Iron Horse Vineyards Announces Partnership with Surfrider Foundation Timed for Earth Month

Sunday, April 21

Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Cost: $600. for two tickets and one case of Ocean Reserve ($500 for Wine Club Members)

Address & Location:
Iron Horse Vineyards, 9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, CA Latitude: 38.454424, Longitude: -122.899141.

Details: In celebration of Earth Day and Earth Month, Iron Horse Vineyards is beginning a partnership with Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people. A portion of the proceeds from Iron Horse’s 2019 vintage of Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs Sparking Wine ($75.00), will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation. "We're excited to ride this wave with the Surfrider Foundation to help protect our ocean and coastlines,” said Joy Sterling, Partner/CEO of Iron Horse Vineyards. “Our goal is to make a difference for a cleaner, healthier ocean.” Sterling serves on the California Coastal Conservancy, the lead state agency on climate change adaptation. The family is focused on the ocean because it is the driver of the special microclimate which allows them to produce Sparkling on their level of finesse. The first vintage of Ocean Reserve was 2005, originally benefiting National Geographic, followed by Mission Blue, founded by marine biologist Sylvia Earle, to establish marine protected areas around the globe, and then the Marine Mammal Center, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, based in Sausalito, CA. The beneficiary changes annually. The contribution averages $45/case. The announcement of this new partnership is timed for Earth Month celebrations. Iron Horse Vineyards is also extremely proud to working on restoring the coho salmon habitat in Green Valley Creek, which bisects the vineyard, in partnership with Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “This is my brother’s project, many years in the making,” said Sterling. “Amazingly, our section of Green Valley Creek is a critical passageway for coho salmon, right under the bridge at the entrance to the property.” The tentative timeline is to break ground on the habitat this summer or next to create a refuge where flood water can be stored, then released into the creek when needed by the fish - strictly for the fish, as Iron Horse uses recycled water in the vineyards. Iron Horse is certified sustainable by the Sonoma County Wine Growers Association and adheres to regenerative agriculture practices. The winery is planning a Celebrate Earth Day in Green Valley: Eat, Drink & Be Green event on Sunday April 21st. The menu will be caviar, fried chicken sandwiches and bubbles galore in the gorgeous spring garden at Co-Founder Audrey Sterling’s home, followed by chocolate and Pinot Noir at the Tasting Room. Speakers include Doug Bosco, Chair of the State Coastal Conservancy, the lead agency on climate change mitigation, Josh Fryday, representing California Volunteer as Chief Service Officer in the Governor's Office, and Laura Walsh, California Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation. About Iron Horse Vineyards Iron Horse is one of the finest family-owned wine properties in the country, renowned for producing the highest quality, American, luxury Sparkling Wines, which have been served at the White House, beginning with the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings in 1985. The estate is a 260-acre reserve in Green Valley, part of the Russian River Valley, ideally situated, 13 miles from the Pacific, for growing delicious, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 2024 marks the family’s 48th vintage. Three generations live on the estate, ranging from 29 years old to 92 years young. About Surfrider Foundation The Surfrider Foundation is widely recognized for its advocacy work on issues such as water quality, beach access, coastal preservation, and marine wildlife protection. Its campaigns and initiatives aim to address environmental challenges facing coastal communities. The organization actively involves surfers, beachgoers, volunteers, and local communities in its conservation efforts. Through grassroots activism, beach cleanups, educational programs, and events, the Surfrider Foundation fosters a sense of stewardship and empowers individuals to take action for the health of their coastal environments.