The traditional term used by most Christian churches for the element used in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The wine in the sacrament symbolizes the blood of Christ, which was shed for the redemption of all persons. Many denominations use the fermented juice of the grape or what is commonly referred to as wine. The United Methodist ritual for the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper refers to the communion elements as the bread and the wine. It has been the longstanding practice of United Methodism, however, to use only the unfermented juice of the grape.
Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by Permission.