Santa Maria-style barbecue ... a blend of red oak and white oak just because it's the most accessible here on the Alisal Ranch. So you'll always start with that hardwood... the wood always comes ...

"In my experience, blends do not have the same flavor and characteristics as a single type of wood ... barbecue.' Others are sweeter and lighter which can add a lot of flavor to fish or vegetables ...

Not sure exactly when to use lighter or darker wood when barbecuing? We spoke to an expert who offers some clear-cut answers.