Joy Sterling does not take her responsibility lightly. As the proprietor of Iron Horse Vineyards, she understands and fully embraces the burden on sparkling wine to make special occasions more special, birthdays happier and wedding toasts toastier. Indeed, few opportunities to celebrate are lost on her. Earlier this year, the people of China were the lucky recipients of nearly nine hundred cases of wine she made specifically for The Year of the Dragon. Now, she is bringing the party a little closer to home.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, Iron Horse has released a special blend, or cuvée, composed of 88 percent Pinot Noir grapes (the remainder is Chardonnay) that spent seven days soaking with their skins, giving the wine a rosy hue that is reminiscent of the sun setting over the iconic structure. “I am so proud of our Golden Gate Cuvée,” says Sterling.  “This is a very special tribute as Iron Horse co-founder Audrey Sterling walked across the Bridge opening day with her father when she was six years old.”

The 2007 vintage-dated Cuvée comes in both regular 750 ml bottles and 5-litre Jéroboams (equivalent to six regular bottles) impressively etched with an image of what has been declared one of the modern world’s seven great wonders. Having spent four years aging en tirage, or in the bottle with the dead yeast cells, you can expect this wine to be rich and creamy while still boasting plenty of the luscious fruit flavors the estate is known for.

Sterling recommends toasting the bridge on May 27th from the highest vista point on top of the Marin Headlands: “I think the view heightened by the bubbly would be awesome.” To sweeten the deal (as if the deal needed sweetening), Sterling is donating five dollars from every bottle purchased to the Golden Gate Parks Conservancy.