For the past several years, the dynamic duo of Lloyd and Liz Corbett have delivered an extra special treat for both OCWS members and Orange County Fair attendees.
Entering its sixth year, the Featured Winery Program has brought some of the top winemakers in California right to The Courtyard. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 3-8 p.m., winemakers are providing some of their very best vintages while giving the public an opportunity to learn more about their winery and giving them an opportunity to join their wine club or get discounts if they visit their tasting rooms.
The idea behind the program was simple – to give OCWS another opportunity to contribute to its robust scholarship program. All the proceeds go toward the scholarship program and by last count that amount has swelled to more than $16,000.
“We wanted to give the wineries – especially the smaller ones with no marketing budget – a means of meeting the public and an opportunity for the public to meet the winemakers,” Liz said. “This establishes a personal bond and an opportunity to learn more about the history of the winemakers, his/her successes and challenges and so much more.”
This year’s lineup boasts some recognizable names and some boutique wineries that are sure to intrigue those who are keen to learn about a winery they may never have heard about. The opening weekend has a stellar lineup with Macchia Winery, Graveyard Vineyards and Double Bond Winery. The program rounds out on the last weekend with Boisset Collection, Dark Star Cellars and San Pasqual Winery.
So if you are volunteering at The Courtyard on the weekend, make sure to stop by the Featured Winery station and enjoy some of California’s finest offerings while contributing to a good cause.
“We get such a huge feeling of satisfaction when we see the interaction,” Liz added. “We enjoy being part of the OCWS and contributing to its ongoing success.”
List of featured wineries at this year’s fair
July 19 Macchia Winery
July 20 Graveyard Vineyards
July 21 Double Bond Winery
July 26 Riboli Family Wines
July 27 Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery
July 28 Cordon of Santa Barbara
Aug. 2 Fallbrook Winery
Aug. 3 Bella Grace Vineyards
Aug. 4 Cypher Winery
Aug. 9 San Antonio Winery
Aug. 10 915 Lincoln
Aug. 11 Eberle Winery
Aug. 16 Boisset Collection
Aug. 17 Dark Star Cellars
Aug. 18 San Pasqual Winery