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.
Latest News
- Taste & Tour at AHCBy Damian J. Christian and Kevin Coy Last September, about a dozen OCWS members had the good fortune of visiting the Allan Hancock College Winery in Santa Maria to deliver their Best of Class Award from the 2024 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The community college is almost like no… Read more: Taste & Tour at AHC
- President’s MessageCarolyn Christian With January behind us, we are looking forward to a more uplifting year. I have been devastated by the agonizing loss of life and property in Los Angeles yet touched by the many human stories of resiliency and community coming together to heal. It is times like this… Read more: President’s Message
- The Results are In, California wines dominate tastingThe last Mini-Tasting of 2024 brought together a selection of 10 exceptional wines from California, Oregon, Italy, Argentina and Australia. With a diverse array of varietals, the tasting highlighted the unique qualities and characteristics of each region, providing a delightful experience for participants. The event was well attended with 90… Read more: The Results are In, California wines dominate tasting
- Chefs of the Evening – and the winner is…The magic of the Mini-Tastings is about the combination of great camaraderie, great food and great wine. Once again our Chef’s of the Evening did their part and delivered an assortment of delicious culinary creations that were recognized by the attendees from each host site. Congratulations to all! Hosts:Hank &… Read more: Chefs of the Evening – and the winner is…
- In Search of Old NewslettersThe 50th Anniversary Committee is busy preparing for the big event next year. Currently we have copies of 30 years of our monthly newsletter The Wine Press, and we are hoping to get copies of all 49 years. If you have any of the following dates, we would like to… Read more: In Search of Old Newsletters
- To Wine or Not to Wine, that is the questionThe words “grape juice” caught my attention as I read about “Verjus.” Then, because I read that Verjus is non-alcoholic, I thought about the CNN article I recently read about “Dry January.” Then, because of the cooking aspects of “Verjus,” memories of “Mirin” raced through my mind. So what do… Read more: To Wine or Not to Wine, that is the question
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