Goin

Derek Wolf

Brad Prose

Paula Disbrowe

Chef Erik Sandven

Executive Chef

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 Seminar 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- 11 am

Breakfast at Leisure in the Ranch Room

12:15 pm

Lake BBQ Demo by Guest Chef’s Suzanne Goin & Paula Disbrowe, followed by lunch

Featuring Sextant Wine Tasting and Aperol Spritz Station

Pick up at front office – 12pm

3 & 4 pm

Spice Blending Class

(Advanced sign up required – Solvang Spice Merchant leads an interactive class when you can create you own signature blend)

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 Ride to the Old Adobe

*Horseback riders meet at the barn 7:15am
*Haywagon departs at 8:45am

(Advance sign ups required for horseback riding)

11:30 am

Sadly, it’s check-out time. We hope to see you again soon!

 

Chef Valerie Gordon

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

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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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