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.

The Year in Review
As we approach the 50th anniversary of our esteemed organization, let’s reflect on the year that was and the accomplishments that were reached. As always, OCWS was graced by a stellar slate of wineries from across California, featuring their finest offerings at dinners in Costa Mesa. Whether it was the… Read more: The Year in Review
President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke The holidays … they are the best time of times and the busiest of times. Thanksgiving leftovers have been fashioned into turkey and cranberry sandwiches and heartily consumed. The holiday decorations are out of the box and in their December niches. The parking at the mall is… Read more: President’s Message
President’s Award
Spotlight on Two Dedicated OCWS Members By Carolyn Christian – Past President Earlier this year at the annual business meeting, I had the honor of awarding the coveted President’s Award to two very deserving individuals. The President’s Award is given each year to an individual who has shown commitment to… Read more: President’s Award
2026 Road Trip
Who wants to hit the road in 2026? In recognition of our organization’s 50th anniversary, we are considering visiting one of the wine regions. In past years, trips have been taken to Napa, Paso Robles, Temecula and the Santa Barbara region. To get a better idea if members are interested… Read more: 2026 Road Trip
Chef of the Evening
Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients3 lbs. ground lamb (can substitutewith hamburger meat)1 large yellow mild onion2 jars of beef gravy1 bag frozen peas and carrotsMashed potatoesGrated sharp cheddar cheese DirectionsBROWN the ground lamb in fryingpan. Add a little water to make juice.HALF way through browning, addchopped onion into pan with meat tosimmer… Read more: Chef of the Evening
OCWS Scholarship Program:
Spotlight on Enology Students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Damian J. Christian OCWS funds scholarships for eight California colleges and universities, including Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (SLO), which has one of the largest enology and viticulture programs in the country and offers a Bachelor’s of Science in… Read more: OCWS Scholarship Program:
Wine Wisdom
Let’s Spice it Up! In a 1596, Elizabethan Age English “cookery book” titled “The Good Huswifes Jewell”, a recipe to improve wine by warming it and adding spices was included. While the verb “to mull”, meaning to heat, sweeten and flavor wine or cider with spices was not used until… Read more: Wine Wisdom