Carolyn Christian
With January behind us, we are looking forward to a more uplifting year. I have been devastated by the agonizing loss of life and property in Los Angeles yet touched by the many human stories of resiliency and community coming together to heal. It is times like this that remind me how fortunate we are to have a close-knit community of members for support. I hope you and your family members are doing as well. I am both humbled and honored to lead this amazing organization and in awe of its 49-year history.
January Events
Our January events were very successful, from the fourth of our Vintage Member Luncheons to the Bushong Winery Program featuring owner Jason Bushong and his amazing wines and artwork. Some OCWS members gathered at Union Station to experience Uncorked L.A., while others enjoyed a tour and tasting at the historic Galleano Winery. The Varietal Hours this month focused on the blending of education and fun with their Orange Wine and Grocery Store Wine themes.
February Events
February is the month dedicated to LOVE, and nothing says LOVE like wine! This month promises to be another great month for OCWS events that you will just LOVE – with a winery program from award-winning Korbel Champagne Cellars and Bubbles ’n’ Brunch at Citrus City Grille. The latter event is already sold out. We highly recommend calling the OCWS office to be put on the waitlist for our sold-out events, as we do have cancellations and try to accommodate as many people as possible. And everyone is always welcome to participate in our Tuesday evening Varietal Hours via Zoom.
Future Events
We have dozens of upcoming events beyond February, but they do sell out, so please check the newsletter for information on future events and sign up on our website as early as possible.
Future events include more Winery Programs (through May), a Mini-Tasting on March 1, the Wine Auction on April 19 and the Spring Social on May 3. Follow The Wine Press each month for additional events, activities and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
For those who want to try their hand at making wine, the Winemakers’ Group provides education, equipment and guidance on making your own wine as well as potluck quarterly meetings and other activities.
Details for all the events mentioned above can be found in this newsletter and on our website at OCWS.org (logon required). Trouble logging on? Please contact our office for assistance.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our organization is more than just attending fun wine events. We are an all-volunteer organization that puts on these incredible wine events. On behalf of the OCWS, I would like to thank everyone who contributes their time to the organization each year. A list of those who received volunteer awards this past year are posted on our website: OCWS.org/volunteers-that-made-the-difference/.
The number of volunteer opportunities with OCWS are endless. Consider volunteering at one of our events for set-up, check-in, pouring wine or clean-up. We have dozens of volunteer opportunities for our larger events as well. The Wine Auction, OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition, OC Fair Home Wine Competition and The Courtyard at the OC Fair have both active and sedentary volunteer positions. These events provide unique experiences to learn more about wine, meet OCWS members and winemakers and share in the organization’s success.
To volunteer for an event, please check the event articles posted online for instructions on how to volunteer or contact the event chair.
Communications
It is important to stay informed of our upcoming events. We communicate with our membership through Constant Contact, with the announcement of our monthly newsletter, weekly upcoming event reminders and emails on specific events. If you are not receiving these announcements, please check your spam folder or contact our office for assistance. While your logon to our website is only available using the primary member’s email, our e-blasts are sent to both members and co-members if we have emails for each one on file. Please log on to your OCWS account to check your member and co-member emails listed in your profile.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our future events. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!