Spirit of ’76: Peek Behind Our 50th Anniversary Sparkling Wine

It was 1976. The year Audrey and Barry Sterling discovered a magical place called Iron Horse. Tucked into the cool, foggy hills of western Sonoma County, the property offered everything they had been searching for. From that vantage point, they recognized its extraordinary potential and began building Iron Horse Vineyards – a journey that now spans 50 years.

To mark our 50th anniversary, we created a series of commemorative wines. The second of these is Spirit of ’76, a sparkling wine that honors both the history of the United States and the founding story of Iron Horse.

The Historic Meaning of “Spirit of ’76”

The phrase “Spirit of ’76” dates back to the American Revolution and refers to the year 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States began its journey as a nation. Over time, the phrase came to symbolize the optimism, courage, and determination that defined that moment in history. It evokes the belief that bold ideas and perseverance can shape the future.

One of the most famous representations of this phrase is the iconic painting “The Spirit of ’76,” created in 1876 by American artist Archibald Willard for the nation’s Centennial celebration. The painting shows Revolutionary War musicians — a drummer and two fife players — marching forward as they play, symbolizing the unity and determination of the American colonies. Since then, the phrase “Spirit of ’76” has become shorthand for a spirit of renewal, independence, and celebration.

A Second Meaning: Iron Horse, Founded in 1976

For us, Spirit of ’76 carries another meaning as well. Iron Horse was founded in 1976, the year the United States celebrated its Bicentennial, arriving just a year after the Vietnam War ended in 1975 and followed a turbulent period marked by the Watergate scandal and high inflation and economic uncertainty. By 1976, many Americans welcomed the Bicentennial as a chance to reconnect with the nation’s founding and look ahead with renewed optimism.

I remember that moment fondly. As a cub reporter for UPI, I found myself right at the epicenter of the Bicentennial celebrations. I covered the Tall Ships in Newport and stood beside legendary White House correspondent Helen Thomas as President Gerald Ford walked up the gangplank of the Royal Yacht Britannia to greet Queen Elizabeth. I was exactly where I wanted to be.

On the Fourth of July, I was on Boston’s Esplanade in a crowd of 400,000 for the Boston Pops concert, where Arthur Fiedler conducted the “1812 Overture” with real cannons booming across the Charles River. At the time, I had no thought of joining the winery. Yet fifty years later, here we are celebrating Iron Horse’s golden anniversary. And again, I am exactly where I want to be.

Perhaps that is why the name Spirit of ’76 feels especially fitting for this anniversary wine.

Introducing Our Spirit of ’76 Sparkling Wine

Spirit of ’76 is part of a limited trilogy of wines created to celebrate Iron Horse’s 50th anniversary. The series began with 2022 Year of the Horse, Blanc de Blancs, a Brut Zero, released at the start of the Lunar Year of the Horse — a symbol of forward motion and momentum. The trilogy will conclude with the release of Golden Cuvée, a special anniversary magnum to be released in time for the holidays.

Crafted from the outstanding 2019 vintage — one we regard as among our finest — the Spirit of ’76 Brut blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay spent more than five years aging en tirage, giving depth, finesse, and complexity, along with sheer deliciousness worthy of a milestone celebration. The first sip is stunning. It makes you pause, savor the moment, and smile. Only 500 cases were produced, making it a limited release for collectors and Sparkling Wine lovers alike.

At its heart, Spirit of ’76 is about celebration. It’s the kind of wine you open when friends gather around the table, when milestones are marked, or when a moment calls for something special. In many ways, that’s what great Sparkling Wine has always been about: bringing people together to celebrate life’s meaningful moments. And in this anniversary year, we can’t imagine a better way to honor the journey that began in 1976.

The label itself captures the visual spirit of the era when Iron Horse was founded. Inspired by the bold graphic style of the 1970s, it reflects the optimism and creative energy of the time when Audrey and Barry Sterling first arrived in Green Valley. Designed by Mark Berry, the vibrant pattern radiates like a psychedelic starburst flower, its petal-like forms unfolding from the center in a vivid bloom of color in the classic red and blue of the American flag.

Giving Back: Supporting Disabled American Veterans

In keeping with the spirit behind the wine’s name, Iron Horse is contributing $5 from every bottle sold to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). DAV provides critical support for veterans and their families, helping them access the benefits and services they have earned through their service. For us, it’s a meaningful way to connect the historic spirit of 1776 with a commitment to those who continue to serve today.

A Spirit That Endures

Together, our three commemorative wines mark an extraordinary moment for Iron Horse: fifty years of family stewardship, winemaking, and celebrating life’s milestones with Sparkling Wine.

Fifty years after the Sterlings discovered Iron Horse, we are still guided by the same optimism that inspired them in 1976. Perhaps that is the real meaning of the spirit of ’76: the belief that with vision, patience, and a little courage, something lasting can take root. At Iron Horse, we like to say: celebrate everything. In our 50th year, these wines invite us to celebrate the journey, and the enduring spirit of ‘76.