Alisal Signature Experiences

A Men's California Ranch Experience

Westward

September 15-17, 2024

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of Alisal Ranch for Westward, a Men’s California ranch experience. Hosted by the charismatic Sklar Brothers, renowned for their wit and humor, this two-night escapade Sunday, September 15th through Tuesday, September 17th, is tailor-made for those seeking thrills, laughter, and a taste of the ranch life.

Tucked away in the heart of California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch beckons with its untamed beauty and rugged charm. Fuel your days with hearty breakfasts and savor mouthwatering dinners paired with specially crafted cocktails, local wine and beer.

As the sun dips below the horizon on Sunday, gather ’round the roaring campfire for an evening of brotherhood and bravado. Learn the art of cigar rolling from the masters themselves and enjoy a hand rolled cigar beneath the star-studded sky. Test your taste buds with a whiskey-tasting session led by Sespe Creek Spirit’s Josh Goldman, one of the most accomplished and respected leaders of the craft cocktail movement and meet Beau Lawrence of Ace Rivington, Santa Barbara’s premier custom denim brand. Enjoy a grilling demo with Alisal Ranch’s Executive Chef, Erik Sandven, followed by an outdoor feast at our rodeo arena. Kick back around the campfire, for Cigars with Sklars, as the Sklar Brothers deliver late-night laughs that’ll leave you in stitches.

Start Monday morning with a real ranch experience, horseback riding on our 10,500 acre ranch with our Director of Equine, Brandon Gorham. After lunch, we’ll head to our private golf course for a quick clinic with the pros to sharpen your skills before playing 18 holes. Get out your sport coat and bolo ties and indulge in the bold flavors of the region with a winemaker dinner featuring Chase Carhartt of Carhartt Family Wines. Before you hit the road, spend Tuesday morning at fishing at our private lake, enjoying breakfast, and a fresh cup of joe lakeside.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure with your crew, a chance to bond with your brothers, or a father-son escapade like no other, Westward is your ticket. So grab your buddies, pack your sense of adventure, and join us September 15-17.

Package Includes:

Breakfast, Dinner, & Beverages (including alcoholic beverages)
2 Activities per room, per day
Winemaker Dinner
Whiskey Tasting
Cigar Rolling
Golf Class/Clinic
Comedy Show
Bonding by the Campfire

Available A la Carte:

See full activity guide

*Book with RanchConcierge@Alisal.com

Book this retreat

Call us directly and a Reservation Specialist will put together the perfect Alisal getaway for you!

Book by phone now

(800) 425-4725– This link opens your default phone application.

Meet your hosts

The Sklar Brothers

With two hour-long stand-up specials, two Comedy Central half-hour specials, and six critically acclaimed comedy albums, the Sklar Brothers are considered one of the most accomplished comedy teams working today. As stars of the ESPN cult hit series, Cheap Seats, and with television credits such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Better Call Saul, among others, this dynamic duo seems perfectly poised to host the first annual Westward Retreat at the Alisal. As sports fans, aspiring golf pros, and actual L.A.-based City Slickers, they bring their self-aggrandizing personalities, cowboy know-how, and most of all, their humor to the party.

Meet the guys.

Chase Carhartt

Winemaker

Chase was born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley. He grew up on Rancho Santa Ynez™ as the third generation in a family farming operation. Chase received a B.A. in Enology (Winemaking) from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. For the last ten years, Chase has traveled the world making wine in different countries, pursuing fresh ideas and methods for the growth of the Carhartt Family Wines brand. In 2013, he stepped in as co-winemaker with his mom, Brooke. In the Spring of 2016, he released a second label for Carhartt Family Wines, “Carhartt Venture,” reflecting his experiences and innovations from traveling the globe. Today, he continues to farm, make wine, and run the business alongside his parents.

