Iron Horse Vineyards launches the 2016 Stargazing Cuvée, a vintage Brut LD inspired by NASA’s Horsehead Nebula—sparkling magic aged 7.5 years en tirage.
Iron Horse Vineyards launches the 2016 Stargazing Cuvée, a vintage Brut LD inspired by NASA’s Horsehead Nebula—sparkling magic aged 7.5 years en tirage.
The first pop of a bottle of Iron Horse Vineyards’ 2016 Stargazing Cuvée feels like a celestial event. Rising bubbles lift the moment, bright as starlight, and for a heartbeat, you understand what Dom Pérignon meant when he said he was drinking the stars.
This newest release from the family-owned Sonoma winery doesn’t just sparkle—it soars. Aged seven and a half years en tirage, freshly disgorged in October 2024, and available exclusively in magnum, the 2016 Stargazing Cuvée is a rare vintage Brut LD that celebrates the connection between earth, sky, and artistry.
“The first pop of a bottle of Stargazing releases a spark of energy,”
“The rising bubbles add anticipation. This bottle lifts the moment.”
A Label Written in the Stars
Every bottle of Stargazing is as beautiful to look at as it is to drink. The label, designed by artist Mark Berry, features a mesmerizing infrared image of the Horsehead Nebula, captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
The nebula, located 1,300 light-years away in the Orion constellation, glows in celestial detail—its swirling hydrogen clouds and distant galaxies immortalized on each magnum. The connection feels personal: the Horsehead Nebula isn’t just a cosmic wonder, it’s a symbol tied to Iron Horse’s name and heritage.
In fact, this isn’t the first time the family has looked skyward. In 1999, Iron Horse released a special edition of etched jeroboams featuring the same nebula to celebrate the turn of the millennium.
Now, 25 years later, they return to the stars—only this time, the view is sharper, thanks to NASA’s revolutionary imaging.
The Wine: Celestial Elegance in a Glass
The 2016 Stargazing Cuvée belongs to Iron Horse’s tête de cuvée class, representing the pinnacle of the winery’s craft. Its base blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Green Valley of Russian River Valley yields a sparkling wine of extraordinary finesse and balance.
On the palate, expect a fine mousse and a lively minerality, with notes of lemon zest, brioche, and roasted almond, grounded by a whisper of sea salt and baked apple. It’s both grounded and transcendent—like sunlight through morning fog.
Each magnum of Stargazing is limited edition and individually numbered, making it as collectible as it is celebratory.
“This is a thrilling wine,”
“It evokes the magic of drinking the stars.”
Legacy Among the Constellations
Founded in Green Valley, part of the Russian River Valley, Iron Horse Vineyards has been family-owned since its inception and now celebrates its 48th vintage.
The 260-acre estate is renowned for its cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the foundation for its world-class sparkling wines. Over nearly five decades, Iron Horse has poured its cuvées for seven consecutive U.S. presidential administrations, cementing its reputation as America’s premier luxury sparkling wine producer.
The 2016 Stargazing Cuvée continues that lineage of excellence while looking outward—to the stars. It’s not just a wine, it’s an experience that merges science, art, and celebration.
Perfect for Collectors and Celebrators
The 2016 Stargazing Cuvée is ideal for:
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Collectors seeking limited-edition, magnum-only releases.
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Hosts and entertainers looking to add cosmic flair to milestone celebrations.
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Wine lovers who appreciate the blend of craftsmanship, creativity, and celestial storytelling.
Mini FAQ: Iron Horse Vineyards 2016 Stargazing Cuvée
Q1: What makes the 2016 Stargazing Cuvée unique?
It’s a vintage 2016 Brut LD, aged 7.5 years en tirage, inspired by NASA’s Horsehead Nebula and available only in magnum.
Q2: Who designed the label?
Artist Mark Berry, using an infrared image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, captured the Horsehead Nebula in unprecedented detail.
Q3: How can I purchase the wine?
The limited-edition 2016 Stargazing Cuvée is available directly from Iron Horse Vineyards.
A Toast to Wonder
In every effervescent pour of Stargazing, there’s a reminder of what wine—and life—can be when art, science, and spirit align. It’s an invitation to look up, look within, and raise a glass to the beauty that connects us all.
Because sometimes, the magic of drinking the stars starts with just one pop.
Iron Horse Vineyards launches the 2016 Stargazing Cuvée, a vintage Brut LD inspired by NASA’s Horsehead Nebula—sparkling magic aged 7.5 years en tirage.
