Author: Wendy Taylor

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Members Corner

Purveyors of Ports

Described as the perfect prescription for Port lovers since 1979, Prager Ports Works in Napa has been family owned and operated for three generations. Of the third generation, John Prager, along with six siblings, comes from a legacy of not only fine port purveyors, but long-time supporters of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition.  John’s father, James Prager, was one of the original judges of the competition for 25 years and John, now following in his father’s footsteps, has been one of our judges for, what will be this year, 15 years. Recently I had an opportunity to chat with John about Prager Port Works, the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition and the current condition of the wine industry as a whole.

When asked about what he would tell wineries about entering the commercial competition, John was quick to say “Enter your wines, Californians. Enter it. It is inexpensive, as the cost to enter is just 6 bottles of wine. It’s one of the oldest competitions in the state judging your wines. Before Spectator and all the others, they were the original. Come on in. You won’t regret it.”

Reminding John that this year is our 50th Anniversary, he emphatically reassured me that he has all intentions of continuing to judge the most prestigious competition of California wines by saying, “I love that the competition keeps making changes as needed and looks to the judges for advice and input. There are nice changes in the tasting and things are always run professionally and kept current.”

When asked what the best aspects of the wine business are for him, he laughingly shared that “It’s not a bad lifestyle to make alcohol and pair food with it and make a living at it. That’s fun in itself.  People just love the camaraderie, and I get to meet people from all over the world. I never get tired of it.  After 46 years, it’s always interesting and everything comes easier today because I’ve been doing it for such a long time. As long as my dad was doing it. It’s what I know.”

And, lastly, when talking about the current state of the wine industry, John said, “It’s certainly changed over the years and it’s not particularly easy these days. Today’s industry environment is somewhat of a waiting game.  We’re trying to get more noticed on mass media, which seems to be the direction we need to go.  It’s really difficult to know what direction to go these days. There are definitely different challenges in the industry today like us needing to attract new white wine drinkers and, somehow, making wine more approachable.”

Having been to Prager Port Works any number of times over the past 25 years, I can tell you from personal experience, that there is no more approachable winery than Prager nor finer ports to be found anywhere.  With walls covered in currency from around the world stapled on by visitors, along with ribbons and plaques attesting to the caliber of their award-winning wines, and only family tending the business, the Prager tasting room, tucked away along Hwy. 128 near St. Helena in Napa is a welcoming warm hug and one not to missed.

—Fran Gitsham

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Members Corner

President’s Message

By Fred Heinecke

What a great start we had to the 50-year jubilee at the sold-out Orange County Mining Company Champagne brunch. Bubbly is the finest way to celebrate the many years of friendship, wine and fun the Orange County Wine Society represents.

Hats off to Rochelle Randel for making the event a true success.

The 50th Anniversary Committee Chair, Carolyn Christian, came across a budget from 1978 that harkens to the very beginnings of the OCWS. It makes me look at the 2025 expenditures and see the head-spinning difference in the current OCWS and the world today. In 1978 there were nine line-items in the budget, with total expenditures of $3,100.

It’s a little difficult to wrap your head around, but the largest 1978 expense was the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition at $2,000.  Fast forward to 2025 and multiply by 100, the Commercial Wine Competition expense was right at $192,000. I’m just going out on a limb, but I expect the 48-year-old version didn’t run three days at the Costa Mesa Hilton with almost 100 judges and 100’s of volunteers with 2,500 entries. The total income for the OCWS in 1978 was $5,750, in 2025 it was $680,103 with expenses of $663,476.

This was a long walk, but it brings me to the main point I want to make that I’m sure every member has noted. Over the years the cost of almost everything has skyrocketed. The OCWS Board of Directors and committee chairs and volunteers work to make our events fun and accessible and revenue neutral. Meaning that we try to keep the event costs reasonable without reaching into reserve funds.

It has been a standing board policy to require events to pay for themselves; that is, have the income equal to the expenses. As hotels, restaurants, vendors, and entertainers have increased their prices (the local CPI is up 24.7% since Nov, 2019), the costs that OCWS must pass on have gone up accordingly. We think the OCWS sponsored events are a great value when you consider that most come with wine or no corkage, tips included and are simply great fun!

