Cowboy Up!

6 Days / 5 Nights

For anyone who wants to experience fine wine mixed with authentic Western USA experiences, this is the program for you. The Santa Ynez Valley is the heart of Santa Barbara wine country. It’s the only valley in California that runs west to east, allowing cool ocean breezes and fog to create five different microclimates. Cool climate pinot noir vineyards thrive just a few miles from rows of hot weather cabernet and syrah grapes. Not so long ago most of this land was dedicated almost exclusively to raising prime beef. The cowboy tradition here is alive and well. The Alisal Guest Ranch consists of 10,000 acres with some of the loveliest riding trails and coastal mountain chaparral in southern California. This is one of America’s finest “dude” ranches, a truly five star experience with great food and service. Up the hill is President Ronald Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo. Just down the road lies the unique Danish community of Solvang, a charming town with much more substance than you’d ever expect from a tourism hamlet. If you haven’t ever had a proper dude ranch experience and wondered what it’s all about, look no further. Tell your friends and family “You’ll find me at the Alisal.”

PROPOSED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Transfers from SBA
Cocktails & casual Welcome Dinner at Alisal Ranch Creekside Lawn

Day 2 – Morning Tour of Solvang with Elverhoj Museum and Mission Santa Ines
Lunch at Solvang restaurant Mad & Vin
Afternoon at leisure. Optional Alisal Ranch activities

Day 3 – Half day winery tours with lunch included
a.m. Folded Hills Winery with Andy Busch (cooler climate varietals)
p.m. Gainey Vineyards with lunch (warmer Bordeaux style wines)
Afternoon at leisure. Optional Alisal Ranch activities
Evening – Hayride to lakeside BBQ dinner with country & western band

Day 4 – Late morning departure for day tour to Santa Barbara
Dinner in town at Los Agaves Restaurant
Return to Alisal after dinner

Day 5 – half day winery tour finishing in Los Olivos
Lunch at leisure in Los Olivos
Afternoon free for Alisal activities
Farewell dinner at the Alisal Pool Lawn

Day 6 – Transfers to SBA
Tour ends