2024 Volunteers Needed for a ‘Good Time’
Flavors of Italia
In Our Own Backyard: DeFalco Family Wines
Winemaking has long been a family tradition for Gus DeFalco. Growing up in Toronto, a young Gus remembers waiting at the train station for the precious cargo – California grapes – an event that became a family tradition.
His family hailed from Italy and relocated to the popular Canadian city. There, Gus learned the tools of the trade but it also instilled in him the communal aspect of the hobby he grew to love. There was the backyard crush, fermenting in the basement and then pressing the grapes before they were placed into barrels.
He eventually landed in Southern California as a teen, living with his aunt. So enamored with the area, he decided to stay and his family followed thereafter.
Gus and a friend opened a pizzeria in Alhambra before he was drafted into the Army. When he returned, his interest in winemaking only intensified – hence he joined home winemaking groups in the Orange County Wine Society and Cellar Masters.
He improved his skills at UC Davis and Fresno State. During this time, he connected with growers who he still has relationships with today.
“I’ve known some of them for 20 plus years and I get grapes from the same rows,” Gus said. “It really is about the people and who you know. That’s how it all begins.”
He credits the home winemaking groups for refining his craft and propelling his to another level.
“You can’t fail making wine with the OCWS home wine group; there’s like 500 years combined experience and when you combine that with getting great grapes, making wine is a piece of cake,” he said. “I would have made wine regardless but I wouldn’t have gotten to this point. The support has been tremendous.”
Gus decided to venture out on his own and started Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach more than a decade ago. The winery has been a mainstay in Orange County and Gus is proud of what he accomplished. He later passed the reins to Doug and Debbie Wiens, who have their own well-known winery in Temecula.
Although Gus never thought he would be winemaking for a living, he still wanted to have a hand in the game. This past April, he and his wife, Jennifer, opened DeFalco Family Foods & Wines in Fountain Valley. He calls it a “winery with an Italian mini-mart,” equipped with homemade Italian foods and wines.
Only open for five hours on Saturdays – similar to a farmers market — the store has an intimate tasting room that can hold 16 people around a large table in the center of the room. Gus is both winemaker and server as he tells guests about each of the 12 varietals – six whites and six reds – he pours.
“I love the people part of it and sharing what I made with them,” he said. “People are probably coming in here not thinking much of the wine but they are pleasantly surprised.”
One recent afternoon, a group of women were enjoying the wine and the camaraderie when Gus asked one of them as they left what they thought of the wine.
“I’d give the wine a 9 (out of 10),” she replied as Gus beamed in appreciation.
It would be hard to escape the tasting room without picking anything up from the store. There are a host of sauces, heat-and-eat entrees, pastas, salad dressings, cookies and even a limoncello tiramisu (see sidebar for recipe). The couple offer three wines, three sauces, three pastas and three packages of cookies for $125.
Gus says he plans to produce about 1,000 cases of wine in 2024 and hopes that word of mouth helps drive customers to his store. He envisions that reservations will be needed every Saturday for his intimate tasting room.
“I’m at my pinnacle right now,” he said. “This is exactly what I wanted.”
2024 Courtyard Fair Volunteers
With a new year upon us, preparations for the largest OCWS fundraising event of the year are already under way. Mark your calendars now for the Courtyard at the 2024 OC Fair, which runs from July 19 through Aug. 18. With a commitment of only four shifts, you receive a pass which affords you access to the fair any day, without restrictions, and a parking pass.
We are looking for new managers, cashiers and stewards. Many members have expressed an interest in volunteering for a new position and, if you are one of these, we would like to hear from you now. Previous experience is helpful, but training will be provided.
If you are interested in one of these positions, please contact Rich Skoczylas at Rich@ocws.org.
Keep an eye out for future articles in The Wine Press that will provide more information about required RBS (Responsible Beverage Server) certification, training for Courtyard positions, benefits, schedules and when sign-ups for the Courtyard will open.
