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.

OCWS Scholarship Program
By Carolyn Christian – OCWS Scholarship Chair The OCWS Scholarship Program has a long tradition of supporting the next generation of professional winemakers, grape growers and students pursuing other wine-related careers at eight California colleges and universities. Since 1981, we have donated more than $1 million. This year, thanks to… Read more: OCWS Scholarship Program
Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Ynez Valley, the November OCWS wine trip destination is one of the, if not the most physically interesting and unique wine regions in California. The transverse mountain range, the overnight temperature fluctuations that occur in less than 40 miles from one end of the valley to the other, the… Read more: Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley
Musings from the Cellar (Part 2)- Home Wine Versus Commercial Wine
Sharing a good bottle of wine is one of the great affordable pleasures in life. The shared experience elevates any occasion by enhancing the senses, relaxing one’s demeanor, all while expanding our palette of flavors and aromas that are delicate, subtle and nuanced. I still have a hard time reckoning… Read more: Musings from the Cellar (Part 2)- Home Wine Versus Commercial Wine
President’s Message
by Fred Heinecke This is my final President’s Message. Thanks to all the members of the Orange County Wine Society for making it a memorable and successful year. This has been a great time and it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your president. There are… Read more: President’s Message
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