Nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country, THE ALISAL, a luxe ranch resort, awaits.

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We have spent lots of time (too much time?) up in the Santa Ynez Valley visiting our family, wine tasting and exploring.  It is one of our favorite places in the world and its proximity to LA -- only 2 and a half hours- makes it an easy breezy weekend away.  Thanks to our lovely and generous family we have rarely ventured into the arena of hotels in the area until last week when we had the opportunity to explore The Alisal Ranch, the oldest resort in the area. 

"Resort" conjures up images of waterslides and monstrous impersonal blocks of rooms.  Wipe that image from your mind and replace it with 10,000 sprawling acres dotted with only 73 rooms and suites- all with fireplaces and Pendleton blankets, a staff that are lifers, and you begin to get the right idea.  The family owned Alisal Ranch is like a luxe camp for grown ups.  And their kids.  There is something for every family member, from toddlers to grandmothers-- a spa, yoga, tennis, golf, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, a lake, kayaking, paddle boarding, a pool and hot tub, archery, and egg gathering, to name a few.

One of the highlights of our trip was the morning ride to breakfast at the Old Adobe.  Led by Haddie, one of seven wranglerettes at the Ranch, who grew up in a non-riding family but followed her passion for horses to Alisal, we rode through abundant nature.  We saw a bald eagle eating a duck, a buck relaxing in the grassy fields, blue jays, and tarantulas- all before breakfast!  And breakfast was a feast.  Fresh fruit and homemade pastries that had come out of the oven earlier that morning awaited....  Followed by insanely good pancakes, cheesy eggs, and smokey breakfast meats.

Not surprising as you are nestled in the midst of wine country, the wine list is incredible. We were thrilled to experience a wine dinner with Drea, where several decadent courses were paired with equally delectable wines.  Flying Goat rose bubbles, Morgan Pinot Noir, and No Limit Syrah accompanied smoked salmon cole slaw topped with grilled curried jumbo prawns; the most tender and perfectly prepared Black Angus filet mignon with porcini mushrooms and organic broccoli from the ranch's organic garden and potatoes.  Executive Chef Pascal Gode, takes full advantage of the natural abundance offered on the ranch.  His specialties are savory Californian with an appropriate western twist.  While we usually try to refrain from dessert, just let yourself enjoy while you're at the ranch as they are out of this world!  Also, be sure to order one of the ranch's gourmet lunch boxes to take to one of the neighboring vineyards.  We chose to picnic at Demetria and especially loved their Syrah and Constantine wines.

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