Barbecue University®
Of course, you’ll master the five methods of live-fire cooking: direct grilling, indirect grilling, smoking, spit-roasting, and Steven’s signature “Caveman Grilling”—cooking meat directly on the glowing embers.
This year’s announced menus feature the blueprints for barbecue greatness. You’ll learn to grill a beef tomahawk, smoke a shrimp cocktail, and barbecue the baby back ribs Steven cooked to beat the Iron Chef in Tokyo. From “Dinosaur Bones” (monster beef ribs) and lomo al trappo (beef tenderloin grilled in a salt and cloth crust) to sesame-seared tuna and Oprah’s grilled chicken, you certainly won’t go hungry at BBQ U.
You’ll have a lot of fun grilling alongside your fellow students because you do the cooking under Steven’s supervision. Each class ends with a festive, legendary lunch. (And who knows? Maybe you’ll even find romance—Steven’s classes have resulted in two weddings!)
But it’s not all smoke and fire. At Barbecue University®, students have the afternoons off to enjoy the luxury of the Alisal Ranch. Ride among a herd of more than 100 horses, play championship golf, relax at the spa, or go wine tasting at the more than 100 wineries in the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley. If the area looks familiar, you likely recognize it from the movie Sideways, set in the charming town of Los Olivos just a few miles away.
Your tuition includes all classes, world-class meals, luxury accommodations, and your official Barbecue University® diploma.
Barbecue University®: Where the only marks you get are grill marks.
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Barbecue University 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Barbecue University 2026?
Barbecue University 2026 takes place September 7–10 at Alisal Ranch in California’s Santa Ynez Valley.
Where is Barbecue University held?
Barbecue University is held at Alisal Ranch, a 10,000-acre luxury guest ranch near Solvang, California.
What will students learn at Barbecue University?
Students learn hands-on live-fire cooking techniques, including direct grilling, indirect grilling, smoking, spit-roasting, and caveman grilling.
Who teaches Barbecue University?
Barbecue University is taught by Steven Raichlen and his team. Students cook alongside Steven using a wide range of grills and smokers.
What is included with Barbecue University tuition?
Tuition includes classes, meals, luxury accommodations at Alisal Ranch, and an official Barbecue University diploma.
Looking for your next cook? Browse the Recipe Index for grilling and smoking inspiration.
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