Friday May 30th
8 By 8 by 80: All-Lamb Dinner
Featuring "Next Generation" Carneros Winemakers

Eight "next generation" Carneros winemakers will kick-off the 3rd Annual Carneros Heritage Fest by hosting eight tables at a special all-lamb, multi-course dinner -- for only 80 guests -- on May 30. The event will pair the wines of the featured winemakers with sumptuous cuisine created and prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Jake of The Carneros Inn at the Inn's Hilltop Restaurant. The dinner marks the launch of the Carneros appellation's annual celebration of its history and namesake ("Los Carneros" means "the Ram" in Spanish).

Featured winemakers are Michael Terrien, Kazmer & Blaise; Sean Foster, Merryvale; Jeff Stewart, Buena Vista Carneros; Axel Schug, Schug Carneros Estate Wines; Steve Rogstad, Cuvaison Estate Wines; John Clews, Clos Du Val; Matthew Glynn, Acacia Winery; and Anne Moller-Racke, The Donum Estate.

Chef Jeff's four-course dinner will feature a bounty of spring produce together with the flavors of Niman Ranch lamb and will include: Lamb Tenderloin Carpaccio with Shaved Artichoke, Olive Tapenade and Sonoma Dry Jack; Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder Stew with Pappardelle Pasta, English Peas, and Bellweather Ricotta; Smokey Grilled Porcini and Olive Oil from Carneros-based the Olive Press, and Marinated Lamb Sirloin, Farro and Spring Ramps. The dinner will include passed hors d'oeurves and dessert, along with wines personally selected by the eight winemakers.