Upcoming fun-filled wine tastings (noted here in the Wine Press) include free Varietal Hours; Winery Programs with Trentadue & Miro, Macchia, and Dry Creek; and the Spring Social along with fun opportunities to volunteer at the Commercial and Home Wine Competitions and The Courtyard. I hope to see everyone there with a glass of their favorite!

On another note-the OC Fair moving plans changed since the January edition of the Wine Press. We should, by now, be in the new location, but with our portable office trailer located next to the Ranch Building (Building 33). Rochelle Randel and Lynda Edwards will continue to work in the existing office and Teri Lane and the cataloging crew will be in the new building.

Cheers!

Fred Heinecke, President

Categories
Members Corner

2026 OCWS Scholarship Program Update

We are very excited to announce that scholarship donations from late December 2025 have increased our 2026 scholarship allocations total to $50,375.  This additional amount brings our donation total for 2026 to over $1,008,795 since 1981. This continues the OCWS’s long-standing commitment to education and the future of the wine industry by awarding the $50,375 in scholarships to eight outstanding educational institutions across California.

2026 OCWS Scholarship Allocations

University / CollegeProgramAllocation
Allan Hancock CollegeViticulture & Enology$6,000
Cal Poly PomonaAgricultural Science$5,805
Cal Poly San Luis ObispoWine & Viticulture$5,805
CSU FresnoViticulture & Enology$5,805
Orange Coast CollegeCulinary Arts$5,845
UC DavisViticulture & Enology$5,905
Napa Valley CollegeViticulture & Winery Technology$9,405
CSU Sonoma (Cunningham Fund)Wine Business$5,805
Total Disbursements$50, 375

Help Us Keep the Momentum Going

You can support the OCWS Scholarship Fund at any time of the year and be part of shaping the next generation of wine and culinary arts professionals.

Two easy ways to donate:

  1. By Mail – Mail your check to:
    OCWS
    P.O. Box 11059
    Costa Mesa, CA 92627
    Attn: Scholarship Fund
    A donation acknowledgment letter will be sent to you.
  2. Online – Log in to your account at OCWS.org and visit:
    OCWS.org/product/scholarship-donations/
    Donate online and print your tax receipt instantly.

Together, we’ve crossed the $1 million mark—let’s continue building a legacy that supports education, excellence and the future of our industry.

Damian J. Christian, Scholarship Chair

Categories
Members Corner

Wine Country Survey Results Are In:

Let’s road trip to wine country

The tribe has spoken! More than 80 people responded to a recent survey about interest on visiting a California wine region in 2026.

Nearly 100 percent of respondents said they either wanted a trip or going to a wine region depending on the cost. More than half of the respondents voted for visiting Paso Robles, followed closely with roughly 40 percent wanting to go to Santa Barbara.

Nearly 60 percent of people wanted to stay overnight, while another 40 percent wanted either a weekend getaway or spend two nights.

It was pretty split when it came to travel: 47 percent said they would drive; 27 percent wanted to take the train; and another 25 percent liked the bus.

Just over half of the respondents were willing to spend between $500-$1,000, while a third would like to spend less than $500.

And it doesn’t come as any surprise that nearly 85 percent of people polled wanted to visit four or more wineries. When it came to meals, roughly 60 percent opted for no meals, while the remain 40 percent said they wanted meals included.

Lastly, April was the frontrunner for a possible trip with 38 percent, May at 26 percent and March and November hovering around 17 percent apiece.

Given the results, it looks like OCWS members want a weekend getaway. There are many components to scheduling a trip and that’s where help is needed. If you are interested in being on a committee to plan such a trip, please reach out to me at editor@OCWS.org. Let’s mark the organization’s 50th anniversary with a return to wine country.

