Abbey of New Clairvaux

The Abbey of New Clairvaux is a rural Trappist monastery situated in Vina, Tehama County, Northern California. Founded in 1955 by monks from the Abbey of Gethsemani, its establishment marked a new foundation in California for the Cistercians of the Strict Observance. The community leads an austere contemplative life dedicated to penance and prayer, maintaining a quiet and secluded existence behind a wall that separates the monastic enclosure from external areas.

History and Significance

A defining feature of the Abbey of New Clairvaux is its remarkable chapter house, known as the "Sacred Stones." This structure is reassembled from the limestone blocks of the 800-year-old chapter house of the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria de Ovila, originally located in Trillo, Spain. These historic stones were purchased by William Randolph Hearst in 1925, dismantled, and shipped to California with the intention of using them in his grand estate. After decades in storage, the stones were eventually acquired by the abbey, and their reconstruction began in 2004, culminating in a dedication in July 2018. Approximately 65% of the stones are original, with the remainder imported from Texas for compatibility and color.

Agriculture and Production

The monastery's grounds, which were once part of Leland Stanford's estate, include farmland that the monks cultivate to sustain their community. They grow prunes, walnuts, and grapes from the orchards and vineyards. The property also retains Stanford's original winery building. The New Clairvaux Vineyard was planted in 2000, and the abbey began selling its wine in 2005. In addition to wine, the abbey partnered with Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in 2010, commencing the production of Trappist-style beers under the Ovila label in 2011. While these beers are produced in the Trappist tradition, the abbey has not yet received official sanction from the International Trappist Association.

Daily Life and Community

The monks adhere to a disciplined daily schedule, chanting the Divine Office seven times a day, beginning with Vigil at 3:30 a.m. and concluding with Compline at 7:35 p.m. While guests are permitted to join in these services, interaction with the monastic community is kept to a minimum to preserve the contemplative atmosphere. The abbey experienced a decrease in its community members, with numbers falling from 35 in 1980 to 22 in 2013. Notable visitors to the Abbey have included California Governor Jerry Brown.