Ranching Out
Activities at WILDWONDER include a trail ride.
Written by Joan Tapper | Photographs by Teal Thomsen, Darcy Hemley, Talia Helvey
Central Coast traditions run deep at ALISAL RANCH, which is set in an oak-studded landscape of rolling hills in the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded as a cattle ranch in 1843, the 10,500-acre property was transformed into a luxury working ranch almost 80 years ago. Today, along with the cattle and horses, there’s a determination to add some 21st-century attention toward women’s empowerment and wellness of mind, body, and spirit to the western-flavored hospitality.
It all comes together October 1 through 4 with the experience of WILDWONDER, the latest installment of a women’s retreat that highlights the work of female chefs and winemakers along with yoga at Alisal Lake, trail rides, guided hikes, and other stylish activities, like floral workshops.
Those leading workshops, cooking demonstrations, chef dinners, and wine pairings include Claudette Zepeda, who has focused on regional Mexican and indigenous ingredients in her culinary career and is the woman behind Chispa Hospitality. Mirela Taribo and Tara Gomez, founders of Camins 2 Dreams, will present tastings from their winery, which sources fruit from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Culinary educator and cookbook author Jeanne Kelley will also offer insights and lessons from her newest offering, Vegetarian Salad for Dinner.
For personal growth, participants will enjoy intention setting, meditation sessions, plant walks, and a wreath-making workshop, while the western theme will be carried out with horseback rides, axe throwing, some festive line dancing, and an opportunity to select a Lovely Bird hat and create one’s own signature hatband. Rates: from $820/night single occupancy; $1,240 double. alisalranch.com
