California's Orthodox winery

(OCA-DOW) - "Do you make wine?" It is a question often asked by visitors to Holy Assumption Monastery and St. Simeon Verkhoturksy Church, both located in Calistoga, CA, nestled at the northern end of the Napa Valley. For two years now, the parishioners and nuns have been able to say, "Yes!", thanks to the creation of Calistoga Orthodox Wines, a jointly-managed non-profit company that currently produces two wines - California Kagor Premium Orthodox Chalice Wine and Traditional Blend Chalice Wine.

On Sunday, October 12, Calistoga Orthodox Wines hosted its 3rd annual wine-tasting and silent auction to raise funds for producing the wines. The event at St. Simeon Church featured eight local winemakers pouring their wines for guests, in addition to the chalice wines. Attendees milled about the spacious church lawn underneath globe lanterns from mid-afternoon until well after dark, enjoying an open-flame paella bar, desserts, and live instrumental music. Many took home valuable items donated to the silent auction by local stores and spas. New this year was a children's area, featuring various crafts that the children could make and take home. With over 100 participants, the this year's wine-tasting was the most successful fundraiser yet for Calistoga Orthodox Wines. If you missed the event, mark your 2015 calendar for Columbus Day Weekend, and join us next year!

California Kagor Premium Orthodox Chalice Wine and Traditional Blend Chalice Wine are high-quality wines are made according to the specifications of the Orthodox Church. The Kagor, as its name indicates, is of exceptionally high quality and is made according to the specifications of Tsar Peter the Great and the Russian Church Council of 1915. Please see here for more information on these wines. Proceeds from the sale of the wines benefit Holy Assumption Monastery and St. Simeon Church.