About Us

The Orange County Wine Society, a non-profit organization that promotes the knowledge and appreciation of wines, is dedicated to raising funds for college scholarships for institutions throughout California. The volunteers of the organization, while enjoying social events, wine tastings and trips throughout the year, is best known for coordinating the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition and running the wine courtyard at the fair each year. Within the OCWS lies an active home winemaking group which, along with their passion for making fine wines, runs the Homewine Competition which is also highlighted annually at the OC Fair.

The varied interests and social opportunities offered through the OCWS has something for everyone, from people just beginning to find enjoyment with wine in their lives and wanting to learn more to the well versed fine wine lover looking to share their passion with others of like mind.

Purveyors of Ports
Described as the perfect prescription for Port lovers since 1979, Prager Ports Works in Napa has been family owned and operated for three generations. Of the third generation, John Prager, along with six siblings, comes from a legacy of not only fine port purveyors, but long-time supporters of the OC… Read more: Purveyors of Ports
President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke What a great start we had to the 50-year jubilee at the sold-out Orange County Mining Company Champagne brunch. Bubbly is the finest way to celebrate the many years of friendship, wine and fun the Orange County Wine Society represents. Hats off to Rochelle Randel for making… Read more: President’s Message
2026 OCWS Scholarship Program Update
We are very excited to announce that scholarship donations from late December 2025 have increased our 2026 scholarship allocations total to $50,375. This additional amount brings our donation total for 2026 to over $1,008,795 since 1981. This continues the OCWS’s long-standing commitment to education and the future of the wine… Read more: 2026 OCWS Scholarship Program Update
Wine Country Survey Results Are In:
Let’s road trip to wine country The tribe has spoken! More than 80 people responded to a recent survey about interest on visiting a California wine region in 2026. Nearly 100 percent of respondents said they either wanted a trip or going to a wine region depending on the cost.… Read more: Wine Country Survey Results Are In:
Fun Facts and Preserving Our History
Do you remember any of these fun facts? Do you have any special memories or fun facts? Send them to us at history@ocws.org Jane Goodnight, 50th Anniversary Committee 50th Anniversary Fund Reaching a 50-year milestone is an extraordinary achievement for any nonprofit—and in 2026, the Orange County Wine Society proudly… Read more: Fun Facts and Preserving Our History
Wine Wisdom
Sideways in Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, sideways? Well, I guess it is! Santa Barbara is unique wine country with its creation beginning around 4 million years ago when the north to south running San Andreas fault turned left. Even prior to this, around 23 million years ago the northwest-southwest mountains… Read more: Wine Wisdom
The Art of the Pour
We are now accepting wine-themed photo submissions for February! This month,we invite you to capture the romance, warmth and character of wine. From richreds to sparkling celebrations, show us how wine enhances your experience.THEME: Wine in All Its Forms, SUBMIT TO: Photo@OCWS.orgRULES: OCWS.org, News, PhotosDecember 2025 Winner: CULTURE & RAILWAYS,… Read more: The Art of the Pour