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.
Latest News
- 50 Years of Passion, Community & Wine — A Year-Long Celebration in 2026
By Carolyn Christian – 50th Anniversary Committee Chair What began in 1976 as a small gathering of friends—led by Brant and Kathi Horton and united by a shared love of winemaking—has grown into one of the most vibrant and respected wine societies in the country. No one could have imagined… Read more: 50 Years of Passion, Community & Wine — A Year-Long Celebration in 2026 - President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke As we ring in the new year, the Orange County Wine Society has much to look forward to. It all starts with our 50-year jubilee. Carolyn Christian and the 50th Anniversary Committee have events planned for a year-long celebration. The kick-off 50th Anniversary Champagne Brunch is scheduled… Read more: President’s Message - Scholarship Program Reaches a Major Milestone
The 2026 Allocations Push OCWS Scholarships Past $1 Million! By Damian J. Christian, Scholarship Chair A historic milestone has been reached—and it’s one worth raising a glass to. With the 2026 scholarship allocations, the Orange County Wine Society has officially surpassed $1 million in total scholarships awarded, reaffirming OCWS’s long-standing… Read more: Scholarship Program Reaches a Major Milestone - Wine Wisdom
Timeless Fun Facts Dating back to the ’80s The Orange County Wine Society (OCWS) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. In OCWS’s April 1986 newsletter entitled, “Free Run”, there was a section titled “Did You Know That…” This section of the newsletter offered interesting short notes on wine information,… Read more: Wine Wisdom - 2025 Holiday Dinner Dance – Wrap up
By Carolyn Christian The holiday season kicked off in style last month with the annual OCWS Holiday Dinner Dance. This year over 100 guests enjoyed the event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Costa Mesa with wines from the OCWS Cellar and their own private collections. Marc from Sterling DJ… Read more: 2025 Holiday Dinner Dance – Wrap up - Mini-Tasting Results
WINNER:Carol Shelton 2021 Rockpile Reserve2021 Florence Vineyard, Sonoma14.8 ABV / $45 Congratulations to Carol Shelton’s 2021 Rockpile Reserve for a solid win over some tough competition. Clay Shannon’s Ovis Cabenet Sauvignon won in three host locations, tying the Carol Shelton for the number of host wins; however, didn’t have the dominating… Read more: Mini-Tasting Results
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