Greetings on behalf of the Board of Directors and staff. We are in strange times during which we are postponing or deleting events from the calendar. For many of us, the months of June, July and August are normally filled with OCWS activities. The Winemakers’ Group is purchasing supplies and working on some virtual seminars. […]

There’s no script about how to run for an OCWS Board of Director seat during a pandemic. We may not be able to socialize with each other due to distancing directives, and campaigning is not quite what it was before. This is unchartered territory for everyone. So how do you even begin if you are […]

Our wine education seminars have been such popular events this past year! In early 2020, many of you have enjoyed our seminars on: “Intro to Wine and Wine Tasting” (January) and “Wine, Chocolate and Other Perfect Pairings” (February). We are disappointed that due to COVID-19 we had to cancel our remaining 2020 seminars on “Wines […]

Lately when reading online news, every now and then an interesting headline appears that I thought worthy of sharing—in case you missed it! Ever hear of the “Cannonball Run?” It’s the New York to Los Angeles cross-country drive that has set a new pandemic-aided record in April. The new record beat the old record, set […]

It most definitely is the “new norm” nowadays. Have you embraced the “new” virtual reality yet? Virtual classrooms, virtual health care, virtual workplaces, and yes, even virtual cheerleading. If you have, then we want to hear about your virtual winetasting experiences with family and OCWS friends while adhering to the California stay-at-home order. My virtual […]

We were delighted to hear about the inspiration and many accomplishments from the scholarship colleges and universities the OCWS supports. Students are studying in virtual classes and labs. Following is a bit of news so worthy of sharing. Allan Hancock College Winery, Santa Maria Campus, is celebrating their fifth anniversary as a commercially bonded winery. […]

As we all struggle during these difficult times to maintain a sense of normalcy, it is difficult to know what to say. It is my hope that you and your families are doing well and staying connected. Cisco’s WebEx, Zoom, and FaceTime are now part of everyone’s experience. I would like to take this opportunity […]

The Rhone Mini-Tasting event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, is officially cancelled, and we are working on processing refunds for those members that had already signed up. We are exploring ideas for Mini-Tastings that might be possible once we are able to hold at least small events. Please look for updates in future newsletters. Stay safe. […]

The OCWS Board of Directors hopes this message finds you in good health, in good spirits and secure during this unprecedented time in our lives. We appreciate your support as we navigate the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 outbreak and its effect on our operations. All OCWS events in the recent months and in […]

As I informed the membership last month, the Annual Wine Auction which was scheduled to take place in April was cancelled by the Orange County Fair & Event Center due to restrictions in place at the OC Fairgrounds. As this issue goes to print, we are waiting for additional information to determine a future date […]