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.

A Fond Fair-Well
What happens when you get more than 200 volunteers working nearly 1,500 shifts, pouring over 7,000 bottles of wine? Another successful year at The Courtyard at the OC Fair! Over the course of 23 days, the Orange County Wine Society educated fairgoers, featured wineries from across the state and welcomed… Read more: A Fond Fair-Well
President’s Message
By Carolyn Christian It has been an incredible year for the Orange County Wine Society. On Aug. 2, OCWS graced the front page of the OC Register. What a truly proud moment to receive such recognition from our local newspaper. The headline read, “Afficianados Take Their Wine Seriously,” and the… Read more: President’s Message
New Member Friend Program
Welcome to OCWS! We’re excited to have you as a member and want to ensure you feel supported and connected from the very start. What Is the New Member Friend Program? The New Member Friend Program is designed to help you get the most out of your OCWS experience. As… Read more: New Member Friend Program
JOIN OCWS Wine Searchers Group
Members join the Wine Searcher Group on the OCWS Facebook page and accept the challenge to taste the 150 different varietals that were judged at this year’s OCWS Commercial Wine Competition. Then share your experiences with your fellow Searchers! Get the list, available of the Facebook group page, and start… Read more: JOIN OCWS Wine Searchers Group
Scholarship Update
OCWS aims to reach $1 million in donations Currently, the OCWS scholarship fund has awarded over $946,000 since 1981. We have a goal to reach the $1 million dollar mark for our 50th anniversary in 2026. This is just a friendly reminder that the OCWS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and… Read more: Scholarship Update
Wine Wisdom
Wine and Food Pairing We have just completed a very successful Courtyard at the 2025 OC Fair that included more than a dozen wine seminars, many of which were structured to explain and illustrate the art of wine and food pairing. Our members leading the seminars paired wine with fair… Read more: Wine Wisdom