Lee graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Chemistry from Sonoma State, where wine sparked her interest. Starting at Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena as a quality assurance technician and wine chemist, she moved to Paso Robles in 1990. Lee advanced from lab manager to director of premium winemaking, Central Coast. In 2016, she became a winemaker for Treasury Wine Estates, crafting top offerings. In 2021, Trinchero Family Wine and Spirits recognized her deep understanding of Paso Robles, making her an ideal fit for the Iron + Sand brand.
IRON + Sand
Iron and Sand Cabernet Sauvignon is the only wine to tell the Paso Robles origin Story.
Born from the origins of Paso Robles, CA, Iron + Sand is a nostalgic nod to the natural draw of the historic hot springs, Iron Spring and Sand Spring, that propelled Paso Robles into a destination known as “California’s oldest watering place”. Iron and sand are also important elements in the wine’s classic Paso terroir, as the sturdy iron trellising supports the bearing vines and the alluvial, well-drained sandy soils are the perfect match for Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced predominantly from two sustainably farmed vineyards within the Paso Robles AVA, our winemaker Lee Miyamura uses neutral oak allowing the Paso Robles terroir to shine through.
Winemaker, Lee Miyamura
Viticulturist, Patrick Silveira
Patrick’s roots in Paso Robles run deep, with his family farm dating back to 1864. Starting his agricultural career there in 1979, he gained extensive regional knowledge before earning a degree in crop science and agricultural management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Patrick began contributing to the Iron + Sand brand with the inaugural 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. His deep understanding of vineyards, from the warm Estrella River Ranch to the cooler Steffano II, shapes each vintage to its full potential.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles, located on California’s Central Coast, is renowned for its diverse terroir and ideal climate for viticulture. Known for its rich, full-bodied red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, the region boasts a unique combination of warm days and cool nights, promoting optimal grape ripening. With its innovative winemakers and commitment to quality, Paso Robles has emerged as a premier wine-growing region, producing wines that reflect its distinctive character and heritage.
Vineyards
Estrella Vineyard, San Miguel District
The majority of the grapes come from the San Miguel District, the northern most sub-AVA in the greater Paso Robles region. This area was named after the San Miguel Mission, built by Franciscan missionaries in the late 1700s. Fruit from this region is subject to the effects of large diurnal shifts, sometimes experiencing a swing as large as 50 degrees, helping to enhance the beautiful acidity in the fruit. The deep alluvial, sandy soils, combined with being one of the warmer AVAs in the Paso Robles region, makes for ripe fruit with smooth, supple tannins.
Steffano Vineyard, El Pomar District
Approximately 10% of the grapes come from the family-owned Steffano II Vineyard in the El Pomar District, south of the city of Paso Robles and east of the Templeton Gap, where sea breezes and marine fog help to cool the vineyards at nights. Comprised of clay, granite and calcareous soils, this site creates beautifully balanced fruit with enhanced structure.
