with Author Rex Pickett

Sideways 20th Anniversary

Sideways Weekend

October 18th - 20th, 2024

SOLD OUT!

Join us for an extraordinary celebration of the 20th anniversary of the beloved movie “Sideways”! Beginning Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th, immerse yourself in an exclusive weekend with the author himself, Rex Pickett.

The festivities kick off with a delightful wine pairing dinner where Rex begins your journey into the world of “Sideways.” Start your Saturday with a breakfast ride through the ranch, followed by a wine tasting tour with Rex at local wineries featured in the movie. Enjoy intimate moments with Rex as he shares personal stories and insights, enhancing your appreciation of the film’s magic.

Saturday evening features an exclusive screening of “Sideways” with the author, followed by a Q&A session where you can delve deeper into the film’s creation and legacy. On Sunday, tee off at the stunning golf course featured in the movie, reliving some of its most iconic scenes.

As a special memento, you’ll receive a signed copy of the book that inspired it all. This unforgettable weekend promises a unique blend of wine, literature, and adventure, celebrating two decades of “Sideways” in style.

Can’t join us for the Sideways Weekend Experience? No worries! We’re celebrating Sideways all month long in October with our exclusive Sideways Package.

The 22 % Ranch Fee both helps offset the cost of various amenities made available to guests of the Alisal Ranch and funds additional compensation to the employees who provide service to our guests. The amenities provided include two branded water canteens, a bottle of wine in each room, Wi-Fi internet access, use of the fitness center, a shuttle to Solvang, bikes, scheduled and seasonal entertainment, tennis court use, fishing bait and tackle, use of non-motorized boats and aluminum boats at Alisal Lake, and various children’s activities, including the barnyard and kid’s arts and crafts. Part of the Ranch Fee is distributed to our service employees as additional compensation to eliminate the need for tipping at the Ranch.

Package Includes:

Two-Night Stay with Luxury Accommodations
Full breakfast & dinner daily per guest
Nightly rates include beverages – an impressive selection of nonalcoholic beverages (and alcoholic beverages for those 21+) consumed in our bars or restaurants
Signed Copy of “Sideways” by Rex Pickett
Golf at the Course from the Movie – One Round of Golf
Horseback Ride – with Rex & Alisal Wranglers
Wine Tasting – Shared Stories by Rex Pickett
Movie Viewing – Intimate Viewing with Rex Pickett

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.

man holding bottle of wine and Sideway book

Meet The Author

Rex Pickett

Rex Pickett is the author of the novel Sideways, which was adapted into the award-winning film of the same title. Sideways won over 350 plaudits from various critics and film awards organizations, capturing five Academy Award and seven Golden Globe nominations, capturing one Oscar and two Golden Globes, as well as six Indie Spirit Awards.

Rex is the author of three Sideways sequels – the IPPY Gold Medal award-winning Sideways Oregon, Sideways 3: Chile, and Sideways New Zealand: The Road Back. He is the Oscar-winning screenwriter of My Mother Dreams the Satan’s Disciples in New York, which won the 2000 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.

Rex has written and staged his Sideways play numerous times, most prominently with 3-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) at La Jolla Playhouse, where it broke all attendance records for a nonmusical in 2013. It is currently in repertory at the New Riga Theatre in Riga, Latvia in their 500-seat Great Hall.

Rex recently signed a deal with his publisher Blackstone Publishing for a post-Sideways New Zealand trilogy, with the first book to be a road novel set in California. Blackstone recently re-issued Sideways in hardcover (for the first time ever) and Rex is on a national tour with the book, and the film, hosting events at wineries, wine festivals, bookstores, etc.

A southern California native, the Rex Pickett Papers are currently enshrined at Geisel Library on the campus of his alma mater UCSD, a yearlong archival process that formed the inspiration for his 2019 novel The Archivist (from Blackstone Publishing).

Sideways Anniversary

Event Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday

4 pm Check-in

6:30 pm Wine Pairing Dinner with Rex

Day 2 – Saturday

7:15 am

Breakfast Ride with Rex

8:45 am

Haywagon Ride to Breakfast

12:00 pm

Lunch at Leisure

2-4 pm

Wine Tasting Tour with Rex (2 wineries, transportation provided)

6:00 pm

Dinner at Leisure

8:30 pm

Outdoor Movie Screening with Rex

Day 3 – Sunday

9 am

Golf – 9 holes with Rex

12:00 pm

Check Out

person wearing cowboy hat riding a horse

person wearing cowboy hat sitting at a bar

group of people riding horses along Alisal lake

view of hills and person fishing on boat

View Other Signature Experiences

outdoor yoga setup for a group of people

Wellness Weekend

September 13-15, 2024

An immersive experience blending the serene backdrop of the ranch’s natural beauty with a curated selection of classes and events designed to invigorate and refresh, plus an exclusive Jenni Kayne Pop Up event.

Women of the Rancho

October 13-16, 2024

SOLD OUT – Designed for like-minded women who love to ride and want to connect with nature, trail riding, and mindful living – led by Janet Solie. Develop strong bonds by sharing experiences on the ranch.

woman wearing dress and cowgirl hat standing beside wagon outside

WILDWONDER

October 6-9, 2024

Our women’s retreat features female artisans, chefs, winemakers, cowgirls, wellness leaders, and more. Come join these inspiring women find connection and adventure at the ranch.

The Unbridled Retreat

October 20-23, 2024

SOLD OUT – Find clarity and confidence at the Unbridled Retreat, a profound, life-changing experience that is transformative and leads you to immediate and positive change.

woman walking on grassing holding cowboy hat