Category: History

The 50-year history of the Orange County Wine Society cannot be told without acknowledging the women and men who have served on its Board of Directors. The board has always been the heart and soul of the OCWS—the ultimate volunteers, dedicating their time and talents to keep the organization thriving. In this overview, I’d like to share some of the remarkable people who have led us over the decades and the incredible commitment reflected in their years of service.

The very first board was made up of just five members: Bill Lawson (President), Bill Owen (Vice President), Brant Horton (Treasurer), Kathi Horton (Secretary) and Boardmember Jerry Mead—yes, that Jerry Mead! By 1977, the board expanded to include Jim Graver (President), Brant Horton (Vice President), Judy Collins (Treasurer), and Kathi Horton (Secretary), along with members Bill Owen and Jerry Mead. From 1978 to 1984, the board grew to seven members, and in 1984 it expanded again to nine—a number that remains in place more than 40 years later.

Today, board members are elected to three-year terms and may serve two consecutive terms before stepping aside for at least one year. Some return after a break, while others retire from service. In the past 49 years, 91 people have served on the OCWS Board, collectively contributing 423 years of leadership. About 70% of board members have been men and 30% women. Eight married couples and one parent-child pair have also served on the board, though not usually at the same time.

Among those who have given the most years are Rich Skoczylas who holds the record with 15 years of service, followed closely by myself at 14. Four others—Charley Owen, Dennis Esslinger, Jim Beard and John Goodnight—each dedicated 12 years, while Fran Gitsham and Bob Prill have both served 10.

The presidency is one of the most demanding roles, requiring countless hours each week. Only one individual, Dennis Esslinger, has served four years as president. Three others—Jim Beard, Fran Gitsham and John Goodnight—each held the office for three years. Twelve people have served two years and 13 have completed a single year.

The role of vice president has often been a stepping-stone to the presidency. Of the 28 vice presidents in our history, Charley Owen served the longest at five years, followed by Larry Graham at four and Kevin Coy, Barbara Perez and Bill Redding at three. Eight served two years and the rest held the office for one.

Treasurers have been fewer in number—just 21 of them over five decades. John Goodnight stands out with nine years of service, followed by Mel Jay with seven, Tim Morgan with five and Fran Gitsham with four. Others served shorter terms of one or two years.

The secretary role, though quieter, is essential for maintaining the organization’s records. I was surprised to discover I’ve served the longest—eight of my 14 board years were spent as secretary. Founding member Kathi Horton follows with six years, while Rich Skoczylas served five and George Cravens four.

In addition to the officer roles, all board members contribute to the organization by chairing events and programs. As I conclude my term as president this year, I want to thank my fellow board members for their dedication—the current board alone represents 54 years of combined service. And to those who came before us, we owe deep gratitude for building and sustaining the OCWS for nearly half a century.

Since the inception of the Orange County Wine Society in 1976, there has been a mutually rewarding association with the OC Fair.

COMMERCIAL WINE COMPETITION DEBUTS

In 1977, the first OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition was held at the new Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel and the first OC Fair Home Wine Competition was held on the grounds of the OC Fair.  It was chaired by Jim Graver, the first President of the Orange County Wine Society. Thirty-six (36) entries were judged followed by a potluck lunch.

INAUGURAL WINE GARDEN INTRODUCED

As the Commercial Competition grew in number of entries and recognition, more funds were required to cover expenses. In 1981, the first Wine Garden was introduced during the 10-day OC Fair, featuring tastes of award-winning entries. To sell wine, the Fair Board required that some type of food must be available.

THE YELLOW SUBMARINE NOW SERVING

Kathi Horton organized a separate trailer called “The Yellow Submarine” to sell award winning sandwiches and cheese plates. Exhibits, built by member Dick Bird, featured award winning wines and Home Winemaking information. The Wine Garden was located on the main fairway outside the Fine Arts Building. Following the untimely death of Mr. Bird in 1981, Vivien and Charley Owens assumed the responsibility of assembling and setting up the annual display. During the mid to late 80’s, there were additional exhibits, displays and wine tasting in both the Wine Garden and the Flower and Garden Building. Booklets listing the award-winning wines were sold for one dollar.

