As I reflect back on this remarkable year, I am reminded of just how amazing this organization is, not just because of the astounding things we accomplish as an all-volunteer organization, but because of the wonderful people who make it happen.
We are an organization of over 1,000 individuals who are drawn together by our love and appreciation of wine. I am truly honored to be at the helm of such an amazing group of people who are so dedicated to this organization and help steer it in the right direction. After more than three decades of being an OCWS member, it warms my heart to see the ongoing commitment of so many to this incredibly unique nonprofit.
Magnitude of our Impact
Our organization has donated over $780,000 to college and universities that are training the next generation of enologists, viticulturalists and culinary professionals. There is still an opportunity to donate to our scholarship fund before the end of the year (donations are eligible for tax deductions). You can bring your check to one of our holiday events or go online to donate and generate a receipt.
Success of OCWS Events
This was our 47th year hosting the OC Fair Commercial and Home Wine competitions. The Commercial Competition judged 2,260 California wines, while the Home Wine Competition judged 598 California wines. We also sold over 1,200 lots of wine at our annual wine auction. Over 360 volunteers made this year’s competitions and auction successful with a record number of new members volunteering.
We also have touched the lives and shared our wine knowledge with tens of thousands of people at the OC Fair and brought in over 250 new members to the OCWS. The Courtyard continues to be an incredibly successful venture for the organization.
New this Year
We started doing OCWS Outings events at our local wineries in the OC with great success. Our events have included the continuation of an incredible array of wineries showcasing their wines at the Winery Programs, Featured Winery Program, Mini-Tastings and Varietal Hours.
Thanks to our Volunteers
I am so thankful to our Board of Directors, whose leadership of our many events make my job so rewarding. We have a number of new faces this year taking on leadership roles for our many events and committees (see the Responsibilities List on our website).
As you enjoy the various holiday events that the OCWS has planned for December, please take time to look around at the attendees who also volunteer their time to put together events. It is our members who make us what we are today.
Looking Forward to 2024
We have so many exciting things in store, including starting off the year with a Bubbles n’ Brunch at Citrus City Grille in Orange and a winery program featuring Once & Future Wine Company run by Joel Peterson, a longtime supporter of our organization. I urge you to look at the newsletter and emails announcing our various events and sign up early, as they often sell out.
Celebrating OCWS History
We have launched a new project to gather and archive the organization’s history as we approach our 50th anniversary within the next few years. Please help us in preserving our amazing history by donating requested items such as old newsletters prior to 2000, photos and video, event programs, wine award books and other memorabilia (we will be putting out calls for specific items in the newsletter).
I encourage all of you to volunteer for upcoming events and be part of the magic-making that occurs with the OCWS.
Grateful for All Members
I wish all of you a most joyous holiday season, whatever holidays you, your family and your friends celebrate. We have much to be grateful for. I find it no coincidence that when people toast, it is usually with a glass of wine, and for the OCWS, wine is truly the elixir that brings us together in one amazing organization. Happy holidays and Happy New Year to all!