American Lamb Showcased in California Wine Country at Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience

The American Lamb Board recently traveled to California wine country for a successful weekend at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, a nationally recognized festival that brings together acclaimed chefs, wineries, producers, and food lovers from across the country. For sheep producers, the event was an important opportunity to see American lamb positioned in front of influential culinary leaders and engaged consumers in a setting that celebrates quality, craftsmanship, and agriculture.

The weekend began at the Welcome Celebration, where San Francisco Chef Jason Halverson of The Vault served a Steakhouse Spiced Lamb Skewer, offering guests their first taste of American lamb for the weekend. Surrounded by Sonoma wines and a high-energy festival atmosphere, attendees were introduced to lamb in a format that was both approachable and full of flavor.

At the Garden to Table Lunch at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, Chef Maneet Chauhan and Chef Tracey Shepos Cenami created a memorable dining experience featuring seasonal dishes that highlighted the versatility of American lamb. The momentum continued during an exclusive wine seminar hosted by Chef Alessandro Capuano, where guests experienced multiple lamb preparations paired with curated red wines.

American lamb also had a strong presence at the Grand Tasting, where Chef Dino Moniodis presented a beautifully prepared whole lamb carcass that captured attention and sparked conversation among attendees. The American Lamb Board team connected directly with consumers through recipe booklets, educational activations, and one-on-one conversations about the flavor, quality, and versatility of American lamb.

The weekend concluded with a rooftop VIP event at The Matheson, hosted by Chef Dustin Valette, where guests enjoyed lamb souvlaki overlooking downtown Healdsburg.

“For sheep producers, Healdsburg was more than an average food festival. It was a strategic opportunity to put American lamb in front of trendsetting chefs, influential consumers, and wine-country tastemakers who value quality, origin, and agricultural authenticity. Those connections help build long-term demand and keep American lamb top of mind in premium culinary spaces,” said ALB Chairman David Fisher.