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Chef Craig Riker
Chef Craig Riker
Director of Culinary Operations

Executive Chef Craig Riker oversees every aspect of the culinary offerings at Alisal Ranch.

Riker started his career as a sous chef at Santa Monica’s Michelin-starred Rustic Canyon under the tutelage of Chef Evan Funke, who is known for his celebrated Los Angeles restaurants Felix and Mother Wolf. Riker then moved on to roles with Forbes Five-Star hotels including Montage Beverly Hills, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, and Belmond El Encanto, where he crafted unforgettable culinary experiences for a discerning, exclusive clientele.

Riker also served as the Executive Sous Chef for the opening of Mastro’s Ocean Club in Malibu, and later the Executive Chef of Oliver’s in Montecito–where he created award-winning, plant-based cuisine. Prior to joining the Alisal Ranch team, Riker helmed the reimagined Finch & Fork as Executive Chef at the Kimpton Canary Hotel.

A graduate of the California School of Culinary Arts’ Le Cordon Bleu Programme in Pasadena, Riker boasts more than 15 years in the hospitality industry.  He is passionate about highlighting the abundant flavors of California’s central coast, and we are delighted to have him doing so here at Alisal Ranch.

David Merklinger Alisal Ranch General Manager

June 2, 2026

Alisal Ranch Names David Merklinger General Manager

With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, David Merklinger steps into the role of General Manager at Alisal Ranch.

lake and mountains

May 26, 2026

 I’ve Lived in California My Whole Life—These Are the Most Underrated Destinations to Visit in the State
lounge with a view

May 23, 2026

The Best Destinations for a Weekend Getaway From L.A., From the Beach to the Desert
Group horseback trail ride at Alisal Ranch

May 21, 2026

Top 10 Dude Ranches to Visit for Your Summer Vacation

Latest at the Ranch

woman riding horse through field

February 12, 2024

Pressed Flower Workshop

Our Pressed Flower Workshop is a unique, limited-time event that invites guests to create your very own piece of botanical art with local wildflowers. For $80, guests can pick either March 30th or April 6th to spend an afternoon (from 1 to 3 pm) turning beautiful wildflowers into a framed piece of art. Make sure to grab your spot and RSVP by March 22nd.

January 12, 2024

Ranch Romance: Celebrating Valentine's Day the Alisal Way

Discover Ranch Romance at Alisal – Whether it’s our ‘Romance at the Ranch’ Valentine’s package, a spontaneous romantic getaway any time of the year, or a hint of ranch magic to your home for those celebrating from afar, we offer the perfect ideas to create unforgettable memories.

person doing yoga outdoor as sun sets

December 20, 2023

New Year's Wellness at Alisal Ranch: Recharge Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Find your winter Zen at Alisal Ranch. From peaceful yoga to energizing hikes, we’ve got your escape covered at our 2024 Wellness Weekend.

Holiday road trip playlist poster

December 16, 2023

Saddling Into the Holidays: Your Ultimate Ranch-Inspired Road Trip Playlist

Set the mood this season with our Spotify “Holiday Road Trip Playlist”, a perfect blend of country favorites and festive tunes.

Santa Clause hanging a reign

November 3, 2023

Santa Ynez Valley 2023: A Holiday Celebration Guide

From unique holiday markets to fun parades, we’ve got your guide to an unforgettable season in beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.

August 23, 2023

Celebrating Local & Ranch Events this Fall

Visit this fall to experience ranch events like BBQ Bootcamp and Wildwonder or stay at Alisal Ranch and explore local wineries and festivals.

Girl riding e-bike on Alisal Ranch

April 13, 2023

Earl Richmond Knows the Lay of the Land at Alisal Ranch

Get to know Earl Richmond, lead guide for Alisal Ranch’s pedal-assisted e-mountain biking tours. Learn more about these guided adventures and what to expect before booking.

April 1, 2023

Meet Brandon: Director of Equine Operations

Meet our new Director of Equine, Brandon, and learn about our new riding programs.

The Alisal Retreat Offers The Healing Power Of Horses

If making a positive change in your life is one of your goals, then The Alisal’s Unbridled Retreat™ by Devon Combs is a special event not to be missed. Devon Combs is a noted Equine Gestalt Coach, who’s work has been featured in COWGIRL Magazine, Horse Illustrated Magazine and others. The Unbridled Retreat™ (April 25th – 28th, 2021) offers a profound, life-changing experience that leads you to immediate and positive change. You will share moments – with horses and women – that will transform the way you see yourself, reveal pathways you didn’t know existed, and help you become your most courageous, authentic self. No horse experience is necessary.

Learn more about booking The Unbridled Retreat™package.

A little more about Devon Combs, Equine Gestalt Coach:

Devon specializes in helping women heal from their pasts, get clear on where they’re headed, and find the courage to move forward in their lives. In a nutshell: she works with women on a spiritual path to help them get unstuck, reconnect with their intuition, and begin to live an unbridled life.

She uses the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method – which is, in its simplest form, healing and awakening through horses. She’s experienced the healing of horses firsthand. Her intelligent, empathic work with others grew directly out of her own journey through bulimia and depression, where at the crossroads, equine therapy saved her life. It opened the door to her life’s work of connecting women to horses for healing and spiritual renewal. Now she spends her days bringing women and horses together in a safe space where she teaches people how to let go of self-sabotage and pick up the reins of their lives. Be sure to sign up for this transformational program soon, as space is limited!

(From UnbridledRetreats.com)

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June 2, 2026

Alisal Ranch Names David Merklinger General Manager

With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, David Merklinger steps into the role of General Manager at Alisal Ranch.

April 30, 2026

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is a moment to celebrate the women who shape our lives in lasting ways. This curated guide brings together thoughtful gifts and meaningful experiences, each inspired by the beauty, ease, and spirit of the ranch.

December 2, 2025

Best Cowboy Movies to Watch This Winter

Snuggle up this season with Alisal Ranch’s cowboy movie watchlist, featuring classic Westerns that embody the spirit of the open range.

Riders in the distance at Alisal Ranch
Alisal Ranch is the infinite dream and promise of California. The open range, blue horizons and timeless nature. A welcoming home to the natural way of life and living.
Riders in the distance at Alisal Ranch
Alisal Ranch is the infinite dream and promise of California. The open range, blue horizons and timeless nature. A welcoming home to the natural way of life and living.

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Signature Ranch

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Throughout the year, Alisal Ranch hosts curated retreats and themed programs led by visiting chefs, instructors, and guest experts. From culinary weekends like BBQ Bootcamp to women’s gatherings such as Wildwonder, each follows a planned itinerary of activities and learning – all within the full ranch experience. A unique way to visit, whether for a food-focused getaway, a wellness retreat, or simply time to slow down and reconnect at the ranch.

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Enrich your stay at Alisal Ranch

Explore adventures on horseback, on the water, on the golf course, and more.

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