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New Clairvaux Vineyard Summary

26240 7th Street
Vina ,CA 96092
United States
(530) 839-2200

New Clairvaux Vineyard Description

New Clairvaux Vineyard is a captivating winery nestled in the serene surroundings of Vina, California. This historic winery holds a unique legacy as it is situated on the grounds of an active Cistercian abbey, where Trappist monks carry on their monastic traditions. The winery is a harmonious blend of spirituality and viticulture, creating an enchanting atmosphere for wine enthusiasts and visitors seeking tranquility.

The vineyard's story dates back to the 19th century when European settlers planted vines on the property. It was later purchased by the Leland Stanford family, who initially established a winery and distillery. In 1955, the Trappist monks acquired the land and began cultivating grapes and producing wines, their dedication marked by a deep connection to their monastic heritage. Today, the winery continues to operate under the guidance of the monks, combining their devotion to God and their passion for winemaking.

New Clairvaux Vineyard offers a diverse range of award-winning wines, with their flagship varietal being the Tempranillo. The unique terroir of the region, coupled with the monks' meticulous attention to detail, results in exceptional wines that showcase the best of California's wine country. Visitors can indulge in tastings and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the abbey.

Aside from its exceptional wines, New Clairvaux Vineyard is also known for its architectural gem, the Chapter House. This historic structure was originally part of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery in Spain. It was dismantled, shipped, and reassembled at the winery, becoming a symbol of the synergy between the old world traditions and the new world winemaking techniques celebrated at New Clairvaux Vineyard.

Exploring New Clairvaux Vineyard is a journey of discovery, where visitors can savor the flavors of fine wines while immersing themselves in the rich history and spiritual aura that envelops the property. By blending tradition and innovation, the winery continues to prosper, captivating wine lovers with its exceptional offerings and unforgettable experience.

What Makes New Clairvaux Vineyard Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

New Clairvaux Vineyard stands out among the vast array of wineries in the region due to several distinctive aspects that set it apart from the rest. Here are some factors that make New Clairvaux Vineyard unique:

1. Historic Foundations: One of the most fascinating aspects of New Clairvaux Vineyard is its rich history. It is located on the site of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery brought from Spain in the 1930s by the Leland Stanford family. The winery's setting is deeply rooted in this historical context, providing visitors with a unique sense of heritage and connection to the past.

2. Trappist Monks: Unlike most wineries that are operated by professional winemakers or vineyard owners, New Clairvaux Vineyard is managed by a community of Trappist monks. These dedicated men have committed their lives to a monastic lifestyle centered around prayer, work, and contemplation. Their passion for winemaking is an extension of their dedication to craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional practices.

3. Cultural Diversity: The presence of Trappist monks also brings cultural diversity to the winery. Their Spanish heritage, together with the influences of their monastic traditions, can be seen in the design of the estate, the selection of grape varietals, and even in the naming of their wines. This interplay of different cultures creates a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to explore and appreciate the intersections of history, religion, and winemaking.

4. Sustainable Practices: New Clairvaux Vineyard places a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly viticulture. The monks prioritize organic farming methods, utilizing cover crops, composting, and integrated pest management techniques to ensure the health and longevity of their vineyards. This commitment to sustainability not only reflects their respect for the land but also results in wines that showcase the distinctive flavors and characteristics of the surrounding terroir.

5. Rare Grape Varietals: While many wineries in the region focus on popular grape varietals, New Clairvaux Vineyard stands out for its cultivation of unique and rare grape varieties. They have successfully grown and produced wines from varietals like Albariño, Tempranillo, and Viognier, among others. By offering these lesser-known wines, they provide visitors with the opportunity to taste and discover new flavors that are not often found in the region.

6. Architectural Marvel: The winery's architecture is another distinguishing feature. The focal point of the estate is the reconstructed Abbey Chapter House, a breathtaking medieval structure that was shipped from Spain and meticulously reassembled on-site. This stunning building serves as the winery's tasting room, combining Old World charm with the modern comforts expected by visitors. The architectural blend creates a unique atmosphere that blends history, spirituality, and winemaking.

7. Commitment to Philanthropy: New Clairvaux Vineyard has a strong commitment to philanthropy and community involvement. The profits generated from their winemaking endeavors are reinvested back into the local community. They actively support various charitable organizations and strive to make a positive impact beyond their vineyards, ensuring that every sip of their wine contributes to the betterment of society.

In summary, New Clairvaux Vineyard differentiates itself from other wineries in the region through its deeply rooted history, the presence of Trappist monks, sustainable practices, the cultivation of rare grape varietals, exceptional architecture, and a commitment to philanthropy. Visitors to this exceptional winery can experience not only exceptional wines but also a deep connection to the past, diverse cultural influences, and a genuine sense of purpose behind every bottle produced.

