Iron Horse Vineyards

Gold Ridge Pinot Noir

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

The Gold Ridge is three clones of Pinot Noir selected from four excellent sites on the estate to create this complex and elegant blend. The unifying factor is our highly prized Gold Ridge soil, among the most coveted, especially for Pinot Noir.

Russian Cuvée

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

Russian Cuvée has multiple layers of meaning. Originally named for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings in 1985, it also refers to the vineyard’s unique location in the Russian River Valley. The Russian Cuvée is the “richest” in the Iron Horse line up, though it is still technically brut-level dry. A perfect toasting wine, served at White House State Dinners for six consecutive Presidential Administrations, it boasts aromas of caramel apple, nutmeg and orange zest, flavors of ripe red apple, lime, brioche and brown sugar on the palate. It is equally comfortable at the end of the meal with dessert as at the start of the meal for a toast.

Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

Ocean Reserve is a special, limited edition, vintage Blanc de Blancs, created in partnership with National Geographic. Iron Horse dedicated its Blanc de Blancs to National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative as a nod to the Pacific Ocean, which is the engine behind the fog and cool, coastal influence in the Green Valley; $4 per bottle sold goes to establishing marine protected areas and supporting sustainable fishing practices around the globe. The Ocean Reserve’s racy lime and tangerine notes, saline acidity, and beautiful creamy finish, conjures images of the ocean itself and pairs flawlessly with all manner of seafood.

Wedding Cuvée

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

The irresistible Wedding Cuvée has witnessed countless special moments since its inception in 1980, served at engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day celebrations. Iron Horse’s play on a Blanc de Noirs, this wine features extremely expressive and fruit forward Pinot Noir lots blended with just a touch of steely Chardonnay to add a firm acid backbone. A romantic tinge of pink in the glass hints at the character of the Pinot Noir in this cuvée, and raspberry and nutmeg aromas on the nose are followed by juicy stone fruit, lively blood orange, and red berry flavors that are held seamlessly together with refined and delicate bubbles. Dangerously easy to drink.

Classic Vintage Brut

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

The flagship of the estate, this wine shows everything the family strives to accomplish. The quality and finesse strike memory bells that say “Champagne,” while the flavors are unmistakably Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and most distinctly Iron Horse. Delightful and complex rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple aromas lead to an exquisitely balanced palate with flavors of ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut.  The complexity of flavors and textures are perhaps only overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of enjoyment.

Sofian Himeur, Winemaker

Sofian Himeur is the newly installed winemaker at Iron Horse, joining Winemaker Emeritus David Munksgard on the winemaking team in March of 2020. Sofian has been in the wine industry for 18 years, producing Gruet Sparkling Wines in New Mexico. Born in Troyes, France, and relocated to New Mexico when he was an infant, Sofian is the grandson of Gruet Winery founder Gilbert Gruet. Growing up around wineries with his family, he always knew he would be in the wine business in some capacity. With nearly a lifetime spent performing nearly every task in and outside of wineries, he advocates impeccable standards.

Joy Sterling, Owner/CEO

In 1985, Joy left a career in journalism to join her family’s business and made news headlines for the winery with her first achievement at Iron Horse: in November, 1985, the White House selected Iron Horse Sparkling Wine for Ronald Reagan’s toast to peace at the first summit meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva. Joy served on the Board of Trustees of the Leakey Foundation for ten years and is a member of National Geographic’s Grosvenor Council. She is the author of A Cultivated Life, published by Random House.