On Thursday, May 8th, Santa Barbara wine country welcomed a crown jewel into its collection of gorgeous wedding and private event locations. Alisal River Terrace (Alisal River Grill) was christened into “special event-dom” with a VIP guest list ranging from national and local media to wedding and event professionals from all over California , who were eager to see what this venue had to offer. Santa Barbara’s wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley, also plays host to the legendary luxury Alisal Guest Ranch Resort, where wedding and special event guests are treated to some history and rustic elegance for their celebrations. Under the skillful culinary artistry of Executive Chef Pascal Gode, as well as a special event and catering service staff described as “surpassing the Ritz Carlton”, Alisal’s name is synonymous with excellence. Traditionally, the main ranch required a buy-out for special events. With Alisal River Terrace, a buy-out is not necessary, guests do not need to stay at the ranch and the fee is affordable, making it a possibility for nearly every budget, while still maintaining the integrity of Alisal Guest Ranch‘s legendary reputation to excellence and service.
With sweeping wine country hill views, an intimate lake and an outdoor terrace that can hold up to 300 guests depending on the event style and layout, Alisal River Terrace is a special event planner’s dream. Conveniently-located to shops and hotels in the area, there is ample self-parking and a blank canvas to accomplish whatever it is you wish to have your guests remember for a memorable event.
Alisal River Terrace Showcase Event Planner Kerry Lee Dickey of Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events had this to say: “I wanted guests to see ART (Alisal River Terrace) with new eyes. If they are used to events on the main ranch, I wanted them to see that this location is a blank canvas and to see there is no ‘thinking outside the box‘ here because there is no box. The sky’s the limit”. Dickey chose cool blues and teals for the theme of the event and ordered custom-made “cabanas” for guests to lounge under the wine country stars with fire bowls and Italian heaters to help take the chill off. She felt valet would be a lovely way for guests to arrive and experience the venue in a different way, even though self-parking is convenient and plentiful and Blue Star Parking and Valet, now the exclusive provider of valet for Alisal River Terrace events, provided their professional team to welcome guests. Dickey also suggested a blue signature cocktail just for this event and the Alisal team quickly designed the “Alisaltini” . Guests were delighted to be greeted with tray-passed Alisaltinis as well as a custom Alisaltini bar, just set up for the occasion. Chef Pascal designed a menu to die for which not only tasted amazing , but presented his artistry in new and fun ways (see menu below). Guests were particularly impressed and touched that he also had some time to come out and mix and mingle with them.
With Ventura Rental Party Center providing the decor and LBPS Events providing lighting and special decor accents, guests were treated to a visual feast, as well. Celebrity DJ and MC Scott Topper of Scott Topper Productions kept the energy and vibe going with his music and talent and made the evening all the more elegant. Scott’s ability to “read the crowd” and customize the perfect blend of music for the energy for this event made it all the more special.
Alisal River Terrace Showcase Event Menu:
Shrimp cocktail “Bloody Mary Style” with Avocado
Bacon Wrapped Baby Artichokes with Parmesan Cheese
Ahi Tuna Poke served in a Savory Cone with Wasabi & Pickled Ginger
Grilled New Zealand Lollu Pop Lamb Chops with Cilantro Gremolata
Edamame Bean Hummus Crostini with Chimichurri Sauce
Tortilla Chips with Spicy Crema, Pancetta and Aruglua
Curried Vegetable Samosas served with Raita
Cheese Station
Manchego, Maytag, California Goat, White Cheddar, Boursin, Brie, Gorgonzola, Gruyere, Pepper jack, Stilton Blue, St. Andre, Dry Aged Jack | French Bread, Parmesan Breadsticks, Sea Salt Crackers, Marinated Kalamata Olives,
Caramelized Walnuts, Grapes, Strawberries
From the Grill
Grilled Black Angus Tenderloin, served with Chipotle Aioli, served on a Jalapeno Cheddar Dollar Sized Bun
Grilled Marinated Natural Scottish Salmon Served on Herbed Biscuit with Honey Mustard Sauce
Mini Crab Bake Slider with Creole Sauce Served on a Brioche Bun
Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Dessert
Small Wedding Cake on Display
(small bites of different cake flavors to taste)
Viennese Table
Mini Creme Brulee, Macaroons, Pecan Pie, Cheesecake, Chocolate Truffles, Mini Fruit Tarts, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fresh Fruit Parfait, Assorted Homemade Cookies
To inquire on hosting your wedding or special event at Alisal River Terrace, contact Christina Oliver at: COliver@alisal.com
alisalguestranchresort 