Founded 1872 — Hemlock Lake, New York
153 years of continuous sacramental winemaking on the shores of Hemlock Lake. O-Neh-Da is the oldest authentic producer of sacramental wine in the New World.
Established 1872
O-Neh-Da Vineyard and the surrounding Hemlock Hills have a long and sacred history dating back centuries, to when the native people hunted, fished, and farmed here.
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.
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.
"At O-Neh-Da, we believe from great suffering grows great character, and the same holds true for our wine."
153 Years
Continuous sacramental winemaking
Founded 1872
Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid, Diocese of Rochester
~1,500
Churches served in NY, PA, and WA
153-Year Chronicle
Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid of the Diocese of Rochester planted his own vineyards at Hemlock Lake to ensure a premium source of authentic sacramental wine for his churches. He often travelled by steamboat down the lake to his cottage to inspect the vines and oversee operations.
Bishop McQuaid chose the name O-Neh-Da to respect the native given name for Hemlock Lake — a name carried forward by the Seneca Nation, the "Keepers of the Western Door" of the Finger Lakes. All 11 of the Finger Lakes have Native American names. O-Neh-Da honors that sacred heritage.
The Vineyard prospered and McQuaid's vision was fulfilled. When the City of Rochester acquired the lakeshore and nearby hills for a reservoir and water supply, McQuaid was allowed to maintain the Vineyard and his cottage while all others were torn down. Hemlock Lake and the surrounding hills returned to their natural state, creating a pristine watershed and nature preserve that endures to this day.
Upon Bishop McQuaid's death, the Diocese of Rochester briefly ran the Vineyard before attracting the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), a Dutch Missionary order. Finding a place of bucolic tranquility and beauty, the SVD commenced construction of a seminary to train novitiates for mission work abroad. With the onset of Prohibition, winery operations ceased — though cultivation of some vineyards continued. Sacramental wine producers were permitted to continue by law, but it was not until 1934, after Repeal, that the winery reopened.
After Repeal in 1934, the winery was revitalized with an influx of new seminarians. A German-born winemaker was retained and began the work of replanting the vineyards and restoring the wine cellar. O-Neh-Da thrived and became the trusted and approved brand it is today. The Society of the Divine Word maintained control of the Vineyard until the late 1960s.
Decreasing vocations and increasing costs forced the Society to seek new management. Through the 1970s and 1980s the Society leased operations to a California wine-making family of great reputation, who continued production of sacramental wine in full accord with Canon Law.
Today, O-Neh-Da Vineyard is privately owned and operates sustainably, remaining faithful to McQuaid's founding mission. Grapes grown on Hemlock Lake and throughout the Finger Lakes are used in making premium authentic sacramental wine for churches in New York State and throughout the world. O-Neh-Da is one of the last sacramental wineries left in the world that produces their own wine from local grapes.
Papal Recognition
"In 2015, O-Neh-Da sacramental wine was selected for the Papal Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden."
Continuous Approbation Since 1872
O-Neh-Da is one of the last sacramental wineries left in the world who produce their own wine from local grapes. With a winemaking team that has been together for over 25 years, premium quality is assured.
Each wine is individually handcrafted from the best grapes grown throughout the renowned Finger Lakes Wine Region. Unlike competitors who bulk-process their wine and add non-grape sugars and other adulterants, O-Neh-Da produces only authentic, pure grape sacramental wine.
Because of this unwavering commitment to premium quality, O-Neh-Da Vineyard has maintained continuous Approbation from the Bishop of Rochester since our founding in 1872. A tri-annual letter of approbation is available to parishes upon request.