Iron Horse Vineyard, Forestville

The drive up to Iron Horse Vineyard along Ross Station Road is inspiring. You drive past glistening rows of grape vines to the top of a hill and along a driveway lined with regal palm trees. Once at the top, you look out on a stunning vista of pine-covered mountains and sunny rolling hills covered in vineyards. The wine-tasting area isn't as nice, and it costs $25 each (reservations required), but the drive up is wonderful.

Iron Horse Vineyard is located in Forestville, which is a lovely country town. If you're hungry, check out Tahoe Chinese Restaurant (see directions below), which has some great Orange Chicken that's strongly flavored with orange zest, and a delicious tofu entree. Or, grab a picnic at Speer's Market, which is on Mirabel Rd, near River Road. Near the entrance, they have some fresh-baked bread from Village Bakery. It is SOOO good- try the baguette with poppy seeds. You can also buy deli-made sandwiches.
Make sure you experience the beauty of Russian River and Johnson's Beach while you're in wine country. You will be surrounded by redwood forest and hills covered in vineyards. For a walk amongst magnificent redwoods, check out Armstrong Woods State Park.

Directions

Wine-tasting is from 10am-4:30pm. Cost is $25 per person.
From Highway 101, exit at Steele Lane/Guerneville Rd, and head west on Guerneville Rd for about 7 miles. Turn right at Gravenstein Hwy, which is Highway 116. Go 1 mile and then turn left on Ross Station Road and follow it to the end.
Or from River Road, head south on Mirabel Road. After about five minutes you will come to a T. Turn left onto Highway 116 and then turn right onto about the sixth street, which is Ross Station Road. Follow it to the end.
Tahoe Chinese restaurant is at 6484 Mirabel Road, Forestville CA 95436. If driving along Mirabel from River Road, there will be a driveway to a shopping plaza on your right just before you get to Highway 116. Turn in, and the restaurant is straight ahead, by the post office. Call (707) 887-9772.
Speer's Market, 7891 Maribel Rd, Forestville CA 95436.

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