Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Iron Horse Vineyards
A Rainy Drive That Changed Everything
In February 1976, Audrey and Barry Sterling drove through the hills west of Sebastopol in a downpour and fell in love with a 300-acre property that reminded them of the rolling French countryside. They purchased it within two weeks. What followed was a generational commitment to one of California’s most distinctive wine regions, the Green Valley of Russian River Valley, a fog-swept pocket a few miles from the Pacific where cool maritime air slows ripening and intensifies flavor. Today their daughter Joy Sterling leads the estate, and winemaker David Munksgard celebrated his 30th harvest in 2026, a milestone that speaks to the winery’s culture of continuity. Learn more about the broader region on the Russian River Valley guide and the Sonoma County hub.
Green Valley: California’s Coldest Sparkling Wine Country
The Green Valley of Russian River Valley is among the coldest AVAs in California, receiving morning fog that frequently does not lift until early afternoon and afternoon winds off the ocean that drop temperatures sharply before sunset. Soils at Iron Horse are Goldridge sandy loam, a free-draining glacial deposit that stresses the vine roots and produces small, intensely flavored clusters. These conditions are ideal for the long, slow ripening required for high-acid sparkling wine base wines and for the lean, structured style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that defines the estate. The 300 estate acres stretch across rolling hills with views toward the Pacific.
Sparkling Wine Served at Seven White Houses
Iron Horse is California’s most celebrated sparkling wine estate, having been served at the White House for seven consecutive presidential administrations since 1985, from Reagan through Biden. Their wines are made in the traditional methode champenoise with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The flagship Blanc de Blancs is 100 percent estate Chardonnay, spending 36 months on the lees before disgorgement, delivering a profile of green apple, lemon cream, toasted brioche, and fine persistent bubbles. Alongside the sparkling program, the estate produces six Chardonnays and eight single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from blocks across the 300-acre property.
Sustainable Stewardship and Precision Farming
Iron Horse manages its 300 acres with a strong conservation ethic. The estate has undertaken native habitat restoration along Green Valley Creek to support populations of endangered Coho salmon that spawn in the waterway. In recent years, they have deployed a precision agriculture testbed using soil sensors, real-time weather data, and AI-guided irrigation scheduling to reduce water use and build climate resilience. Farming is certified sustainable and focuses on minimal intervention in both vineyard and winery.
Food and Sparkling Wine: The Perfect Pairing
Iron Horse sparkling wines are among the most food-versatile wines in California. The Blanc de Blancs is a natural match for oysters on the half shell, where the wine’s high acidity and mineral edge mirror the brine and texture of the oyster. It also performs brilliantly with fried chicken, sushi, caviar, and lemon-dressed salads. The estate Pinot Noir, with its cool-climate tension and red fruit character, pairs with salmon, duck breast, earthy lentil dishes, and hard-aged cheeses. Use the wine pairing tool to explore pairings for your next gathering.
Plan Your Visit
9786 Ross Station Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-887-1507 (book 2 weeks ahead for weekends)
Thu-Sun 10am-4pm, Mon-Wed 10am-3pm, by appointment
$35/person, complimentary for wine club members
$95/person ($65 members), weekends, through Nov 2026
$50 table fee with 2-bottle minimum, 1 table free for members
Find Your Ideal Sonoma Wine
Use our free pairing tool or take the wine personality quiz to discover which Sonoma varietals match your palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iron Horse Vineyards known for?
Iron Horse Vineyards is California’s most celebrated sparkling wine estate, known for methode champenoise sparklers that have been served at the White House for seven consecutive presidential administrations since 1985. Their 300-acre Green Valley estate also produces estate Chardonnay and single-vineyard Pinot Noir.
Where is Iron Horse Vineyards located?
Iron Horse is located at 9786 Ross Station Road in Sebastopol, California, within the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA, one of Sonoma County’s coldest and foggiest wine regions.
How do I visit Iron Horse Vineyards?
Iron Horse offers appointment-only tastings Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm and Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 3pm. Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance for weekends. The Tasting with a View experience is $35 per person.
What grapes does Iron Horse grow?
Iron Horse grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across its 300 estate acres in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. The Chardonnay anchors the sparkling wine program as well as six still bottlings, while the Pinot Noir produces eight single-vineyard expressions.
When was Iron Horse Vineyards founded?
Audrey and Barry Sterling discovered and purchased the 300-acre property in February 1976. Their daughter Joy Sterling now leads the winery alongside winemaker David Munksgard, who celebrated his 30th harvest in 2026.
What food pairs well with Iron Horse sparkling wine?
Iron Horse Blanc de Blancs is exceptional with oysters, sushi, caviar, fried chicken, and lemon-dressed salads. The estate Pinot Noir pairs with salmon, duck breast, hard-aged cheeses, and earthy mushroom dishes.
Has Iron Horse wine really been served at the White House?
Yes. Iron Horse sparkling wines have been poured at White House dinners for seven consecutive presidential administrations since 1985, making the estate one of the most decorated American wine producers on the national stage.
Information sourced from Iron Horse Vineyards official website. Always verify hours before visiting.