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.

A Staple of Summer
By Greg Risling Every summer, the Orange County Wine Society does what it has always done best: invites fairgoers to try a wide selection of wine at The Courtyard. This year’s edition resonates a little more as OCWS celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over those past five decades, the organization has… Read more: A Staple of Summer
President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke There’s only 17 days until the Orange County Fair begins and the 50th annual Courtyard at the OC Fair is the event everyone is anticipating. The cellar has been stocked to the top. Signups began weeks ago and all the volunteers have marked their calendars, checked their… Read more: President’s Message
Another Competition in the History Books
It is almost unfathomable that the OCWS created and has been hosting the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition for 50 years. The just recently held 2026 competition was executed, as has come to be the norm, with exceptional professionalism. The attention to details was evident in every aspect of the… Read more: Another Competition in the History Books
Wiens Family Wins Best of Show from the Best Use of Color Category
Many achievements are being celebrated as part of our organization’s 50th anniversary and the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The Label Competition is no exception. Since the end of the era of requiring actual wine labels with bottle entries, the Label Competition has had to rely almost exclusively on digital… Read more: Wiens Family Wins Best of Show from the Best Use of Color Category
50th Anniversary SWAG
By 50th Anniversary Committee Ready to show your OCWS 50th anniversary spirit at the OC Fair or future OCWS events? We have 50th anniversary SWAG available for purchase. Wear a 50th anniversary lapel pin or embroidered patch with your OCWS hat, shirt and/or apron. Items can be preordered and will… Read more: 50th Anniversary SWAG
Cook’s Caucus Feeds the Masses
If you’ve ever attended an OCWS Spring or Fall event, or volunteered at the annual Home Wine Competition, you’ve experienced amazing culinary artistry and a group at its best. The organization’s own Cook’s Caucus is an amazing blend of talent, creativity and friendship. The passion and dedication of this group… Read more: Cook’s Caucus Feeds the Masses
Photo Contest & Event Memories
July is here, summer is at its peak, and wine season is shining brighter than ever! From holiday celebrations and backyard BBQs to beach days, concerts, fireworks, and sunset evenings with friends, there are endless reasons to pour a glass and make the most of the season. For this month’s… Read more: Photo Contest & Event Memories
601 Home Wines Judged at Annual Competition
On June 6, the Orange County Wine Society hosted our 50th annual Home Wine Competition in the Courtyard and Huntington Beach building. I am happy and proud to say that it went off in a wonderfully successful manner, thanks to all our 80 stewards and support staff, 10 members from… Read more: 601 Home Wines Judged at Annual Competition
Wines Erupting With Flavor
I have recently read a number of articles about volcanic wines, wines made from grapes grown on the very diverse volcanic soil. And naturally since California has the most vineyards planted in volcanic soil in the U.S., volcanic wines are of interest. While Europe’s volcano activity dates back eight million… Read more: Wines Erupting With Flavor
Looking for OC Fair Buttons for 50th Anniversary Display
Are you one of the many OCWS members who has been attending the OC Fair for decades? In honor of our 50th anniversary, and our 50-year relationships with the OC Fair, we will be showcasing a collection of OC Fair pins that feature a different fun theme each year. We… Read more: Looking for OC Fair Buttons for 50th Anniversary Display
Candidates encouraged to get involved, toss their hat in the ring
It’s the most wonderful time of the Year. Summer, the fair, and time to think about running for the OCWS Board of Directors. Please note that the earlier you declare, if you’re working at the fair and events you can campaign with your friends and fellow members. You can hear… Read more: Candidates encouraged to get involved, toss their hat in the ring