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.

Built for the Bottle
What’s it like for someone who is fortunate enough to blend his love of wine with an occupation of building custom wine cellars? Just ask Jason Scott who joined the Orange County Wine Society last summer. The former medical sales representative and a DIY guy landed an opportunity to work… Read more: Built for the Bottle
President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke The 50th annual Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition is fast approaching. This marquee event is put on by us, the Orange County Wine Society. The judging will be held May 30and 31 at the Costa Mesa Hilton. Many members volunteer for this huge event that will… Read more: President’s Message
South American reds clearly dominate
The results from the Jan. 31 Mini Tasting are in, and it was a dominant night for South American reds. The competition was fierce among the 10 featured wines, but Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina emerged as the clear victor. Sweeping the board with the top vote in five of six host sites.… Read more: South American reds clearly dominate
CHEF OF THE EVENING New Zealand Potato Bake (A.K.A. Scalloped Potatoes)
Cherryl Baker 2 garlic cloves, halved 2 Tbsp butter 4-5 medium to large russet potatoes, peeled & sliced into ¼ inch slices 12 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (including 6 oz aged cheddar) 12 oz whole milk 12 oz heavy whipping cream 1/8 tsp nutmeg Salt & ground pepper Preheat the… Read more: CHEF OF THE EVENING New Zealand Potato Bake (A.K.A. Scalloped Potatoes)
Sign-Up Planning for The Courtyard
March is here and we are getting ready for the series of sign-ups for The Courtyard. Volunteering to help is an exciting opportunity to meet members, learn about different wines and enjoy the OC Fair. Cashiers will be able to sit throughout their shift. Stewards work involves standing to carry… Read more: Sign-Up Planning for The Courtyard
RBS Certification: 1 month closer
Before we know it, the OC Fair will be upon us again. The largest OCWS fundraising effort of the year will be taking place for a total of 23 days, Wednesdays through Sundays, July 17 through Aug. 16. Volunteering at The Courtyard is a unique and fun experience. All Courtyard… Read more: RBS Certification: 1 month closer
Do You Want to be a Wine Judge?
The 50th annual OC Fair Home Wine Competition will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the OC Fair and Event Center. We need close to 100 volunteers to serve wine, handle scoring, interface with the judges, set up, clean up, mail awards, and do much more. Over the… Read more: Do You Want to be a Wine Judge?
How Sweet It Is
Maybe I am showing my age. No, I am definitely showing my age by using Jackie Gleason’s famous line as the title of a Wine Wisdom about mead. Mead, the product of yeast turning a honey and water mixture into alcohol. A natural fermentation that, as a result of archaeologic… Read more: How Sweet It Is