Since 1872 — Hemlock Lake, New York
O-Neh-Da Sacramental Wine
Pure grape wine, made without additives, for the sacred rite. 153 years of continuous winemaking in the Finger Lakes.
Founded 1872
The Oldest Authentic Producer of Sacramental Wine in the New World
O-Neh-Da Vineyard is the oldest authentic producer of premium sacramental wine in the New World.
Founded in 1872 by Bishop Bernard McQuaid, O-Neh-Da Vineyard was established to produce authentic sacramental wine for local churches. O-Neh-Da remains true to that founding vision today.
O-Neh-Da Vineyard is one of the last remaining wineries in the world dedicated to producing authentic sacramental wine from our original vineyard. Despite rising costs and pressure to lower our quality, we stay true to our heritage, producing 100% pure grape wine for sacramental use.
O-Neh-Da Authentic Sacramental Wine is available only to churches and members of the clergy, for sale direct from the Vineyard and through approved church goods suppliers, worldwide.
The wine-making process has been taught and handed down from one generation to the next for over 135 years. The present wine-making team is a small community of dedicated laity who has worked together for nearly three decades. They are stewards of the Vineyard and work hard to perfect the native art of Finger Lakes wine-making.
Portrait
(1872)
Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid
Founder, Diocese of Rochester, 1872
153 Years
Continuous winemaking at Hemlock Lake
Founded 1872
By Bishop Bernard McQuaid
100% Pure
No additives, no preservatives
Our Founding Philosophy
“Wine that is Wine!”
Pure grape wine with no additives, no preservatives, no flavoring agents. The same standard Bishop McQuaid demanded in 1872 — the same standard we uphold today.
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The Importance of Sacramental Wine
A Proven Heritage
The Oldest New World Sacramental Wine Producer
O-Neh-Da is not merely old — it is the most continuously proven source of authentic sacramental wine in the Americas. These are not marketing claims; they are the historical record.
Continuous winemaking at Hemlock Lake — through two World Wars, Prohibition, and the modern era.
By Bishop Bernard McQuaid of the Diocese of Rochester, to serve parish sacramental needs.
Pope Francis selected O-Neh-Da wine for his historic visit to the United States — the ultimate credential.
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2015 — A Historic Recognition
Selected as the Papal Wine for Pope Francis' U.S. Visit
When Pope Francis made his historic visit to the United States in 2015, O-Neh-Da wine was chosen for the Masses celebrated during his journey. This selection was not incidental — it reflected 143 years of documented authenticity, purity of production, and trust built with the Catholic Church.
For parishes and dioceses seeking sacramental wine, this moment affirms what generations of clergy have known: O-Neh-Da wine meets the highest standards of sacramental validity.
Our Commitment
Purity as a Sacramental Standard
Pure Grape Wine Only
No additives, no preservatives, no flavoring agents. Every bottle contains only fermented grape juice from O-Neh-Da Vineyard's estate.
Canonically Valid
Our wines meet the requirements of Canon 924 of the Code of Canon Law: "The wine must be natural, made from grapes of the vine, and not corrupt."
American-Grown
Every grape is grown on our Hemlock Lake estate in Conesus, NY — no imported bulk wine, no blending with foreign product.
Documented Provenance
Parish and diocesan documentation available upon request. Our production records and winemaking certifications support your procurement process.
Continuity Through Crisis
From Great Suffering Grows Great Character
At O-Neh-Da, we believe from great suffering grows great character, and the same holds true for our wine. The Finger Lakes is a cool climate grape growing region which presents its challenges. Life for Finger Lakes grapes is not easy. Through their struggle the grapes develop great character which is reflected in the premium wine produced throughout the Region.
For many years, we have received requests from parishioners and clergy alike to produce wine for the dinner table. Eagle Crest Vineyards answers that call with table wine made by our wine-making team in the same patient and time-honored manner as O-Neh-Da Authentic Sacramental Wine.
Clergy and laity alike are welcome to visit and support the Vineyard operations through the purchase and gifting of Eagle Crest Vineyards Finger Lakes table wines. Each bottle of Eagle Crest wine purchased advances our mission and preserves the O-Neh-Da tradition of authentic sacramental wine production.
Unbroken Since 1872
“153 years of unbroken winemaking at Hemlock Lake.”
Pax Christi.
Serving Parishes Since 1872
Ready to Order for Your Parish or Diocese?
We supply churches, parishes, and dioceses across the country. Our sacramental wines are available in case quantities with institutional pricing. Contact us to establish an account or place your first order.