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, they bought the property in just two weeks.
The story of Iron Horse is all about their vision.
Click on the photo of each of the four partners below to read their biographies.
Family
A Brief History
At Iron Horse, we are best known for our sparkling wines, proudly served at the White House for seven consecutive presidential administrations, beginning with the historic Reagan–Gorbachev Summit Meetings.
Our limited-production, vintage Blanc de Blancs, Ocean Reserve, reflects our commitment beyond the vineyard. A portion of every bottle sold supports ocean conservation, with each year supporting a different non-profit partner.
Our estate-grown Chardonnay captures the essence of Green Valley — bright, crisp, and cool-climate driven — while Pinot Noir has emerged as our rising star. Today, we craft six Chardonnays and eight single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, each expressing a distinct style of wine or a block of our estate.
Our estate takes its name from a 19th-century railroad stop that once crossed this land, rediscovered in 1970 by winemaker Rodney Strong, who planted the original Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards that continue to define Iron Horse today.
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,
Accolades
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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.
Outdoor Picnic Area
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$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