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Josh Goldman

Sespe Creek Distillery

Josh Goldman started his career in food & beverage by bartending while in college. He developed a passion for the industry, which led to formal coursework with the Court of Master Sommeliers where he earned the distinction of Advanced Level Sommelier in 2007. He became General Manager at critically acclaimed Bastide under the helm of Chef Walter Manzke, who he would eventually follow downtown to Church & State. At both establishments, they earned back-to-back 3-star ratings from the Los Angeles Times. In 2009, he joined Chef Michael Voltaggio at The Dining Room at the Langham, overhauling the wine program to complement Voltaggio’s innovative menu. In 2011 Chef Voltaggio and Goldman opened Voltaggio’s first restaurant ink., where Josh was General Manager and Beverage Director. The restaurant was awarded the title of “Best New Restaurant in the County” from GQ Magazine. Josh has won several bartending awards including a national championship through Cochon 555’s “Punch Kings”. Josh is partners with acclaimed bartender Julian Cox in Soigné Group a consulting and management company that focuses on bars and restaurants. Together the two have been named “Best Bartender in Los Angeles” from Eater.com, nominated for a Spirited Award for “Best Restaurant Bar in the US” and have had multiple nominations for Outstanding Restaurant Bar from the James Beard Foundation.

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Beau Lawrence

Denim Designer

Beau Lawrence is founder and CEO of Ace Rivington, a Santa Barbara based denim and lifestyle brand. After a career that spanned the globe designing and developing denim for Guess Jeans and other notable brands from the early 2000s until 2013, Lawrence left the city and brought his family to Santa Barbara county to follow his own path. With a flagship store in Downtown SB, and 50 retailers around the country now selling Ace Rivington products, the brand is well on its way to becoming your next favorite jeans. Beau will be on the property for Ace Rivington custom denim fittings and adjustments, and will be tailoring your jeans to fit perfect in his shop and sending you the jeans following your stay.

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Nick Firestone

Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Nick grew up in the beverage industry where he learned the value of discounted family labor and long hours. He began his beer career as a cook and dishwasher in the Firestone-Walker Taproom kitchen. He later graduated to groundskeeping, forklift driving, and various cellar tasks. Leaving home, he attended the US Naval Academy and competed on the national USNA Parachute Team. He spent a further five years in the United States Marine Corps as an Artillery officer, deploying to Afghanistan in 2014. Nick returned to civilian life to earn an MBA at UC Berkeley and then worked as a Senior Strategy Consultant for L.E.K. Consulting, advising clients in the technology, financial, private equity, and retail sectors. Nick now serves as Firestone Walker’s Chief Executive Officer.

As the fourth-generation working in the family beverage business, he is eager to contribute to the brewery’s longstanding efforts to create the perfect beer and looks forward to one day employing his three kids in the Taproom.

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MJ Bragg

Golf Professional

MJ Bragg is a seasoned golf professional with a remarkable 16-year career, having honed his skills since picking up the sport in college. With over a decade of experience teaching golf and a stint as a professional player, MJ has a deep understanding of the game. Relocating to California, MJ embraced a new challenge, pursuing a career in comedy while maintaining a strong presence in the golf world.

Currently, MJ serves as an Assistant Professional at the prestigious Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles. Under the mentorship of renowned PGA professional Gina Umeck, MJ is dedicated to mastering the art of teaching the golf swing to both professionals and amateurs. In addition to his golfing expertise, MJ captivates audiences with nightly performances at top comedy clubs across LA, blending his passion for golf with the vibrant world of comedy.

See The Schedule

Please stay tuned as we finalize the itinerary for the Men’s retreat. Itinerary items with an asterisk (*) are at an additional cost. Our regular activities will be offered during this weekend like horseback riding, golf, archery, and more. We encourage you to select the activities that best speak to you.

Day 1 – Sunday

4 pm

Check-in

5:30 pm

Cocktail Hour with Sespe Creek Spirits

Cigar Rolling and Ace Rivington denim pop up

6:30 pm

Grilling Demo with Chef Erik Sandven

7 pm

Outdoor Dinner

8:30 pm

Cigars with the Sklars around the campfire

Day 2 – Monday

7-11 am

Breakfast at Leisure

9:00 am

Horseback Riding Ranch Experience

12 pm

Lunch at Leisure

1 -4 pm

Golf Clinic & 9 holes at the Ranch Course

6:30 pm

Winemaker Dinner with Chase Carhartt of Carhartt Family Wines

Day 3 – Tuesday

7-11 am

Breakfast available at the Ranch Room

8:00 am

Fishing at the Lake (Coffee and Breakfast on the dock)

12 pm

Checkout

person wearing cowboy hat riding a horse

person wearing cowboy hat sitting at a bar

person barbecuing tomahawks and meat on a large grill

group of people riding horses along Alisal lake

view of hills and person fishing on boat

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