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.

Behind the Scenes of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
By Fran Gitsham, Commercial Wine Competition Chair Who could have imagined 50 years ago that, for the love of wine, the world’s largest California-only wine competition was being born? The OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition is now celebrating its golden anniversary. From the outside, the competition seems to run flawlessly,… Read more: Behind the Scenes of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
President’s Message
by Fred Heinecke As we approach the 50th annual Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the Home Wine Competition and The Courtyard at the Fair, time seems to be flying by. The Commercial Competition is May 30 and 31 and the Home Wine Competition takes place June 6 at the… Read more: President’s Message
TRANSFORMING THE COURTYARD TAKES A CREW
You know it’s a place to relax and enjoy award-winning California wines while promoting the OCWS Scholarship Program. We know when you walk through The Courtyard gates at the OC Fair that it is one of the best venues to visit because of our crew, and it’s our special 50th! … Read more: TRANSFORMING THE COURTYARD TAKES A CREW
Winning Recipe: COCONUT MACAROONS
Ingredients14 oz. sweetened shredded coconut14 oz. condensed milk (Eagle brandpreferred)1 tsp. pure vanilla extract2 extra large egg whites, roomtemperature1/4 tsp. kosher salt DirectionsPREHEAT oven to 325 degrees F. COMBINE coconut, condensed milkand vanilla in a large bowl.WHIP egg whites in bowl of electricmixer until medium peaks. Carefullyfold the egg whites… Read more: Winning Recipe: COCONUT MACAROONS
Last Chance to Enter into the Home Wine Competition
Time is running out for home winemakers to enter your wines into this year’s OC Fair Home Wine Competition. Online entries must be submitted and all wines received by May 22. Don’t miss this opportunity to compete for bragging rights with your fellow winemakers. Awards include Best of Show, Double… Read more: Last Chance to Enter into the Home Wine Competition
2026 OCWS Wine Auction: Expanding Online, Thriving In Person
By Carolyn Christian 2026 marked an exciting and successful year for the OCWS Wine Auction, highlighted by the addition of our first-ever Online Wine Auction, which expanded participation and created even more opportunities for members to engage, bid and win. I am incredibly proud of this year’s auction committee and… Read more: 2026 OCWS Wine Auction: Expanding Online, Thriving In Person
Wine Wisdom: The Hybrid and the General
Last October when I walked into the Dome des Invalides in Paris, France, to see Napolean Bonaparte’s tomb, the last thing I was expecting was to see the name of a hybrid grape adorning the poignant imagery of a French Army general’s tomb. The general was Marechal Foch and the… Read more: Wine Wisdom: The Hybrid and the General