This year’s fair theme is “Always a Good Time.” Ask any Courtyard volunteer and they will tell you that’s exactly what happens when you work a shift and help people learn more about OCWS.
It’s the hands of many that make the Courtyard a success year after year and we need YOU!
OCWS History and Fun Facts
The OC Wine Society has been around since the mid-1970s and was founded by a group of home winemakers. As we approach our 50th anniversary, the History Committee is gathering information to share about our organization’s history. Here are a few fun facts about the organization:
1976 – Orange County Wine Guild formed (now called Orange County Wine Society)
1977 – The 1st OC Fair Commercial Competition (hosted by OCWS) included two varietals: Chenin Blanc and Gamay Beaujolais
1981 – OCWS first began serving wine at the OC Fair in the Wine Garden
1997 – OCWS first began their website in 1997
Look for more exciting historical facts about the OCWS in the newsletter. The committee is currently gathering historical information and would also like to ask members to share their historical photos, event programs and fond memories. Please contact us if you have any information to contribute.
—OCWS History Committee: Carolyn Christian, Hank Bruce, Jane Goodnight, Linda Flemins
Magic of the Holidays
Enjoy the festive spirit with fun activities at these Southern California wineries.
‘Tis the season to be jolly – or merry – or whatever adjective suits you best to get you into joyful spirits this time of year.
And while typically the holiday season is reserved for children and the excitement of what gifts they will receive, adults can have fun too, right?
Wineries are no exception. All across California, commercial winemakers know how to make it a December to remember by hosting festive events or offering special treats not just for their club members but for the public as well.
So if you are feeling jolly and up for making a trip to a winery in Orange County or farther afield in Solvang, here are some ideas to warm your cockles.
Over at Peltzer Family Cellars in Temecula, they celebrate over a six-week period with “Christmas on the Farm.” There is a 120×65-foot ice rink for the kids – or kids at heart – local food trucks peppered throughout the property and local live music. And if you are looking for a “holidate,” there’s a wine and cupcake pairing at the winery on Dec. 28. For $30, guests get three mini cupcakes and receive three 2-ounce tastings.
A little farther south at San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa, they offer a seasonal hot spiced wine kit, just right for those chilly evenings. The $48 kit is a blend of passionfruit wine, red wine and mulling spices. The winery also has a tasting room in Seaport Village and is a prime viewing spot for the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights that features more than 80 boats. The parade will be on December 10 and 17.
Back in Orange County, Frisby Cellars has its 10th Annual Christmas in the Cellar at its Rancho Mission Viejo location on December 10 from 12-4 p.m. Attendees can sip and shop as local vendors set up tables in the cellar and hawk their wares. There also will be a DJ pumping up the jam and of course a slew of treats to go with the array of wine.
Bellante Family Winery in Mission Viejo has two events that might strike your interest. The winery hosts a succulent Christmas tree workshop that aims to make your desk at work or your dinner table the envy of others. The workshop is $110 plus tax and includes all the materials needed to make your tree, a glass of wine and cheese and charcuterie. The event will be held on December 5 from 6-8:30 p.m. The winery also has its 4th Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange on December 22, beginning at 5 p.m. Amateur bakers are asked to bring about a dozen cookies to share and make sure to don your ugly Christmas sweater since the winner will be rewarded with a prize.
And, if there’s one place that is a perfect Winter Wonderland setting in California it is Solvang. The Danish hamlet known for its renowned wineries and its fabled Aebleskivers takes it up a notch during the holidays with its Julefest celebration.
Head on up the first weekend of December for the tree lighting and parade as more than 400 participants cruise down the town’s main avenues. If you can’t make it, then try one of the candlelight tours on Dec. 8-9, 15-16 and 18-23, beginning at 5 p.m. as participants sing carols and learn Danish traditions as they comb the streets (and maybe stop in at one of the more than dozen tasting rooms). You can also be on the hunt for the elusive Nisser – aka Danish gnomes – that are hidden throughout the town. Find them all and you get a special gift.
So many decisions for us wine lovers and so little time. Happy Holidays to all and enjoy the good times.
