OCWS

Women Winemakers Mini Tasting
2025-11-15 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Location Announced One Week Prior to Event, CA, 92627, United States
The Orange County Wine Society (OCWS) is proud to announce its next Mini-Tasting, a unique opportunity to explore the exceptional work of California’s women winemakers. Wine lovers across Orange County are invited to participate in a special tasting featuring 10 distinct California wines 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. This event stands out by offering an intimate, “mini-tasting” experience, with small groups of attendees gathering at private homes throughout the area. This format fosters a relaxed and conversational atmosphere, allowing for a deeper appreciation of each pour and the stories behind the women who crafted them.
This special tasting is dedicated to celebrating the talent and innovation of female leaders in the winemaking industry. The curated selection of 10 wines will showcase the diversity of California’s terroir and the artistry of women winemakers from various regions. Attendees will have the chance to sample a wide range of varietals and styles, from crisp whites to bold reds, all while learning about the trailblazing women who are shaping the future of California wine. The evening promises to be a delightful blend of education and enjoyment, as each group’s host guides participants through the tasting notes and the unique stories of the featured winemakers.
As with all Mini-Tastings, this gathering will not only be a fantastic social occasion but also a meaningful experience for wine enthusiasts of all levels. Guests are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share, creating a communal and festive setting. Tickets for this popular event sell out quickly, so members are encouraged to sign up early. Don’t miss this chance to raise a glass to the remarkable women of California wine and connect with fellow members in an engaging and memorable setting. For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit the OCWS website.

Gold Medal Mini-Tasting
2025-09-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Location Announced One Week Prior to Event, CA, 92627, United States
Our most popular Mini Tasting is right around the corner so sign up now! The Gold Medal Tasting provides our members the opportunity to taste 10 Gold or Double Gold Wines selected by the judges at this year’s Commercial Competition.
This event is always a sell-out so sign up early to ensure you’re able to have your preferred location, which are assigned on a first come first serve basis. If you’re interested in hosting please contact Don Mayer at Don.Mayer@ocws.org.
Locations: Host sites and directions will be announced to those attending approximately one week prior to the event. We try to place you at the location nearest your home or to accommodate your specific site request; however, your assigned host site is also based on the order in which your sign-up is received in the OCWS office.
The cost to attend the tasting is $35 for members and $40 for guests. Dish: Each person/couple attending will sign up with their host site to bring a potluck dish (appetizer, entrée, side dish, or dessert) to serve a small portion to 16-18 people. There will be a special bottle of wine awarded for the Chef of the Evening (voted on by the attendees of each site). Our winning Chefs of the Evening can have their recipe published in the WinePress.
Sign-ups will open on July 29th. Due to the high attendance at our Mini-Tasting Programs, we encourage you to sign-up early as sites tend to fill quickly. Once sign-ups fill up, please call the OCWS office to be added to the waiting list.
The cut-off date for online sign-up is Sept 1. After this date please contact the OCWS office to determine availability. Due to the advance purchase of wines, you may not receive a refund if you cancel after the cancellation deadline Sept 1, 2025 (we will try to fill the spots from the waiting list).
Cheers,
Don Mayer, Mini-Tasting Chair

Mini-Tasting: California Wines – Coastal versus Inland Wineries
2025-06-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Various locations at members homes.
For our next Mini-Tasting, our panel of experts will evaluate wines from California’s coast and compare against its rich inland valleys.
Mark your calendar for an intriguing event that will delve into the distinct terroir and character of California wines. We’ll be pouring a selection of premium wines from coastal wineries, known for their bright acidity and minerality, alongside comparable priced wines from inland producers, celebrated for their bold fruit flavors and full-bodied profiles. This comparative tasting will offer a fantastic opportunity to explore how location influences taste and discover new favorites.
The evening promises an enjoyable experience for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious newcomers. By exploring the unique characteristics of each region and the subtle nuances that differentiate these exceptional wines you’ll experience how coastal influences versus inland warmth impacts wine.
Whether you’re a fan of crisp, refreshing whites or gravitate toward robust, complex reds, this tasting is sure to tantalize your taste buds and deepen your appreciation for California’s diverse wine offerings.
Don’t miss this chance to see how your personal preferences align with the other guests at the dinner you attend as well as across the network of host sights. The Mini-Tasting event will be held on June 28 at 6 p.m. at various host sites. Remember that space is limited, so be sure to register early to ensure your location request is honored, which is assigned based upon when you sign up. For newer members, this is a Bring-a-Dish aspect and a great way to meet other OCWS members in a more intimate and friendly setting. As a bonus to those with a culinary passion, the attendees vote on each site’s favorite dish and the winner goes home with a bottle of wine as a prize. We look forward to raising a glass with you and exploring the remarkable terroir of California!
—Don Mayer, OCWS Mini-Tasting Chair

