By Carolyn Christian – OCWS Scholarship Chair
The OCWS Scholarship Program has a long tradition of supporting the next generation of professional winemakers, grape growers and students pursuing other wine-related careers at eight California colleges and universities. Since 1981, we have donated more than $1 million.
This year, thanks to the efforts of Lloyd and Liz Corbett, the Featured Winery Program raised over $29,000 for the program. Additional scholarship support comes from several of the wine judges at our OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition who donated their judging stipends and from Wine Courtyard customers who made donations to OCWS in lieu of tips to our volunteers. The Chris Cunningham Fund also supports the Sonoma State University scholarship. These sources will support OCWS scholarship donations to our eight partner colleges and universities in Spring 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Individual OCWS members have donated more than $4,000 this year. If you wish to contribute, there is still time to donate for the 2026 tax year and provide additional support to the school(s) of your choice. Your donation may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax professional regarding your individual circumstances. Your entire donation goes to the school or schools you designate, adding to the scholarship funding OCWS already provides. Your gift increases their support without reducing or replacing the OCWS contribution.
You can donate in any of the following ways:
- By mail: Make your check payable to OCWS Scholarship Program and mail it to P.O. Box 11059, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
- At the office: Drop off a check at the OCWS office at the OC Fair and Event Center. Please call the office before visiting.
- Online: Visit OCWS.org/product/scholarship-donations/ and log in to your OCWS account.
- At the holiday potluck: Bring a check to the OCWS Winemakers’ Holiday Potluck on December 19.
The Scholarship Program is a valuable part of our educational mission. Each year, deserving students receive scholarships, and we often see former recipients building careers in the wine industry.