—Greg Risling, editor, The Wine Press

Categories
50th Anniversary

Fun Facts and Preserving Our History

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

LevelAmount50th 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

Categories
Education Wine Education Wine Wisdom

Wine Wisdom

Sideways in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, sideways? Well, I guess it is! Santa Barbara is unique wine country with its creation beginning around 4 million years ago when the north to south running San Andreas fault turned left. Even prior to this, around 23 million years ago the northwest-southwest mountains started to rotate clockwise which still continues today. The western mountain ranges rotated about 90 degrees while the eastern mountain ranges rotated about 40 degrees creating an unusual, long west-east valley. (As an aside, Catalina Island rotated the most, 120 degrees.)

This twisting and turning of mountains, creating the Transverse Mountain Ranges that extend from west of Point Conception eastward for more than 300 miles into the Mojave and Colorado deserts, opens the region up to the direct influence of the Pacific Ocean.  A climate effect that most other California wine regions do not experience. This geographic structure creates a cool, foggy tunnel that provides the ideal climate for cool weather grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The morning fog, replaced in the afternoon by the warmth of the sun and an ocean breeze, begins its return in the late afternoon. This produces an advantageous climate cycle slowing grape ripening. The western coolness of the valley warms significantly as you move eastward changing the climate and subsequently the grapes that can be grown.

During the same geologic period of continental plate collisions and tectonics 20 million years ago, the ocean floor uplifted leaving behind a highly diverse soil. Santa Barbara’s transverse valley’s soil, composed of calcareous limestone from ancient marine shells and skeletons, diatomaceous earth resulting from the fine powder of fossilized marine life, and sandy soils and clay loams, can respectively provide wine grapes with acidity, concentration, fruitiness and earth with the necessary moisture retention.

However, winemakers did not take advantage of this ideal climate until the late 18th century, when the Franciscan monks planted their grape cuttings from Mexico near the Santa Barbara Mission. By 1804 a large, 25-acre mission vineyard was planted in today’s Goleta. And by the late 1800s there were 45 vineyards in the region including a 150-acre vineyard on Santa Cruz Island. Even though the oldest pre-prohibition vineyard in California was planted in Santa Barbara, prohibition slowed vineyard expansion in Santa Barbara until Santa Barbara’s first post-prohibition commercial winery was stared in 1962, the Santa Barbara Winery.

Today there are almost 300 wineries in the seven American Viticultural Area (AVAs) in Santa Barbara County that grow over 70 grape varieties including from French Bordeaux and Rhone grapes to Italian and German grapes, even though it is best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Categories
Members Corner

The Art of the Pour

We are now accepting wine-themed photo submissions for February! This month,we invite you to capture the romance, warmth and character of wine. From richreds to sparkling celebrations, show us how wine enhances your experience.THEME: Wine in All Its Forms, SUBMIT TO: Photo@OCWS.orgRULES: OCWS.org, News, Photos December 2025 Winner: CULTURE & RAILWAYS, Wine glass in hand, […]

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50th Anniversary

50 Years of Passion, Community & Wine — A Year-Long Celebration in 2026

By Carolyn Christian – 50th Anniversary Committee Chair

What began in 1976 as a small gathering of friends—led by Brant and Kathi Horton and united by a shared love of winemaking—has grown into one of the most vibrant and respected wine societies in the country. No one could have imagined that casual meetings at a local wine shop and in members’ homes would blossom into a thriving nonprofit organization approaching 1,000 members and celebrating 50 extraordinary years.

In 2026, the Orange County Wine Society will proudly mark this golden milestone and we are celebrating all year long. From signature events to special surprises, historic moments to red-carpet photo ops, every part of OCWS will reflect the legacy, friendships and passion that have defined us for half a century—and we hope you’ll be part of every moment.

OC Fair Wine Competitions: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

Just one year after OCWS was founded, a partnership with the OC Fair gave rise to what would become our flagship events—the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition and the OC Fair Home Wine Competition. First held in 1977, 2026 marks the 50th Annual competitions for both.

This milestone year promises to be better than ever. The Commercial Wine Competition continues to spotlight both established and emerging wineries, connecting them with the influential Southern California wine market. Meanwhile, the Home Wine Competition celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and camaraderie among amateur winemakers from across California.

