The Magic (and Science) of Grapevine Flowering

Young grape clusters growing on a vine, surrounded by green leaves in sunlight.

There’s something quietly magical happening in the vineyards right now: grapevine flowering or “bloom”. This is one of the most beautiful and significant phases in the vineyard’s lifecycle. It’s also one of the most hopeful. For grape growers and winemakers, bloom offers the first glimpse into the promise of the vintage to come. The blossoms…

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From Yale to the Vines: A Lesson in Storytelling and Hope

Open book with a black-and-white portrait, Yale reunion books, and an ID card on a wooden table.

Fifty years ago — unbelievably — I crossed the stage at my college graduation, part of the second class of women admitted as freshmen to Yale. I was filled with hope, excitement, and, truthfully, no real idea of where life would lead. Looking back now, I can tell you: The most meaningful journeys are rarely…

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How to Make a Great Mimosa

A bottle of wine and oranges on a table.

The Mimosa Debate: Why You Deserve the Real Thing At Iron Horse, we believe every sip should be worth celebrating. And when it comes to mimosas, we’re here to lovingly weigh in on how to make a great mimosa. The mimosa debate goes back a while but let’s be honest,  you deserve the real thing:…

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Our Celebratory Wine: 40 Years of Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée

Iron Horse sparkling wine bottle labeled “Wedding Cuvée” surrounded by pale pink and white flowers.

I’m very excited to announce the release of our 2020 Wedding Cuvee, honoring a 40-year legacy. Our first release was vintage 1980. For four decades, our quintessential celebratory wine has been synonymous with romance and the art of sparkling wine. This iconic cuvée has graced countless weddings, anniversaries, and milestones, earning its place as a…

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Our Ocean Conservation and Commitment to Sustainability

A wine bottle with a colorful label lies on wet sand at the waters edge.

In celebration of World Water Day on March 22 and Earth Day on April 22, Iron Horse Vineyards is proud to announce Heal the Bay as this year’s beneficiary of our annual contributions to ocean conservation. Heal the Bay is a Southern California environmental organization dedicated to safeguarding our coastal waters and watersheds — and…

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Regenerative Agriculture: Sustainable Farming and Eco-Friendly Wine

Wild turkeys walk between rows of grapevines in a green vineyard on a sunny day.

Regenerative Agriculture in California As consumer awareness of eco-friendly, sustainable farming grows, regenerative agriculture is emerging as the next level in climate-smart food and wine production. Unlike traditional sustainability efforts that focus on minimizing harm, regenerative farming goes further—it aims to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and actively combat climate change. California is at the…

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February in the Vineyards: After the Storms

Rows of grapevines on a sunny hillside vineyard with rolling green hills in the background.

February weather in the vineyards runs the gamut—from atmospheric rivers to frost-glazed mornings, back to storms, and then, finally, to a moment of quiet beauty—which is where we find ourselves now, thankfully. This is typically our wettest month, but this year has been extraordinary. How it will shape the vintage—the literal taste of the wine—remains…

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8 Delicious Lunar New Year Snacks

A bowl of noodles with chopsticks, a wine glass, a wine bottle, and white flowers on a table.

During Lunar New Year, it’s tradition to welcome friends and family with snacks that symbolize prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. To help you celebrate, we’ve curated the perfect Double Happiness Lunar New Year snack pack, filled with fortune-filled treats that pair beautifully with our limited-edition Year of the Snake Sparkling Wine. It’s an ideal way…

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Cozy Wine Pairings: Fall Comfort Food and Wine

Three bottles of sparkling wine, a glass of rosé, and a box of assorted chocolates on a table.

There’s something about fall that calls for comfort food paired with a delicious glass of wine. As the days grow shorter and the autumn chill settles in, soul-warming dishes and the right wine bring a sense of cozy well-being. A few favorite pairings come to mind: A slow-braised stew with our 2020 Home Block Pinot…

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7 Easy Snacks to Serve with Sparkling Wine

A glass of sparkling wine on a table with popcorn, chocolate bars, fruit, seeds, and pumpkins.

Celebrating Come Over October We’re thrilled to share a special guest blog by Justine Sterling, the eldest grandchild of Iron Horse co-founders Audrey and Barry Sterling. Justine is the editor-in-chief of Sporked and has spent over a decade writing about food and drinks. She’s also an enthusiastic home cook and dedicated snacker. But don’t worry—she’s…

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How Much Wine for a Wedding or Event?

Champagne being poured into a row of glasses on a wooden table, some glasses already filled and foaming.

I love planning parties more than actually attending them. Picking the wine is especially fun because the libation sets the tone. Determining the amount of wine depends on the number of guests and their wine preferences and it’s a nuanced balance between estimation and anticipation, ensuring every glass is brimming with celebration and joy. But…

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