Our Story Is About Vision
Iron Horse is one of Sonoma County’s most beautiful, small, independent, estate, family-owned wineries. It is in cool, foggy Green Valley. The founding partners, Audrey and Barry Sterling, first saw our property in the pouring rain in February 1976. Driving down Ross Station Road, they were sure they were lost until they crested the knoll and viewed 300 acres of gentle rolling hills that looked like Camelot. Incurable romantics with extraordinary vision (and a dash of French vineyard knowledge), they bought the property in just two weeks.
We love Iron Horse wines but I think we love the Iron Horse story more!
– Paul M.
The story of Iron Horse is all about our vision of:
>> Estate Sparkling Wine
>> Commitment to sustainability
>> Wines that give back
>> Innovation in the vineyard
>> Family Legacy
Now in its second generation of family leadership, Iron Horse continues to be guided by the values and vision established at its founding. Click on the photo of each of the four family members below to read their biographies.
Family
What Makes Iron Horse Unique?
Iron Horse has spent five decades crafting méthode champenoise Sparkling Wines from its own vineyards, shaped by the cool, fog-influenced climate just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Our sparkling wines have been proudly served at the White House for seven consecutive presidential administrations, beginning with the historic Reagan–Gorbachev Summit Meetings.
Barry and Audrey named the vineyards and winery after a 19th-century railroad stop that once crossed our land, rediscovered in 1970 by winemaker Rodney Strong, who planted the original Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards that continue to define Iron Horse today.
Estate Sparkling Wines
Iron Horse is one of the few American wineries dedicated to producing estate-grown sparkling wines, including Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay. Every bottle reflects the character of Green Valley, one of the coolest regions in Sonoma County. Explore our wines.
In addition to our Sparkling Wines, we craft six Chardonnays and eight single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, each expressing a distinct style of wine or a block of our estate.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is central to how Iron Horse farms and operates. The family recently completed an eight-year restoration of native habitat along Green Valley Creek to support the return of endangered Coho salmon. This is an example of how agriculture and environmental stewardship can work together. Learn more about our sustainability programs.
Wines That Give Back
Iron Horse creates “giving wines” that support meaningful causes: Ocean Reserve supports ocean conservation, Gratitude benefits the Redwood Empire Food Bank, Spirit of ’76 supports Disabled American Veterans. These wines combine craftsmanship with measurable impact. Shop our Giving Wines.
We are proud to have been recognized as an American icon in Icons of the American Marketplace (Random House), a Top 100 Bay Area Corporate Philanthropist by San Francisco Business Times, and a Wine Business Leader by Wine Business Monthly.
Innovation in the Vineyard
Iron Horse is home to a vineyard connectivity testbed developed in partnership with leading research institutions. This initiative uses sensors, AI, and real-time data to: Improve water efficiency, support climate resilience, enhance vineyard management, power fire-watch systems protecting a 30-mile radius. We were honored to receive the CENIC AIR (AI Resources) Pioneering Contributions Award in recognition of this precision agriculture testbed. Read more about our innovation in the vineyard.
It also serves as a living laboratory for students and researchers, helping attract a new generation into agriculture.
Accolades
Book Your Visit
Tasting with a View
At the end of a winding road, Iron Horse offers a genuine, working winery experience. Our “tasting room” is outdoors, offering sweeping views across Sonoma County. Against this backdrop, you’ll taste our iconic sparkling wines served at the White House since 1985, alongside elegant estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
$35 per person, complimentary for wine club members. Please reserve in advance. Groups larger than 6 are subject to special pricing, please inquire.
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Outdoor Picnic Area
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Iron Horse with picnic tables overlooking our estate vineyards, where you can bring your own food and choose from our selection of wines, with a two-bottle minimum and a two-hour limit per table.
$50 table reservation fee on weekends (F-S) and $25 on weekdays (M-Th) | 1 Table Complimentary for Wine Club Members | Please reserve in advance
