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.

Scholarship Corner
Our OCWS scholarships make a big impact to the students they support. Below is a thank you letter from Bao Nguyen of Orange Coast College, who is studying Food and Beverage Management. The reason why I am writing you this letter is to let you know that I have received… Read more: Scholarship Corner
President’s Message
By Fran Gitsham I would have never thought 15 years ago that I would see 12 of those years on the Board of Directors, four presidencies, 12 Courtyard chairmanships and now being in my sixth year chairing the Commercial Wine Competition. Through it all, there has been one constant —… Read more: President’s Message
Sip, Snap & Submit: Falling for Wine
November brings the cozy charm of fall and the first hints of winter. From intimate wine tastings and fireside pours to festive gatherings, seasonal celebrations and beautiful autumn vineyards, there are endless opportunities to capture special wine moments. Wherever your adventures take you this month, don’t forget your camera, we… Read more: Sip, Snap & Submit: Falling for Wine
Online Auction generates over $12,000
Our first-eve, Fall Online Wine Auction was a great success. After holding a Spring Online Auction and In-Person Auction earlier this year, we wanted to see how a Fall Online Auction might fare. And many of you stepped up and clicked the BID button. The event raised $12,490, excluding auction… Read more: Online Auction generates over $12,000
Winning Recipe: New Zealand Potato Bake (aka Scalloped Potatoes)
Ingredients:2 garlic cloves, halved2 Tbsp. butter4-5 medium to large russetpotatoes, peeled & slicedinto ¼-inch slices12 oz. cheddar cheese,shredded (including 6 oz.aged cheddar)12 oz. whole milk12 oz. heavy whipping cream1/8 tsp. nutmegSalt & ground pepper Instructions:PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F.USING one garlic clove, rub over the bottomand sides of a… Read more: Winning Recipe: New Zealand Potato Bake (aka Scalloped Potatoes)
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