The Courtyard at the OC Fair: Where the Public Celebrates With Us

The Courtyard has long been the heart of OCWS during the OC Fair—a place where award-winning wines come to life for fairgoers. While our location has evolved over the years, The Courtyard has been our home for decades.

During the 50th anniversary year, the celebration continues at the fair. Look for special displays, photo opportunities and fun surprises as we share our 50-year story with the more than 1 million visitors who pass through the fair each season.

OCWS Wine Auction: A Member Favorite Gets a Golden Twist

The OCWS Wine Auction has become one of the most anticipated member perks of the year, offering exceptional wines at a fraction of retail prices. As we prepare for future competitions and make room in our cellar, members enjoy access to more than 1,000 (4 bottle) lots of outstanding wines.  In addition to great wines, the auction will feature exclusive, wine-related experiences, trips and items.

In honor of our 50th Anniversary, expect something extra special. Members who spent over $1,000 at the 2025 Wine Auction will receive a unique VIP treatment at the 2026 event. 

Scholarship Program: Investing in the Future of Wine

Education has always been at the heart of OCWS. Established as a 501(c)(3), the organization expanded its mission in 1981 by launching a scholarship program to support students pursuing wine-related studies.

What began with just two institutions—UC Davis and CSU Fresno—has grown to support eight colleges and universities. In a fitting tribute to our 50th anniversary, the 2026 scholarship allocations push OCWS’s total scholarship amount past the $1 million mark. This remarkable achievement reflects decades of member generosity and commitment to the future of the wine industry. (See the full scholarship article in this newsletter for details.)

Preserving Our History: The 50th Anniversary Committee and Memorial Fund

The 50th Anniversary Committee has been hard at work preserving our rich history—scanning photos, archiving memorabilia and gathering stories from long-time members through our Vintage Member Luncheons, which will continue in 2026.

To support these efforts, we’ve launched the 50th Anniversary Memorial Fund. Donations to the fund will help preserve photos, videos and keepsakes, create new historical videos and produce a 50th anniversary coffee table book documenting OCWS’s incredible journey. Donations may be tax deductible, and every contribution helps ensure our story is preserved for generations to come.

Membership Events: 50 Years of Celebrating Together

Our official 50th anniversary celebrations kick off on January 11, 2026, with a special 50th Anniversary Bubbles ’n’ Brunch at the Orange County Mining Company—a longtime member favorite. While the event is currently sold out, members are encouraged to contact the office to join the waitlist.

OCWS has always been about its members. From early membership barbecues and legendary chili cook-offs to holiday celebrations and social gatherings, community has been our hallmark.

Today, we continue that tradition with New Member Mixers and Spring and Fall Socials—and for our 50th Anniversary, the Fall Social will take a fun step back in time with a 1970s Disco Party, honoring the decade when OCWS was born.

Winery Programs: Honoring the Best of the Best

Another cornerstone of OCWS is our Winery Program, which grew out of year-round monthly meetings featuring winemakers sharing their stories and wines.

Today, the program runs from January through April or May, with each month highlighting a winery that earned top honors in previous competitions.  2026 is no exception, with all participating wineries earning Double Gold medals at the 2025 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The lineup includes wineries that have been around decades (Trentadue Winery and Dry Creek Vineyard), and those who have been around only a few decades (Miro Cellars, Macchia and Graveyard Vineyards) all with the common theme of achieving great acclaim with their wines.

Join the Celebration—All Year Long

Throughout 2026, look for the OCWS red carpet at events, where you can snap photos, record videos and share your favorite OCWS memories. Be sure to pick up your 50th anniversary logo merchandise, available through donations to the 50th Anniversary Fund or by purchasing items from our merchandise coordinator, Courtney—or both!

Thank you for being part of the Orange County Wine Society’s remarkable 50-year journey. Here’s to the friendships, the memories, the wines—and to the next 50 years. Cheers!

Categories
President's Message

President’s Message

By Fred Heinecke

As we ring in the new year, the Orange County Wine Society has much to look forward to.

It all starts with our 50-year jubilee. Carolyn Christian and the 50th Anniversary Committee have events planned for a year-long celebration. The kick-off 50th Anniversary Champagne Brunch is scheduled for Sunday, January 11.

