In 2019, Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle featured Joy Sterling of Iron Horse Vineyards in his series of video interviews “Back Roads & Back Stories.” In this one-on-one, Ray asks about the beginnings of the estate, their commitment to sustainability, and expresses his shared opinion with Joy about why they love the wine business.
“People ask me all the time – What is it?” Joy explains.
“It’s the people.”
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Iron Horse Vineyards
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Started in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, Iron Horse is a standout producer of Sparkling wine in America. Nestled in the cool microclimate of the Green Valley AVA, Iron Horse’s 300 acre estate is home to 164 acres of vineyard, split evenly between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The second generation, Joy Sterling and her brother Laurence, oversee the estate, and have dedicated their time and attention to improving vineyard practices, implementing regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and advocating for their community and the environment.