The monks at Assumption Abbey became involved in the sale of table wines in the early 1960s as part of an effort to help fund education at the Abbey Schools.

While the Abbey seems to be famous throughout the region for making fine wines, it is a reputation that has gotten a little ahead of the facts in the matter. The truth is the monks have never made any wine, nor do wine grapes grow in this part of the world. In fact, North Dakota is the only state in the union that does not grow any fine table wine grapes.

In the 1950's the Abbey allowed Brookside Winery of Guasti, California, to sell wine under the "Assumption Abbey" label. The Abbey received a royalty for the use of its name. Labels were printed in Germany, and the quality of the wines produced under this arrangement was praised in many guides. In the mid-1980s the Brookside winery was sold to a food conglomerate which planted a housing subdivision where once grape vines had flourished.

At that time the monks of made an arrangement with the San Antonio Winery of Los Angeles. This winery uses grapes from the Sonoma County and Central Coast regions of California. Now, Assumption Abbey Press prints the wine labels in Richardton; they are sent down to California and they come back with wine bottles glued to them!

Much of the wine is bottled in gallons for sale as "altar wine." The Abbey sells its wines to churches in a four-state area. As a sideline, the monks sell table wines from their wine cellar in Richardton.

The Care and Use of Wine

Red Wine
Listed from driest to least dry

2002 California Merlot
A full-bodied, fruit-flavored dry red wine.
Served with red meats, but excellent with all food.

2001 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
A full-bodied, flavorful, dry red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is the standard by which red wines are judged. Served with red meats and special friends!

California Burgundy
A semi-dry blend of California varieties.
Served with red meats or with cheese and breads

California Red Table Wine
A sweet blend of red California varieties.
Served with red meats or spaghetti, but it may also stand alone
with bread and cheese.

California Vin Rosé
A light rose-colored wine made from a variety of red and white grapes.
Vin Rosé may be served with red or white meats;
it also goes well with cheese and breads.

 

White Wine
Listed from driest to least dry

2000 Central Coast Chardonnay
A full-bodied, dry white wine able to stand up to any food.
Ideal for people who prefer white wines even with red meats.

2003 Monterey Pinot Grigio
A dry white wine with a rich complex flavor.
Excellent with all white meats, complements pork, ham, and turkey.

California Chablis
A light, full-flavored wine served with white meat and fish.
A good all-purpose table wine for those who do prefer a sweeter wine.

Abbé Vincent Sweet Light Muscat
A fine wine made from the muscatel grape.
It may be served with white meats and fish and goes well with fast foods and snacks.

 Dessert Wines

La Quinta Syrah Port
San Antonio Medium Sherry
california Angelica

A visit to the Wine Cellar may be arranged through the Assumption Abbey Visitors Center Monday through Saturday 8:00 - 11:00 PM and 1:00 - 4:00 PM Groups are welcome with prior arrangements through the Guest Department. We cannot sell wine over the Internet. We cannot ship wine.