When the sun rises over the majestic Alisal Ranch, smoke will rise too. The fragrant smoke of hickory and the fiery smoke of mesquite—rising from the more than 30 state-of- the-art grills and smokers in our outdoor classroom.

Named the “#1 barbecue experience in the U.S.” by The Food Network and described by Eating Light magazine as “a fantasy camp for coal heads,” Barbecue University® is equal parts culinary education, luxury retreat, and unforgettable adventure.

Your instructor and host is global grilling authority Steven Raichlen. You’ve read his award-winning, bestselling books, like The Barbecue Bible and Project Smoke. You’ve watched his popular Planet Barbecue and Project Fire TV shows on PBS. Now here’s your chance to grill and learn alongside the man who launched the barbecue revolution.

And learn you will in action packed classes focusing on the five methods of live fire cooking. How to grill the perfect steak. How to smoke salmon, turkey and pork shoulder. How to make championship barbecue sauces and rubs. How to grill up mouthwatering side dishes and desserts. You’ll learn those skills not just by watching, but by doing, preparing a sumptuous live fire, five course lunch with your classmates.

So what’s on the menu at Barbecue University® this year? How about reverse-seared beef tomahawk? Huli huli pork ribs and buttermilk and pickle juice brined chicken? And let’s not forget onion water lamb chops, grilled mac and cheese, and a luscious chipotle crème brulée for dessert.

Our students come from all over the world—literally—many of them repeats from previous years. No prior grilling experience is required, but seasoned barbecuers will find plenty of challenging dishes to take their skills to the next level.

Our home is the Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California, and if that sounds familiar, you’ve been watching Steven’s Project Fire and Project Smoke TV shows—filmed on location at this 10,000- acre ranch in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Guests lodge in luxurious cabins—each with a fireplace. You have afternoons free to ride one of the Alisal’s more than 100 horses, hike on scenic trails, golf on a riverside golf course, get a massage at the spa, or simply relax.

Make that relax and shop in the nearby charming Danish-California town of Solvang. Or taste chardonnay or pinot noir at one of the dozens of local wineries. (Homework assignment: Watch the movie “Sideways,” which was filmed here.)

“I have attended cooking classes and retreats throughout the U.S. and Europe, but have never experienced anything like Barbecue University®,” wrote travel writer and author Larry Olmsted on Forbes.com.

The next session of Barbecue University® takes place Monday, September 7 to Thursday, September 10. 2026. Space is limited, so sign up today.

Barbecue University®—where the only marks you get are grill marks!