Autumn is an idyllic time to visit Central California’s Alisal Ranch. This premiere luxury dude and ‘dudess’ ranch offers cooler temperatures that excite the ranch horses to show guests the golden hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. Weekend fall getaways are dedicated to immersing guests into wellness, the art of barbecue cooking, yoga by the serene lake, and wine-tasting opportunities.

Alisal Ranch Women Retreats in October

Some of the best ways to explore Alisal Ranch’s 10,500 acres is by foot, on horseback or guided E-bike tours, or by boat floating on the ranch’s private lake.

Curated experiences during the month of October and November present guests with cooking demo, wine tastings, and time to share stories with other women. Autumn is the time to make new connections with like-minded women and spark self-discovery and growth to enhance your life.

Join other cowgirls, artisans, chefs, winemakers and wellness leaders on October 6 through October 9, for a wonderful woman’s retreat named, WILDWONDER. Mornings start with wellness motivator Jasmine Hanson leading morning yoga by the ranch’s enchanting lake. Embark on a spiritual journey to nurture your mind, body and spirit through manifesting with the Firestone Sisters.

Alisal Ranch Curated Experiences

All meals, cooking demos, wine tasting and guest chef dinners are included in this WILDWONDER package. Be sure to attend a lunch demo and healthy meal led by Jeanne Kelley. She will share recipes from her cookbook Vegetarian Salad for Dinner.  In the afternoon, gather for an enlightening wine tasting session with Sonja Magdevski of Casa Dumetz.

Guests can select two activities a day to participate in, such as horseback riding and archery. In the morning experience the intoxicating aromas of tea from delicate flowers with Emily & Ana of Leaves.

There will be a marketplace featuring creative artisans like Jess Jones of Coyote Farm Studio to make beautiful botanical imprints of flowers and plants onto a bandana and napkin set.

This enlightening retreat ends with a swag bag to take home. Inside there are guest chef cookbook, Wild Precious Life, perfume, and a personalized Lovely Bird hat.

Women of the Rancho

For women who love to ride horses, Alisal Ranch has designed Women of the Rancho on October 13 through October 16, 2024. It’s an ideal opportunity for beginner to experienced riders to appreciating nature, trail rides and mindful living.

Each evening begins with a cocktail hour followed by a group dinner and a closing ceremony on the final night. Alisal Ranch offers trail rides for all levels in a retreat setting structured to build lasting friendships away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This package include breakfast, dinner and drinks. There is a shuttle to Solvang to explore the charming city for lunch. Participate in six horse activities, campfire activities, mindful meditations and intentions, plus a gift bag.

Sideways at Alisal Ranch

‘Sideways’ 20th Anniversary

For movie and wine fans, it’s been 20 years since the beloved film ‘Sideways” hit movie theaters. To honor this movie filmed around the Alisal Ranch area, the ranch is offering a Sideways Package throughout the month of October. One weekend will be extra special with American author and filmmaker of Sideways – Rex Pickett leading an immersive Sideways Weekend on October 18 through October 20. Experience Santa Ynez just as Miles and Jack did 20 years ago. Go on a guided E-bike tour, while staying two-nights in luxury accommodations.

Sideways Weekend at Alisal Ranch

Meet and greet opportunities with Pickett include a signed copy of his book. On his website, Pickett states, “The Santa Ynez Valley was the inspiration for my novel Sideways, which became the hit, award-winning film of the same title. I have always found its beauty sublime, its wines nonpareil, and I’ve returned many times. Alisal Guest Ranch epitomizes everything that is so splendid and beautiful about this region I love and which has given me so much.”

There is an opportunity for guests to play a round of golf on the River Course, which is featured within the film. In the evening, watch the movie outdoors with Pickett and hear his stories during a Q&A session. Other curated “Sideways” activities include a wine tasting experience with Pickett.

Signature Alisal Ranch Weekends

Signature Alisal Ranch events through November:

The Unbridled Retreat on October 20-23, 2024, is designed for women to gain clarity on their next steps to move forward in life, and build confidence through the healing power of horses. Guided equine coaching sessions by Devon Combs will empower guests in an intimate group setting. Discover camaraderie and support in a transformative environment for a life-changing retreat experience.

Photo courtesy of Alisal Ranch

Get into the holiday spirit at Alisal Ranch’s The Art of Gathering. It’s anytime between November 11 through November 24, 2024. This package is designed to inspire and equip guests with the creative skills to bring family and loved ones together.

Unforgettable moments throughout the two-week time frame include wine pairing with charcuterie sessions, and  guacamole and margarita-making classes. Gather friends and family or attend solo and meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for hosting holiday parties, entertaining, and planning friendship get togethers to close out 2024.

All these packages are available and may sell out. Go to Alisal Ranch to learn more.