Do you remember any of these fun facts?
- The Black-Tie Holiday parties when everyone wore formal dresses and tuxedos!
- The Black and Wine themed “Sparkling Elegance” Champagne event
- The Judges’ Dinner at the Commercial Competition that had live fish swimming in the centerpieces
- The Judges’ Dinners at the Commercial Competition when John Goodnight played Carnac the Magnificent and we were entertained by stories from Gary Eberle and other winemakers.
- The Sven and Ollie Jokes from Kent Rosenblum at any of the many wine events he attended.
- The Wine Garden (previous location to the Wine Courtyard) with purple footprints on the ground showing fairgoers the way to our location
- The Chili Cookoff with a jail that members had to pay to get out.
- The Chili Cookoff with the Wine-ettes dancing to a live band or DJ.
- The Komedy Korner jokes in The Wine Press.
Do you have any special memories or fun facts? Send them to us at history@ocws.org
Jane Goodnight, 50th Anniversary Committee
50th Anniversary Fund
Reaching a 50-year milestone is an extraordinary achievement for any nonprofit—and in 2026, the Orange County Wine Society proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. For five decades, OCWS has grown into a vibrant, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to wine education, camaraderie and community. Along the way, we’ve created a remarkable legacy: hundreds of thousands of photographs, five decades of newsletters and event programs and an incredible collection of wine glasses, buttons, plaques, ribbons and other cherished ephemera that tell our story.
Many members have asked why we are raising funds for the 50th anniversary. The answer is simple: preserving our history comes with real costs. OCWS operates a tight financial ship, offering break-even events that maximize value for our members. What may not be obvious—especially to newer members—is that our history began long before digital photography and the internet. Thanks to the foresight of early members, priceless photos and memorabilia dating back to our founding in 1976 have been carefully saved in albums and boxes for decades.
The 50th Anniversary Committee is committed to ensuring these irreplaceable materials are preserved for future generations. This includes digitizing all photographs, properly storing photographs and artifacts in acid-free archival materials to prevent deterioration and capturing oral histories from longtime members. To support this mission, we established the 50th Anniversary Fund, which will fund archival supplies, digitization services, professional preservation efforts, videotaping and more. Your contribution helps safeguard our memories, milestones and legacy by preserving our history for decades to come.
As part of this initiative, we are also creating a stunning 50th Anniversary coffee table book, showcasing the images, stories and spirit of OCWS from our founding in 1976 to today. This one-of-a-kind keepsake will be a treasured addition to every member’s home. All donation levels will receive one or more 50th Anniversary SWAG as listed below.
Donation Levels & Thank-You Gifts
| Level | Amount | 50th Anniversary SWAG |
| Bronze | $25+ | Essential Wine Tasting Pocket Guide |
| Silver | $50+ | Etched Champagne Flute |
| Gold | $100+ | Insulated Wine Bag |
| Double Gold | $250+ | Cordless Wine Opener + OCWS 50th Anniversary Book |
| Best of Class | $500+ | All 5 SWAG Items |
| Decades | $1,000+ | All 5 SWAG Items + 1 pair of tickets to a 50th Anniversary Event |
| Legacy | $5,000+ | All 5 SWAG Items + 5 pairs of tickets to 50th Anniversary Events |
Our goal for the 50th Anniversary Fund is $30,000, and we have raised $3,750 so far. We invite everyone to contribute to the fund and help preserve our legacy for the next 50 years or more!
Donating is simple!
- Zelle (members & public): Send funds through your bank to: payment@OCWS.org – Please note “50th Anniversary Fund” on the memo line.
- Online (members only – login to OCWS.org account): OCWS.org/50th-Anniversary-Fund/
- Check (members & public): Mail to: P.O. Box 11059 Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Please note “50th Anniversary Fund” on the memo line.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to OCWS are typically tax-deductible — please check with your tax professional for details.
Together, let’s celebrate our golden anniversary by preserving the legacy that has made OCWS shine for 50 years — and ensure it continues to sparkle for the next 50 and beyond.
Carolyn Christian – Chair, 50th Anniversary Committee