iron horse 50th anniversary: A year of Celebrations

Commemorative Wines & Marquee Events

Please join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. Our milestone year coincides with America’s 250th, the Lunar Year of the Horse, Audrey Sterling’s 95th birthday, and Winemaker David Munksgard’s 30th vintage at Iron Horse.

Rather than a single moment, our 50th unfolds as a year-long celebration, honoring the people, place, craftsmanship, and continuity that have shaped Iron Horse from the beginning. Across the seasons and anchored by the release of three commemorative special cuvées, we’re planning intimate moments and signature experiences, that reflect the spirit, style and values that define us: family, community, long-term stewardship, generosity, and excellence in Sparkling Wine.

Winter

  • January 8
    New Release: Year of the Horse Vintage Blanc de Blancs
    The year begins with a wine created to mark the Lunar New Year and anchor our first Wine Club shipment of this milestone anniversary.
    BUY WINE 
  • February 5
    The People Behind the Bubbles interview series begins
    A weekly Instagram series celebrating 14 Iron Horse team members with more than 20 years on the estate.
    FOLLOW ALONG 
  • February 15
    Winter Oyster Sunday
    A triple celebration of Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and Lunar New Year, featuring Year of the Horse, freshly shucked and BBQ’d Hog Island oysters, chocolates, and fortune cookies.
  • February 21
    A walk-around Lunar New Year gathering with Iron Horse in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Be sure to get on our mailing list (sign up below) to not miss out on future events. SOLD OUT.
  • February 26
    Puppets & Bubbles
    Celebrate the Year of the Horse by making your own Lunar New Year horse puppet at an early evening workshop at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Traditionally, zodiac animals appear in festival puppets that bring New Year stories to life -- this is your chance to create one yourself, while sipping Iron Horse bubbles.
    GET TICKETS 
  • Recognition of Wine Club members celebrating 5, 10, and 15+ years with us
Three people raise glasses toward a rainbow over a scenic, green landscape with a barrel in the foreground.

Spring

  • March 15
    Spring Awakening: Spirit of ’76 Jeroboam Gathering
    A celebratory pick-up party for First Edition Certificate holders honoring the release of Spirit of ’76  in Jeroboam. For those unable to join us in person, we’ll be happy to ship your Jeroboam directly to you.
  • April 19
    Earth Month Oyster Sunday & Eco Tour
    A guided walk through our truly amazing Green Valley Creek Fish Habitat Restoration Project, with a surprise around every turn. Oysters before and after,  and a glass of bubbly in hand.
  • May 17
    Garden Party at Audrey’s
    Hosted at Audrey Sterling’s home when the garden is at its peak. The official debut of Spirit of ’76 in 750 ml bottle, poured alongside fried chicken and caviar.
A collage of hands holding champagne glasses amid flowers, greenery, and an elderly woman smiling indoors.

Summer

  • July 2 - 6
    Spirit of ’76 Celebration Flight
    A celebratory tasting menu: Five days only, replacing our regular tastings, paired with small, all-American bites. Think cornbread and cherries.
  • July 4 (Optional Add-On)
    An Independence Day picnic featuring fried chicken, garden sides, and strawberry shortcake.
  • August: First Day of Harvest (Date TBD)
    A cherished Iron Horse tradition: a toast as the first grapes are loaded into the press. Celebrating our 50th harvest and David Munksgard’s 30th vintage, this spontaneous gathering is offered to those able to join us on short notice and includes a keepsake photo and signed bottle.
Seven women smiling and clinking glasses of champagne outdoors at a wooden table on a sunny day.

Fall

  • September 20
    Harvest Throwback Lunch at the Gazebo
    A revival of Audrey Sterling’s legendary communal harvest lunches—a marquee celebration honoring 50 harvests and David’s 30th vintage at Iron Horse.
  • October 16
    Golden Cuvée Release
    The unveiling of Golden Cuvée, our holiday centerpiece celebrating Sonoma’s golden fall and the culmination of an extraordinary anniversary year.