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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 Family Affair
Years ago, a chance encounter at a home in Northern California led to a newfound hobby that has played an important role in the McCormick family. It was there that Richard McCormick heard about the Orange County Wine Society and the opportunity to make wine. For those who knew Richard… Read more: A Family Affair
President’s Message
By Carolyn Christian It seems like just yesterday we were wrapping up The Courtyard at the OC Fair and hosting holiday events in December, but here we are in April, getting ready for another Wine Auction, OC Fair Wine Competitions (Commercial and Home) and the fair. These are the organization’s… Read more: President’s Message
Volunteers Needed for Home Wine Competition
The 49th Annual OC Fair Home Wine Competition will be held on Saturday, June 7, at the OC Fair and Event Center. The OCWS Winemakers Group sponsors this event, which is one of the largest amateur winemaking competitions in California.We need volunteers in many areas to help make this event… Read more: Volunteers Needed for Home Wine Competition
What to know about Courtyard Volunteering
It is once again fair time. The Orange County Fair is set to run July 18 through August 17 and is our organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s theme is “Find Your Happy.”Not only does The Courtyard provide operating revenue for OCWS, it is the face of our… Read more: What to know about Courtyard Volunteering
RBS Training
The OC Fair is just around the corner. The largest OCWS fundraising effort of the year will be taking place for a total of 23 days, Wednesdays through Sundays, July 18 through Aug. 17.Volunteering at The Courtyard is a unique and fun experience. All courtyard volunteers handling wine in any… Read more: RBS Training
Hi-Yo, Syrah, Away!
The Rhone Rangers, a hearty group of “unmasked” West Coast winemakers and wine growers focusing their efforts on Rhone varietals, was formed in the early 1980s. Their goal is to promote the Rhone varietals grown in the U.S. and educate the wine drinking public on the enjoyment of drinking these… Read more: Hi-Yo, Syrah, Away!
MINI TASTING RESULTS
Last month’s Mini Tasting was designed to pit similar wines from France and Italy head to head to see if there was a clear preference of one country over the other. As the table below shows, the results were inconclusive from a total preference; however, when matched up 1A versus… Read more: MINI TASTING RESULTS
Volunteers needed before, during annual event
It’s hard to believe it’s time for volunteer signups for the 49th OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition. We have signups online this month, same as in previous years. CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP. We try to flexible and ask the same of our volunteers. We can work together to make this… Read more: Volunteers needed before, during annual event
Fee increases to cover cost of doing OCWS business
One of the organizational values and goals of the Orange County Wine Society is to provide quality wine education and experiences to its members without marking up the pricing of events to make a “profit” off its members. As a nonprofit organization, we work very hard to fulfill our mission… Read more: Fee increases to cover cost of doing OCWS business