November 2023 Holiday Mini-Tasting Results:
The November Mini-Tasting was held at six sites (members’ homes) across the county, with roughly 100 people enjoying 10 wines selected to pair with holiday dishes and comfort food. The attendees each contributed a dish and each site voted for their favorite who was awarded a bottle of wine as “Chef of the Evening.”
The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine and voted for their favorites. There were several proprietary red blends in the wine lineup along with Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.
The overall winner was an Estate Syrah from Halter Ranch in Paso Robles, followed by David Phinney’s “Eight Years in the Desert” and two Petite Sirahs. All 10 wines were purchased at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa.
The three favorite wines across the six host sites:
Place | Wine & Winery | YR | PRICE | DESCRIPTION |
1st | Halter Ranch
Estate Syrah
Adelaida District Paso Robles
92 points Wine Enthusiast |
2019 | $41.95 | This is a rich and roasty style of Syrah, starting with aromas of cocoa nibs, carob and espresso beans as well as blackberry paste and baking spice. Cocoa and coffee flavors give a nutty tone to the palate, which is warmed up by chai spices. |
2nd | Orin Swift
Eight Years in the Desert
California Red Wine St. Helena, Ca. |
2022 | $40.99 | The nose is rife with notes of ripe blueberry, black plum, wild raspberry, espresso bean, sweet oak and a hint of crème de menthe and cedar. Bright acidity throughout the palate, the wine closes with round, ripe tannins, fresh pluot and dark chocolate. Blend: Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah. |
3rd | Rodney’s Vineyard
Epiphany Petite Sirah Los Olivos, Ca.
Santa Barbara County |
2019 | $51.95 | Deep powerful wine with inky dark fruit, lavender, chocolate, and black pepper. This friendly, heady Petite has a ton to offer. |
In addition, attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:
- Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce:
Ronna Rowe – Artichoke Dip
Host Lora Cross:
Germaine Romano – Salmon on a bed of Tropical Rice
Hosts Denise Casad & Dan Weddell:
Adrienne Davis – Creamed Corn
- Hosts Beverly Genis & Bob Topham:
Barbara Greenfield – “Super” Salad
- Hosts Virginia & Karl Kawai:
Eric Kalnes – Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Fig reduction
Hosts Don & Elee Phillips:
Kathleen Alva & Paul Wooldridge – Ribs
Congratulations to all the winners! A big thank you to the hosts!
—George Cravens, OCWS Director
Unique Gifts for Every Wine Lover on you List
1 Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover
$8.95
HateStains.com
This may look like a bottle of wine but
don’t be fooled! The 4 oz. spray stain
remover can actually clean up a bottle of
spilled wine. Removes both fresh stains
and set-in markings on rugs, carpeting,
clothing and other textiles.
2 Wine and the White House: A History
$29.95
Amazon.com
Where there was a U.S. president,
there was a bottle of wine—or two
or three. This impressive pictorial
tome explores the fine wines
produced in the United States
that were served at the White
House—and the glassware
used to enjoy them. Also
includes toasts and detailed
menus that went along with
state dinners, diplomatic events
and other significant happenings.
3 Le Creuset Champagne Stopper
$50
WilliamsSonoma.com
Keep the bubbles bubbling with this crafty
stopper featuring an airtight rubber seal that
anchors to the bottle where everyday stoppers
are unable to latch on.
4 Ceramic Wine Bottle Holders
$30-$45
Instagram.com/waterimages
Wine stays cool and tablecloths stain
free with WineKeeps from our very
own OCWS member Wendy Taylor
—custom, handmade ceramic wine
bottle holders. They can be stored in
the freezer then used tableside to help
chilled bottles stay cold. To order, email
wtaylor@waterimages.com
5 Reclaimed Wine Barrel Lazy Susan
$209.99
TouchofClass.com
Perfect for a bar or dining
room, this 21” walnut tray
rotates to allow easy access to
a bottle of wine, wine glasses,
napkins or whatever else you
may have on the table.