Iron Horse Vineyards

One of the southernmost wineries in the Green Valley appellation is also well off the beaten track down Ross Station Road (off Hwy. 116), a one-lane road that winds through orchards, over a creek, and (perhaps) past some wild turkeys before climbing up to the palm-lined driveway of the winery.]

The simplicity of the barnlike building belies the pedigree of the sparkling wines made here—they have been served to presidents and won numerous accolades from wine critics over the last 30 years. Tours are offered by appointment weekdays only.

Today the winery makes about 20,000 cases of sparkling wines a year, most priced at over $30, including the ever-popular Wedding Cuvée and a series of late-disgorged wines, including the flagship Brut LD, which are bottle-aged for four or more years in contact with the dead yeast to give them a rich aroma and flavor.

Iron Horse makes just as much still wine from its vineyards in the cool Green Valley and warmer Alexander Valley appellations, and gets just as many rave reviews. Standouts include the single-vineyard pinot noir and chardonnay, and dry rosé wines made from pinot and sangiovese (9786 Ross Station Rd., Sebastopol, 707/887-1507, www.ironhorsevineyards.com, open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. daily, tasting fee $5).