Wendy Taylor

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.

Winemaker Gus DeFalco shares his pride and joy with a group of customers at his Fountain Valley establishment.

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.”

Happy New Year to all of you! It’s hard to believe that it is 2024! As we begin another amazing year, I am reminded how truly fortunate we all are. This year promises to be an exceptional year for our organization, as we continue to embrace our traditions and look for ways to improve on what we already do so well. Last year, we welcomed over 300 new members to the organization, including 252 during the OC Fair, and a new steady stream of additions each month thanks to our outreach efforts. And thanks to our New Member Mixers, hosted by Linda Flemins, these new members are volunteering and participating from the start.

Events in 2024

Our first event of the year is part of the Varietal Hour series, now being co-chaired by Don Phillips and George Cravens. This fun-filled happy hour via Zoom began during COVID and has survived with a great group of people attending and sharing their wine knowledge. Regardless of where you are on your wine enthusiast journey, everyone has something to contribute.

We are kicking off the new year with the return of our winery programs, which take place each month, January through May. Rich Skoczylas has done an outstanding job bringing in award-winning wineries from the OC Fair Competition such as Once & Future Wine Company, Bella Grace Vineyards, and more. These events are truly unique to our organization and provide members with an opportunity to hear directly from winemakers and winery owners.

Bubbles ‘n’ Brunch events also begin in January with a visit to Citrus City Grille, an OCWS favorite. This event always sells out and Rochelle Randel has done a great job finding locations for us to enjoy an amazing brunch with our favorite sparkling wines.

In 2023 we started organizing outings at local wineries in the OC, which will continue this year with a visit to DeFalco Family Wine in February and March. Space for these events is limited and the events sell out, so sign up early!

Mini-Tastings are also an OCWS favorite, with culinary delights from our own members, and a special curated wine selection, expertly organized by George Cravens, all hosted at members’ homes, for a truly intimate and amazing experience. George has already scheduled a tasting for February to compare old world and new world wines.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for April 20, our annual Wine Auction, featuring entries from the 2023 OC Fair Commercial Competition. Wine can be purchased for a fraction of the retail price, and the event is a fun way to spend the day with your OCWS friends! This is one of our major fund-raisers for the year and supports our educational programs and scholarship program.

The OC Fair Commercial and Home Wine competitions are our two flagship events. 2024 will be our 48th year hosting the events! Fran Gitsham and Kevin Donnelly, respectively, will be leading dedicated teams that run these events like well-oiled machines. Watch the newsletter and emails for your opportunity to volunteer and participate in these events. If you have never volunteered for the competitions, I highly recommend doing so. Both competitions are unique experiences that will deepen your wine knowledge while having fun!

On the heels of the wine competitions is the Wine Courtyard at the OC Fair, our top fundraiser of the year. The Courtyard is the place where a majority of our members learned about the OCWS, and it continues to be a great place to do outreach. Fran Gitsham and Fred Heinecke will be chairing the Courtyard, with Rich Skoczylas handling volunteers. We always need hundreds of volunteers to pull off this event, so please sign-up when you see the information posted.

The Winemakers’ Group has been an integral part of the OCWS since its inception. Watch for articles on upcoming events such as their Quarterly Potluck or Winemaking Classes. Ed Reyes chairs this group that loves to share their winemaking knowledge and home wines with others.

OCWS has its share of social events, including the Spring and Fall Socials and Holiday Dinner Dance (already scheduled for December 6th). These events bring together what OCWS does best, food, wine, music, and dancing! Alice Polser and Betty Jo Newell will be co-chairing the socials.

We also will continue to participate in public wine events in the OC area, under the coordination of Sue England and Kevin Donnelly. If you hear of upcoming wine events, feel free to let them know.

New in 2024, we are working on a volunteer recognition event to show appreciation for all of the hours our members donate to the organization. Stay tuned for more information in the near future.

Call to Action

So what does all of this mean for you?  Check the newsletter, website and weekly reminders, and sign-up early for our events, including our amazing volunteer opportunities, which you won’t find anywhere else! If you find an event is sold out, please contact our office to be placed on a waiting list.

I look forward to working with you all in 2024 to continue this organization’s amazing journey on our way to our 50th anniversary!

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.

President’s Message – Carolyn Christian

As I reflect back on this remarkable year, I am reminded of just how amazing this organization is, not just because of the astounding things we accomplish as an all-volunteer organization, but because of the wonderful people who make it happen.

We are an organization of over 1,000 individuals who are drawn together by our love and appreciation of wine. I am truly honored to be at the helm of such an amazing group of people who are so dedicated to this organization and help steer it in the right direction. After more than three decades of being an OCWS member, it warms my heart to see the ongoing commitment of so many to this incredibly unique nonprofit.

Magnitude of our Impact

Our organization has donated over $780,000 to college and universities that are training the next generation of enologists, viticulturalists and culinary professionals. There is still an opportunity to donate to our scholarship fund before the end of the year (donations are eligible for tax deductions). You can bring your check to one of our holiday events or go online to donate and generate a receipt.

Success of OCWS Events

This was our 47th year hosting the OC Fair Commercial and Home Wine competitions. The Commercial Competition judged 2,260 California wines, while the Home Wine Competition judged 598 California wines. We also sold over 1,200 lots of wine at our annual wine auction. Over 360 volunteers made this year’s competitions and auction successful with a record number of new members volunteering.

We also have touched the lives and shared our wine knowledge with tens of thousands of people at the OC Fair and brought in over 250 new members to the OCWS. The Courtyard continues to be an incredibly successful venture for the organization.

New this Year

We started doing OCWS Outings events at our local wineries in the OC with great success. Our events have included the continuation of an incredible array of wineries showcasing their wines at the Winery Programs, Featured Winery Program, Mini-Tastings and Varietal Hours.

Thanks to our Volunteers

I am so thankful to our Board of Directors, whose leadership of our many events make my job so rewarding. We have a number of new faces this year taking on leadership roles for our many events and committees (see the Responsibilities List on our website).

As you enjoy the various holiday events that the OCWS has planned for December, please take time to look around at the attendees who also volunteer their time to put together events. It is our members who make us what we are today.

Looking Forward to 2024

We have so many exciting things in store, including starting off the year with a Bubbles n’ Brunch at  Citrus City Grille in Orange and a winery program featuring Once & Future Wine Company run by Joel Peterson, a longtime supporter of our organization. I urge you to look at the newsletter and emails announcing our various events and sign up early, as they often sell out.

Celebrating OCWS History

We have launched a new project to gather and archive the organization’s history as we approach our 50th anniversary within the next few years. Please help us in preserving our amazing history by donating requested items such as old newsletters prior to 2000, photos and video, event programs, wine award books and other memorabilia (we will be putting out calls for specific items in the newsletter).

I encourage all of you to volunteer for upcoming events and be part of the magic-making that occurs with the OCWS.

Grateful for All Members

I wish all of you a most joyous holiday season, whatever holidays you, your family and your friends celebrate. We have much to be grateful for. I find it no coincidence that when people toast, it is usually with a glass of wine, and for the OCWS, wine is truly the elixir that brings us together in one amazing organization. Happy holidays and Happy New Year to all!

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.