I have to wonder if our founding members imagined that the OCWS would grow to nearly 1,000 members and host the largest California-only commercial wine competition in the world that draws about 2,500 entries a year from throughout the state.

When they wanted to make wine education part of our mission, could they have foreseen the tens of thousands of fairgoers at The Courtyard for tastings and seminars? The nearly $1 million in scholarship donations raised to date is truly exceptional. The founding and long-time members should take great pride and pleasure in their successes.

The next big news is our fair offices are moving to a new location. For years, the OCWS office has been in a temporary trailer that became even more temporary when building 15 was removed. For our 50th, we are moving to the Ranch building. This is a permanent structure that backs up to Arlington and is just east of the sports arena. Our new digs will be much larger than the current trailers with indoor restrooms, a full kitchen and close parking. The move should take place rapidly.

Lastly, it is with a heavy heart I must report some sad news. Jim Burk, a 24-year member of our organization, passed away in November. Jim was the official OCWS photographer for most of those 24 years and he could always be seen at OCWS events with his camera around his neck. Jim worked at The Courtyard every summer and was famous for the wonderful smoked salmon pate that he caught himself, smoked himself, and brought for a snack. His photographic history of the Wine Society recorded almost one half of our first 50 years. 

I know that Jim enjoyed wine, but he truly loved the friendships that the Orange County Wine Society brought. Please raise a glass (of zin if you have it) to our friend Jim Burk. 

In Memoriam

Jim Burk was such a genuinely kind soul. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I was able to spend with him as my mentor, and I will always cherish those moments. He will be deeply missed.

-Sue England, OCWS director

Categories
Members Corner Scholarship News

Scholarship Program Reaches a Major Milestone

The 2026 Allocations Push OCWS Scholarships Past $1 Million!

By Damian J. Christian, Scholarship Chair

A historic milestone has been reached—and it’s one worth raising a glass to. With the 2026 scholarship allocations, the Orange County Wine Society has officially surpassed $1 million in total scholarships awarded, reaffirming OCWS’s long-standing commitment to education and the future of the wine and culinary industries.

For 2026, OCWS has proudly awarded $47,767 in scholarships to eight outstanding educational institutions across California. This year’s contributions bring the Society’s total scholarship giving since 1981 to an impressive $1,006,184—a remarkable achievement made possible entirely through the passion, generosity, and dedication of OCWS members.

These scholarship funds are raised through multiple OCWS-supported efforts, including the OC Fair Wine Courtyard tips, Featured Winery Program, OCWS Wine Auction, Commercial Competition Judges’ stipend donations, and generous member contributions. Every dollar represents a shared belief in supporting students who will shape the future of winemaking, viticulture, culinary arts, and wine business.

OCWS extends heartfelt thanks to every member and volunteer whose hard work helped make this milestone possible. Together, we are investing in education, opportunity, and the continued growth of our industry.

2026 OCWS Scholarship Allocations

University / CollegeProgramAllocation
Allan Hancock CollegeViticulture & Enology$5,833
Cal Poly PomonaAgricultural Science$5,713
Cal Poly San Luis ObispoWine & Viticulture$5,713
CSU FresnoViticulture & Enology$5,713
Orange Coast CollegeCulinary Arts$5,753
UC DavisViticulture & Enology$5,813
Napa Valley CollegeViticulture & Winery Technology$7,513
CSU Sonoma / CunninghamWine Business$5,713
Total Disbursements$47,764

Help Us Keep the Momentum Going

You can support the OCWS Scholarship Fund at any time and be part of shaping the next generation of wine and culinary professionals.

Two easy ways to donate:

  1. By Mail – Mail your check to:
    OCWS
    P.O. Box 11059
    Costa Mesa, CA 92627
    Attn: Scholarship Fund
    A donation acknowledgment letter will be sent to you.
  2. Online – Log in to your account at ocws.org and visit:
    ocws.org/product/scholarship-donations/
    Donate online and print your tax receipt instantly.

Together, we’ve crossed the $1 million mark—let’s continue building a legacy that supports education, excellence, and the future of our industry.