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Members Corner

Graber Olive House, Longtime Supporter of the OCWS

The Wine Society would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Graber Olive House for their friendship, generosity and continued support over the years.

Graber Olive House has provided their specialty olives to the Commercial Wine Competition for many years. As you know, palate assault can be extreme even though wine judges may expectorate every sip. The acidity in white wines and tannins in red wines can be a painful experience after a full day of tasting. A small cup of Graber olives placed along side each judge neutralizes the elements in both reds and whites, works wonders for the palate and tastes fantastic, too.

C.C. Graber purchased land in Ontario and discovered olives, cured by the early ranchers, to be one of the finest food delicacies of California. It was the tradition of early Californians to set their tables with plenty of fruits and wine, and olives. Mr. Graber began to cure several barrels himself after a successful growing season.

Graber olives are different from typical olives sold in grocery stores. Graber olives are hand picked when they’ve ripened to a cherry-red color, then “cured in covered vats without being oxidized,” according to Graber Olive House. After the curing and canning processes, the olives are of varying shades of nut-like color.

Graber Olive House is located in quiet, serene surroundings. Visitors will be delighted to discover a bit of early California when they visit. Along with olives, Graber Olive House offers many other products, such as crisp California almonds and pistachios, California dessert fruits, olive oils and elegant gift baskets. When in or driving through Ontario, visit Graber Olive House and pick up a few cans of olives and other items. You can also visit their website at GraberOlives.com to have products shipped directly to you.

Graber Olive House is located at 215 E. Fourth Street,

Categories
Commercial Competition

Hotel Reservations for Commercial Wine Competition

If you plan on staying at the Costa Mesa Hilton hotel for the weekend of the Commercial Wine Competition, please make reservations no later than May 19, 2017. The OCWS has booked a block of rooms for OCWS members at a discounted rate and this rate is guaranteed only until that date. The special rate […]

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Mini Tastings

Pinot Noir Mini-Tasting: The Results Are In

A total of 88 members and guests attended the February 4 Mini-Tasting at five host sites. The blind tasting consisted of five flights of two wines each with wines from Carneros, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Santa Rita Hills, Sonoma and Santa Lucia Highlands. The top three favorite wines of the five host sites were: First […]

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Mini Tastings

Cabernet Sauvignon Mini-Tasting Results

A total of 90 members and guests attended the November Mini-Tasting at five host sites. The blind tasting consisted of five flights of two wines each with wines from Napa, Alexander Valley and Paso Robles. The top three favorite wines of the five host sites are listed below: Placement Winery Name Year Price Descriptions First […]

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Members Corner

In Memoriam: Less Silver

This month we lost one of our long-time friends, Less Silver.  Less has been with the Winemakers Group for a long time, and was one of the winemakers I’ve looked up to for his award-winning “Silver Cellars” wines.  Less was an experienced chemist, and always helped us learn the testing of wines including aeration oxidation […]

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Members Corner

In Memoriam: Jack MacManus

On November 7th, a very good friend of mine, Jack McManus, passed.   Jack had a storied life; he joined the Merchant Marines during WWII at the age of 16 in Massachusetts.   Postwar, Jack moved on to a career with Phillips-Van Heusen clothing, and after 24 years was Vice President of VH Corporate Markets. I remember […]

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Scholarship Thank You Letters

Scholarship Thank You Notes

I would  like to express my great appreciation for you as well as my scholarship award. Your support has given me great confidence as I begin my fourth and final year at Cal Poly. By awarding me this scholarship you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I  hope one day I will be able to help students as you have helped me. Thank you so much!

Best, Maddy R. – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo


On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation for the scholarship you have generously granted me with. The funds I will be receiving from your organization will be used as I transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to further my education and obtain my Bachelor’s of Science in winemaking.

With my sincerest thanks,

Janet D. – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo


My name is Darren O. You gave me a scholarship of $1,000 and I am truly thankful for the opportunity of the money you gave me. My friends and I are saving up money for a food truck and most of it will help us greatly. Some of the money will help me buy equipment and fees I need for my last semester at OCC. I am truly thankful for your scholarship; it means a lot.

I am truly thankful! Orange Coast College

Categories
Members Corner

OCFEC Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Kramer, Award the Orange County Wine Society

OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors honored the Orange County Wine Society and celebrated its 40th Anniversary at its September 2016 meeting.  Kathy Kramer, Chief Executive Officer, of the OCFEC, presented the Recognition Award plaque to Bill Redding, Liz Corbett, Fran Gitsham, and Rich Skoczylas, OCWS Board of Directors present at the meeting. […]

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Members Corner

New Board of Directors 2016 – 2019

During our Annual Business Meeting held on September 9th, Charles English, OCWS Bookkeeper, and I presented the OCWS Year-in-Review (October 2015 – September 2016). During this meeting, Stacey Taylor, Terry McLean, and George Cravens were elected by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting as provided in the current bylaws. Stacey, Terry, […]

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Members Corner

2016 President’s Award

The OCWS presented its prestigious 2016 President’s Award to Wendy and Stacey Taylor at our Annual Membership Meeting last month. As many of you know, the President’s Award honors and recognizes those members who have made exceptional contributions to the OCWS. Since joining the OCWS as newlyweds in 2003, Wendy and Stacey have devoted countless […]

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