March is Women's History Month, and this year's theme: "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future" couldn't be more fitting for our community. From vineyards to farms to food justice work, women are at the forefront of creating a more sustainable agricultural landscape. Today, we're thrilled to feature Joy Sterling and her inspiring work in Sonoma County with Iron Horse Vineyards.
What does “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” mean to you personally?
I see my role as both caretaker and catalyst: protecting what’s precious while pushing forward. Real change happens when tradition and innovation meet, and when women are trusted to lead with both heart and rigor
Iron Horse is our home as well as our business, and I love this place deeply. Every decision we make is guided by what will serve future generations best. It’s a privilege to be stewards of this land in our lifetimes.
I see leadership as an act of continuity and courage: honoring what my parents built while investing in practices that protect our vineyards, our watershed, and our community. For me, shaping a sustainable future means proving that thoughtful farming, long-term vision, and women’s leadership go hand in hand.
What is one sustainable practice you’ve implemented in your business that you’re most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fish habitat restoration we’ve just completed along Green Valley Creek, which runs through our property and serves as an important corridor for Coho salmon. By restoring the creek’s natural function, we’re helping support native fish populations while improving water quality and resilience. It’s a reminder that sustainable farming extends beyond the vineyard rows. It’s about caring for the entire ecosystem.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about running a sustainable business?
I wish more people understood about sustainability is that one size does not fit all. Truly sustainable farming is site-specific. It responds to the land you’re on, the water you have, and the ecosystem you’re part of.
At Iron Horse, we use 100% recycled water, plant cover crops, and protect an extraordinary amount of wild land. Our vineyards exist within a living, breathing landscape. We may not fit neatly into a single certification box, but our practices are intentional, measured, and grounded in what works best for this place.
How does your product reflect your values around sustainability and environmental stewardship?
Our wines reflect our values by pairing craftsmanship with purpose. We produce three giving wines that turn celebration into tangible impact. Ocean Reserve, a vintage Blanc de Blancs, supports ocean conservation. Gratitude benefits the Redwood Empire Food Bank. And for our 50th Anniversary, Spirit of ’76 gives $5 from every bottle sold to Disabled American Veterans.
For us, sustainability and stewardship extend beyond how we farm. They’re also about how we show up for our community.
What keeps you motivated on the hard days?
I’m driven by the vision my parents set in motion when they founded Iron Horse 50 years ago: building something meant to last. I remind myself that I’m carrying that dream forward, honoring our legacy and the responsibility we hold to our extended family and community who grow with us.
My personal goal is to help Iron Horse reach the century mark.