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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 Walk Down Memory Lane
Compiled by the 50thAnniversary Committee Hank Bruce, Carolyn Christian, Linda Flemins & Jane Goodnight As we approach our 50th anniversary as an organization, the Orange County Wine Society has started a committee to pull together the history of the organization over the last five decades. The committee has been researching,… Read more: A Walk Down Memory Lane
President’s Message Pairing Wine Education and Fun Since 1976!
by Carolyn Christian It has been a great honor to serve as president of the Orange County Wine Society this past year and I am very thankful to be re-elected as President for another term to continue the work that I have started. We have a great board this year… Read more: President’s Message Pairing Wine Education and Fun Since 1976!
Logo Apparel for Sale at Upcoming Events
Merchandise will be available for sale at upcoming Orange County Wine Society events. Aprons and hats (four standard colors) are always available online as they are one size fits most. But did you know the OCWS logocan be added to other apparel? If you don’t see a style, size or… Read more: Logo Apparel for Sale at Upcoming Events
Volunteer Recognition Reception
Last month, we recognized our top volunteers at the NEW Volunteer Recognition Reception. Our hope is to make this an annual tradition. Pre-COVID, we recognized our volunteers at the Annual Business Meeting in September. When we moved the annual meeting online, the OCWS Board recognized that this was a better… Read more: Volunteer Recognition Reception
Chef of the Evening – Mediterranean Cod with Blistered Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. olive oil ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half ¼ cup vegetable broth (I used lemon wine) 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (divided) ½ cup fresh basil, chopped ½ tsp. lemon zest ½ tsp. salt 1… Read more: Chef of the Evening – Mediterranean Cod with Blistered Tomatoes and Basil
Scholarship Program – University of California Davis
Orange County Wine Society funds scholarships for eight California colleges and universities, including the University of California Davis. UC Davis has a dedicated Department of Viticulture and Enology that was established back in 1880 by the California Legislature to help the developing California wine industry and is considered one of… Read more: Scholarship Program – University of California Davis
Wine Wisdom – Know Pinot?
September’s Varietal Hour was all about Pinots. Well almost. Of course, the French grapes; Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier, as well as the Italian grape, Pinot Grigio, were all discussed. But what about the lesser known or even obsolete Pinot-X grape names? What about a Pinot grape that… Read more: Wine Wisdom – Know Pinot?