Priest Ranch Lamb
Extraordinary Grass–Fed Lamb
Priest Ranch is situated high in the rugged eastern mountains of Napa Valley on the historic Somerston Vineyards. In addition to making small production wines from this exceptional property, we raise natural, grass-fed, hormone free “Dorper lamb on this 1680 acre vineyard estate. We utilize sheep to restore and enhance the landscape while maintaining our vineyard property in its most pristine state. Through the introduction of managed grazing, our sheep invigorate the environment that feeds them. It is our goal to sustainably deliver you classic Napa Valley wines and some of the finest tasting lamb in the world.
Priest Ranch lambs spend their days grazing parts of the estate, from steep hillsides, to fertile valley pastures and lush cover crop planted between the vineyard rows. Our shepherd and his dogs move our sheep to new pastures daily providing them the finest nutrition. Since our lambs are completely pasture-raised, they are free ranging and are never confined.
At Priest Ranch we have over 1200 Dorper Sheep. Dorper is a South African sheep breed developed in the 1930s out of a necessity to have an animal that could thrive in a harsh climate where rain falls only 4-6 inches per year. They thrive in low rainfall areas due to their adaptability and hardiness. Dorper sheep are superb browsers and utilize the pasture much better than other breeds. Also, the light hair coat sheds spontaneously (no need for sheering), and is ideal for our hot California summers.
When choosing Priest Ranch natural lamb, you’re supporting a low impact method of farming and ranching practices that exemplify the highest animal care practices in the industry. Our lamb are antibiotic and hormone free and environmentally sustainable. Grazing them in various locations on the ranch also contributes to their delicate, tender and optimal flavors.
At Priest Ranch we have two harvests for our lamb: March-April & September-October. The care we put into raising our animals brings forth some of the finest tasting lamb in the world.
We are proud that all our Dorper lamb are:
Open Range - Natural Grass Fed - Free of Antibiotics and Hormones - High in Nutritional Value
The Facts
- Dorpers are the preferred breed of lamb for its delicate, tender and flavorful qualities.
- Our grass-fed lamb is naturally lean, yet tender and flavorful.
- Our lambs produce healthy meat from a natural diet of grasses and forage.
- Dorper lamb is very high in Omega-3, Beta Carotene and CLA.
- No Growth hormones or artificial supplements are administered.
- Our lamb has the distinctively rich flavors only a truly natural product can provide.
- Priest Ranch certifies that its grass-fed lamb were raised according to the standards of the “California Lamb Commission”
- Our Lamb is embraced and featured by many of California’s finest chefs and restaurateurs.
- Nothing is better than the rich distinctive flavor of our freshly grilled grass-fed lamb together with our Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah or Zinfandel.
- Check out our website monthly for tasty new lamb recipes and wine pairings.
- Priest Ranch Grass-fed lamb can be acquired by calling us directly at 707.738.1874
The History
For well over 100 years Priest Ranch has been farming its land. Priest Ranch started as a ranch in 1871 under the ownership of Joshua James Priest who ran cattle and bottled his own sparkling water from the various soda springs on the eastern side of the property. His family maintained ownership of a large portion of the property for a century. Currently Priest Ranch is owned by Allan Chapman. Allan takes pride in the history of this diverse mountain vineyard property and looks to maintain is beauty and history through sustainable farming practices and growing some of Napa Valley’s finest wine. Priest Ranch and Somerston Vineyards has been farming grapes on the ranch since 1970. This is truly a mountain vineyard with more than 190 acres of vines planted between 900 and 2400 feet above sea level.