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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…
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Sips Happening in Santa Ynez Valley
Join fellow OCWS members for a three-day trip when they will sample wines, experience original dining experiencesand more Nov. 8-10. Have you ever wanted a slice of Sideways? Are you a fan of Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills? Do you enjoy the quaint charm of Solvang, Buellton or Los Olivos? If any of…
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President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke It is with a heavy heart that I write this column as I have just learned we lost a decades-long member of the Orange County Wine Society: John Goodnight. He was a past president of OCWS (1987-1989, 1999-2000), recipient of the President’s Award (2002) and long-time volunteer. John helped get The Wine…
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Candidates encouraged to get involved, toss their hat in the ring
OCWS Board of Directors It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Summer, the fair and time to think about running for the OCWS Board of Directors. Please note that the earlier you declare, if you’re working at the OC Fair, you can campaign with your friends and fellow members. You can hear and listen…
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Mark Your Calendars: 2027 WINERY PROGRAM DINNERS
January, February, March and April on the third working Friday of the month, come and hear from the winemakers that won Double Gold, Gold and Silver awards at the OCWS Commercial Wine Competition.
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OC FAIR COURTYARD TEARDOWN
Thank you to our crew of set-up volunteers for making our 50th anniversary at The Courtyard very special and we all hope that you are enjoying it too. The beautiful work that went up, sadly must be torn down. We can use your help. All members are invited to sign up for the tear down…
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In Memoriam: John Goodnight, former OCWS president
John Goodnight was a 2002 OCWS President’s Award recipient, an exceptional volunteer, a dedicated member, and a remarkable financial expert. This July 2026, the Orange County Wine Society lost one of its most passionate and valued gentlemen. John was undoubtedly one of OCWS’s pioneers and visionaries. In 1986 John first ran for the Board of…
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Photo Contest & Event Memories
Wine, Summer a Perfect Pairing August is the season for the OC Fair, backyard gatherings, beach days, and warm evenings spent with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the sights and sounds of the fair, relaxing after a day at the beach, hosting a barbecue or watching the…
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WHAT MAKES A GREAT WINE?
After reading the results of the 2026 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition and checking out the Best of Class and the Double Gold award winners at winecompetition.com, I started to wonder what makes a wine worthy of these rewards? I could ask the competition’s judges but they had all gone home. So, I thought, via…
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