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.

The Courtyard Sign-ups Begin This Month
Ensure that your mailing address (OCWS website, My Profile) we have on file is correct to receive Courtyard information and fair credentials. A Responsible Beverage Server (RBS) Certification is required to sign up and work at The Courtyard. Please make sure your RBS certification is completed before sign-ups start so… Read more: The Courtyard Sign-ups Begin This Month
Winning Recipe: Carol Shelton Black Magic Cupcakes
INGREDIENTS1 box Betty Crocker chocolatefudge cake mix1/4 cup water (warm to bloom chocolateand Zin)1/2 cup canola oil3 eggs (room temperature)3/4 cup Carol Shelton Black Magic LateHarvest ZinFrosting2 cups powdered sugar3 tsp. cocoa powder (I use Ghirardelli)1 stick of butter (room temperature)1/4 cup Carol Shelton Black Magic LateHarvest Dessert Wine INSTRUCTIONS… Read more: Winning Recipe: Carol Shelton Black Magic Cupcakes
So……. What’s the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Fume Blanc?
Some say the name was changed from Sauvignon Blanc to Fume Blanc because Fume Blanc was an easier name to pronounce. Others say vintners simply used the name they thought customers would like best and therefore would be more likely to buy. Still others say it was a stroke of… Read more: So……. What’s the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Fume Blanc?
Orange County Wine Society Newsletter Through the Years
The first Orange County Wine Society newsletter started with an April 1981 publication entitled Free Run. The inaugural issue (Volume 1, Number 1) stated the newsletter’s intention: ‘It is our intention that the Free Run will keep you aware of meetings, activities, goals and accomplishments of the Society.’ In… Read more: Orange County Wine Society Newsletter Through the Years
Photo Contest & Event Candids
Where Spring Meets the VineApril has arrived and spring is in full swing. The vines are waking up, patios are filling up, and wine always seems to taste better in the fresh air. Capture your April wine moments—whether it’s a relaxed patio pour, a vineyard visit or a quiet glass… Read more: Photo Contest & Event Candids
Built for the Bottle
What’s it like for someone who is fortunate enough to blend his love of wine with an occupation of building custom wine cellars? Just ask Jason Scott who joined the Orange County Wine Society last summer. The former medical sales representative and a DIY guy landed an opportunity to work… Read more: Built for the Bottle
President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke The 50th annual Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition is fast approaching. This marquee event is put on by us, the Orange County Wine Society. The judging will be held May 30and 31 at the Costa Mesa Hilton. Many members volunteer for this huge event that will… Read more: President’s Message
South American reds clearly dominate
The results from the Jan. 31 Mini Tasting are in, and it was a dominant night for South American reds. The competition was fierce among the 10 featured wines, but Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina emerged as the clear victor. Sweeping the board with the top vote in five of six host sites.… Read more: South American reds clearly dominate