-
Call for New Member Ambassadors
Imagine walking into a room of over 100 people and not knowing a single person. It sounds a little daunting! That is currently what happens when a new member attends his or her first Wine Society event. What if that new member knew at least one or two other people in the room? Does that…
-
Scholarship Corner
Our OCWS scholarships make a big impact to the students they support. Below is a thank you letter from Bao Nguyen of Orange Coast College, who is studying Food and Beverage Management. The reason why I am writing you this letter is to let you know that I have received a scholarship award from you…
-
President’s Message
By Fran Gitsham I would have never thought 15 years ago that I would see 12 of those years on the Board of Directors, four presidencies, 12 Courtyard chairmanships and now being in my sixth year chairing the Commercial Wine Competition. Through it all, there has been one constant — the people who have touched…
-
Sip, Snap & Submit: Falling for Wine
November brings the cozy charm of fall and the first hints of winter. From intimate wine tastings and fireside pours to festive gatherings, seasonal celebrations and beautiful autumn vineyards, there are endless opportunities to capture special wine moments. Wherever your adventures take you this month, don’t forget your camera, we can’t wait to see your…
-
Online Auction generates over $12,000
Our first-eve, Fall Online Wine Auction was a great success. After holding a Spring Online Auction and In-Person Auction earlier this year, we wanted to see how a Fall Online Auction might fare. And many of you stepped up and clicked the BID button. The event raised $12,490, excluding auction fees and sales tax and…
-
Winning Recipe: New Zealand Potato Bake (aka Scalloped Potatoes)
Ingredients:2 garlic cloves, halved2 Tbsp. butter4-5 medium to large russetpotatoes, peeled & slicedinto ¼-inch slices12 oz. cheddar cheese,shredded (including 6 oz.aged cheddar)12 oz. whole milk12 oz. heavy whipping cream1/8 tsp. nutmegSalt & ground pepper Instructions:PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F.USING one garlic clove, rub over the bottomand sides of a 8″x13″ or 9″x14″ glasscasserole dish.GREASE…
-
OCWS Scholarship Program
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…
-
Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Ynez Valley, the November OCWS wine trip destination is one of the, if not the most physically interesting and unique wine regions in California. The transverse mountain range, the overnight temperature fluctuations that occur in less than 40 miles from one end of the valley to the other, the diversity of the soils, all…
-
Musings from the Cellar (Part 2)- Home Wine Versus Commercial Wine
Sharing a good bottle of wine is one of the great affordable pleasures in life. The shared experience elevates any occasion by enhancing the senses, relaxing one’s demeanor, all while expanding our palette of flavors and aromas that are delicate, subtle and nuanced. I still have a hard time reckoning how wine smells and tastes…
OCWS