What makes altar wine "genuine" altar wine?

While it may seem that wine is wine is wine, there is a key difference between regular wine you buy at your local store and genuine altar wine. The difference not only comes from the fact that it it is part of the Eucharist, but also in how it is produced and treated before it even makes it into the church.

The making of genuine altar wine begins at the vineyard.

Sacramental altar wine comes from the "free flowing juice" of the grapes. It means that the grapes are slit and the juice that comes them immediately is collected for altar wine. Then the commercial squeezers gather the rest - considered less "pure" - for commercial wine. Furthermore, sacramental altar wine must be naturally fermented with nothing added to it.

Those looking to purchase genuine sacramental altar wine should remember the unique requirements and qualities and purchase from a reputable retailer, like St. Patrick's Guild.

BONUS! Altar wine purchased at St. Patrick's Guild is not subject to the liquor tax.