What Some Possible Concerns About New Clairvaux Vineyard ?

While it's important to promote the positive aspects of a winery, it's also necessary to address any potential concerns or criticisms that people may have had about New Clairvaux Vineyard. Here are a few common complaints that people have had about this winery:

1. Limited wine selection: Some visitors have expressed disappointment in the limited variety of wines offered at New Clairvaux Vineyard. They felt that the winery could benefit from expanding their range of wine options to cater to different tastes and preferences.

2. Lack of knowledgeable staff: A few visitors have mentioned that they encountered staff members who lacked in-depth knowledge about the wine-making process or were unable to answer specific questions about the wines being offered. This led to a less engaging and educational experience for those visitors.

3. Inconsistent service: On occasion, visitors have reported inconsistent service at New Clairvaux Vineyard, with some expressing frustration due to slow or inattentive service. While this may not be the case for every visitor, it is a concern that has been raised by some.

4. Limited wine tasting experience: Some visitors have felt that the winery's wine tasting experience was too brief or lacked personalization. They wished for a more immersive and educational tasting experience, including guided tastings and detailed explanations of the wines.

It's important to note that these criticisms may not be universally shared and that experiences can vary from person to person. Nonetheless, addressing these concerns honestly and transparently can help potential visitors make informed decisions about whether or not to visit New Clairvaux Vineyard.

New Clairvaux Vineyard History

New Clairvaux Vineyard holds a captivating history that intertwines the legacies of ancient European monastic traditions with the rich winemaking heritage of California. This renowned winery is located in the breathtaking Sacramento Valley region of California, near the picturesque town of Vina. The story of New Clairvaux Vineyard begins in the 12th century, when its Cistercian roots were first established in the renowned Abbey of Santa Maria de Poblet in the Catalonian region of Spain.

The Cistercian order, known for its commitment to simplicity, dedication to hard work, and reverence for the land, cultivated vineyards and produced wines in Poblet for centuries. However, in 1835, the Spanish government decreed the expropriation of Catholic monastic properties. As a result, the Abbey of Santa Maria de Poblet was left abandoned, and its winemaking traditions were seemingly lost forever.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Catholic missions had been established throughout California during the Spanish colonial era. These missions, including the prominent mission in San Francisco named Mission Dolores, served as centers of agriculture and spiritual nourishment. However, following secularization, the missions faced a similar fate as the Spanish monasteries.

Fast forward to the 19th century, to the era of reconstruction. In 1846, a Swiss-born monk named Father John Baptist de la Bouillerie arrived in California with a dream to reestablish the Cistercian community. Guided by faith and determination, he obtained a land grant from John Bidwell, a prominent settler and friend of Father de la Bouillerie, in what is now known as Vina, California.

Father de la Bouillerie's vision was to continue the winemaking traditions that were lost in Poblet, and he enlisted the help of fellow Cistercian monks from Monastery of Our Lady of New Mellifont in County Louth, Ireland. The monks arrived in 1881, and with their arrival, the New Clairvaux Abbey was officially established.

The monks faced numerous challenges in their winemaking endeavors, including the devastating phylloxera infestation that wiped out many vineyards in the late 19th century. Despite these setbacks, they persevered and gradually expanded their vineyard, planting European grape varietals such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Petit Sirah.

For several decades, New Clairvaux Abbey managed to sustain its winemaking operations, but in 1955, a tragic fire engulfed the monastery, leaving only the church standing. The winery itself was destroyed, and the vineyards fell into disrepair. The remaining monks relocated to Virginia City, Nevada, where they continued their spiritual pursuits.

The vineyards lay dormant for nearly half a century until a dedicated group of individuals recognized the historical significance and winemaking potential of the land. In 1995, a partnership between the Leland and Fredia Stanford family and the Trappist-Cistercian order resulted in the establishment of the New Clairvaux Vineyard. They set out to revive the winemaking traditions of the Cistercian monks and preserve the historical legacy of the abbey.

The vineyard was meticulously restored, and sophisticated winemaking facilities were constructed, honoring the Cistercian commitment to simplicity and craftsmanship. Under the guidance of renowned winemaker Aimée Sunseri, the vineyard began producing exceptional wines that reflected the unique terroir of the Sacramento Valley.

Today, New Clairvaux Vineyard continues its legacy as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Cistercian monks. The winery offers a diverse range of wines, from rich reds to crisp whites, showcasing the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle. Visitors can explore the vineyard, admire the restored monastery, and indulge in tastings while immersing themselves in the centuries-old winemaking traditions.

New Clairvaux Vineyard stands not only as a world-class winery but also as a living monument to the resilience and perseverance of the Cistercian order. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith, history, and the transformative nature of winemaking on the California landscape.