FAIR EXPANDS FROM 10 TO 17 DAYS

By 1990, the OC Fair was growing and changing. The OC Fair was expanded to 17 days, and the Wine Garden and other display booths were being discontinued. A committee, formed by David Hirstein, planned and designed a new larger venue, originally named the Wine Pavilion.  It was located outside the Flower and Garden Building and provided a temperature controlled wine cellar and storage areas. Every day during the fair, the Pavilion was managed by Marcia Brechtel and at night by John Goodnight or Al Barber. The requirement to sell food with wine was difficult to manage and was discontinued.

WINE PAVILION RENAMED THE COURTYARD

In 1996 the Wine Pavilion name was changed to the Courtyard and seminars were added on weekends featuring either wine varietals or wine regions. Commemorative wine glasses and award books were sold along with tastes of Award-Winning Wines. Varietal wines, wine coolers, and sparkling wine were sold by the glass. The Home Wine Competition was moved from the original Memorial Gardens Building to the Courtyard. Vivian and Charley Owens continued to build beautiful wine displays and exhibits.

FAIR EXPANDS FROM 17 TO 21 DAYS

As the century changed, the OC Fair continued to change as well. It was expanded to 21 days, credit cards were now accepted, and the award book went to a new book format featuring a color photo on the cover chosen from a contest among the OC Wine Society members. Manager specials were added, an Express Bar was created, and Featured Winery Programs were introduced. In 2008, the OC Fair & Event Center changed its name to the OC Fair and Events Center to better clarify the many events that are accommodated.  Also during this period, the Orange County Wine Society served wines at the Barrett-Jackson Automobile Auction which was held at the Events Center.

OCWS CELEBRATES 40TH YEAR

In 2016, Kathy Kramer, the Chief Executive Officer of the OC Fair and Events Center, presented the Wine Society with a plaque commemorating the 40^th Anniversary of the organization.

The Couryard Grows to Serve Many Purposes

In addition to the annual OC Fair, the Courtyard is used for many OCWS work parties, like sorting the thousands of wines that are provided for the Commercial Competition, Spring and Fall Festivities, the Chili Cook-off, and the Home Wine Competition.  Over the years, there have been many friendships made, occasions celebrated, and good memories fondly remembered at The Courtyard at the OC Fair.

Thank you to Larry Graham for providing the historical information used in this article.

— Jane Goodnight, OCWS History Committee Member

By Hank Bruce

OCWS History Committee

Did you know the Orange County Wine Society was officially incorporated on June 8, 1976 through the efforts of Brant Horton and eighteen other local wine enthusiasts?

It all started in May 1976 when Brant Horton, an Orange County wine retailer in Tustin, formulated a plan to host a professional competition of California wines. Each year only certain varietals would be judged. Those varietals were organized into three price categories. All wines would have to be commercially available in Orange County, and all wines within the selected varietal would be judged, whether they were donated or purchased. The judges would either be commercial winemakers or winery principals.

The first annual Commercial Wine Competition was held on July 10, 1977 at the South Coast Plaza Hotel in Costa Mesa, California, with the support of the Orange County Fair and hosted by the OCWS. A total of 92 individual wines (59 Chenin Blancs and 23 Gamay Beaujolais) were rated by 18 judges. In 1986, the 10th anniversary of the Commercial Wine Competition, Jerry Mead, founding member and syndicated wine columnist in more than a dozen newspapers, headed the expected panel of 76 judges, who evaluated over 2,600 wines at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California.

The initial three-day Commercial Wine Competition was reduced to two days in 1990 and entries stabilized at 2,400 with about 50 varietals and styles of wine. The host hotel has changed several times through the years to include the Disneyland Hotel, the Anaheim Marriott and the Red Lion (now called  the Costa Mesa Hilton), where it has been held for over the past 30 years, except for 2020, when due to the pandemic, the 44th Commercial Competition was not held.

The Commercial Competition is a nine-month, major effort requiring about 6,000 volunteer hours and about 200 volunteers. The volunteers make invitation phone calls; physically receive, catalog and input wine entries into a database; steward wines; run a commercial dishwasher; dry glasses; direct traffic; verify scores; input data entries; compile results; coordinate judges’ food, etc., etc.

Our Commercial Wine Competition is the largest of its kind in the world and the second largest wine competition overall in California. In the 47 years of competition, there have been over 460 judges for a combined total of 3,326 years of experience. A renowned list of judges and their associated wineries have kept the competition at the top of its game and made the competition one of the most widely revered competitions of California wines anywhere. Let us not forget, it is our volunteers who keep this huge event running (pun intended).

The OC Wine Society has been around since the mid-1970s and was founded by a group of home winemakers. As we approach our 50^th 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