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.

Gold Medal Mini-Tasting Wrap-Up
This year’s Gold Medal Mini Tasting lineup consisted of 10 Double Gold selections with four of the wines selected as Best of Class winners. The evenings scoring across the 12 host sites showed a clear preference by the OCWS membership attending. Reds decisively carried the evening, with the robust Italian… Read more: Gold Medal Mini-Tasting Wrap-Up
BEFORE THE FAIR
It took our set-up crew over eight weeks to set up The Courtyard at the 2026 OC Fair. We have dedicated volunteers that provide one of the best venues. We all hope that you enjoy how we transformed The Courtyard for our 50th anniversary. We repainted the refrigerator, decorated, served… Read more: BEFORE THE FAIR
Expect the Unexpected When it Comes to Harvest
“SOME CALIFORNIA WINE GRAPE GROWERS SEE EARLIEST HARVEST IN DECADES” – Sacramento Bee; “EARLIEST HARVEST IN 40 YEARS KICKS OFF IN SONOMA COUNTY” = The Press Democrat; “WE’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT: EARLY HARVEST…” – New York Times; “HEATWAVES AND DROUGHT LEAD TO EARLY GRAPE HARVEST” – BBC; “LODI… Read more: Expect the Unexpected When it Comes to Harvest
50TH ANNIVERSARY SWAG
Ready to show your OCWS 50thanniversary spirit at future OCWSevents? We have 50th anniversarySWAG available for purchase.Wear a 50th anniversary lapel pinor embroidered patch with yourOCWS hat, shirt and/or apron.—50th Anniversary CommitteeSWAG ITEM PRICE50th AnniversaryWaterproof Sticker $250th AnniversaryMagnets $450th AnniversaryLapel Pins $550th AnniversaryIron-on EmbroideredPatch $850th AnniversaryWine Opener $850th AnniversaryGlass Toppers… Read more: 50TH ANNIVERSARY SWAG