How to Identify Wine Defects
2025-06-08 14:00 - 17:00 | Location Announced One Week Prior to Event, CA, 92627, United States
As wine afficionados, we have all experienced this. We have carefully chosen and ordered a bottle of wine at a restaurant. The waiter returns, opens it and pours us that first taste. Something about it doesn’t seem quite right but we indicate our approval anyway. Then as soon as the waiter walks away, we begin to second guess our decision. Is this really how this wine is supposed to taste? Is that fizzy attribute supposed to be there? Is that musty odor a problem or not?
If you’ve ever been in that situation, you know that uncomfortable feeling and the self-doubt about speaking up. Should we call the waiter over and send it back? Is the wine really all that bad? So you suffer through the evening with something you don’t enjoy.
To educate and train our members, the OCWS is once again offering a workshop to help you identify wine defects. It will be held at the home of OCWS member, Don Mayer, in Yorba Linda, on Sunday, June 8, from 2 – 5 pm.
This class will give you the knowledge to determine the quality of a wine you are served. With that knowledge, you will also gain the confidence to question a wine which doesn’t meet that quality standard.
Industry experts acknowledge that with corked bottles, up to 5% of wine has attributes defined as a defect. However, restaurant returns do not match those numbers. The reason is that many wine consumers are not confident or adequately trained in recognizing a wine defect.
In 2024, the expert judges at the OCWS Commercial Competition’s rejected 45 bottles. In 2023, 55 bottles were rejected. These numbers are lower than the industry averages, however, they also shipped direct from the winery to our Cellar and did not sit in distributor or store warehouses or on shelves for an extended period of time.
This OCWS workshop is designed to take advantage of our competition judges’ expertise. You will get the opportunity to sample the faulty wine rejected by judges and compare it to the fault-free version actually judged. The workshop will be structured to provide a comparison between a “good” and “bad” bottle of the same wine. From this, you will learn to identify the same attributes that prompts competition judges to reject a bottle of wine. Multiple examples of the same fault will be used so you can confidently identify them.
The workshop will be organized into groups so participants can identify the differences between the “good” and “bad” wines and describe the attributes of the defect. If possible, a variety of wines with different faults will be used giving you more examples of faulty wines. With the knowledge gained from this workshop, you’ll be able to identify a defective wine and be more confident in calling over that waiter to get a fresh bottle.
Signups for this workshop are now open on the OCWS website. Light snacks will be served. Specific address information and other details will be sent to attendees approximately one week prior to the event.
Space is limited so sign up today!

Mini Tasting: French versus Italian Wines
2025-03-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Location Announced One Week Prior to Event, CA, 92627, United States
Both France and Italy are recognized around the world for outstanding wines. France is second in the world with the amount of wine consumed per person, followed closely behind by Italy, which is ranked third in per person wine consumption.
French wine is often associated with elegance and refinement, thanks to its centuries-old classifications and strict regulations. Regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy are globally renowned for producing complex, age-worthy wines, with Bordeaux excelling in blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and Burgundy specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Additionally, Champagne, the sparkling wine from northeastern France, is a symbol of luxury and celebration worldwide. French winemaking emphasizes terroir—the idea that the land, climate, and geography profoundly shape the wine—giving each appellation its distinct identity.
On the other hand, Italian wine stands out for its diversity, accessibility and deep cultural ties to food. Italy boasts a staggering number of grape varieties, with over 500 documented indigenous types, many of which are rarely found outside the country. Iconic regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont produce world-class wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Barolo, while Prosecco from Veneto has become a popular sparkling wine globally. Italian wine is often crafted with a focus on pairing with meals, as it plays a central role in the country’s culinary traditions.
For our next Mini-Tasting, we will explore five French and five Italian wines to compare and contrast and determine if participants have a preference for one country’s wine over the other.
If you are interested in hosting please contact Don Mayer (Don.Mayer0709@gmail.com). If you’d like to request a specific host site or to carpool with another member, please add a comment on your sign-up.
Locations: Host sites and directions will be announced to those attending approximately one week prior to the event. We try to place you at the location nearest your home or to accommodate your specific site request; however, your assigned host site is also based on the order in which your sign-up is received in the OCWS office. The cost to attend the tasting is $35 for members and $40 for guests.
Dish: Each person/couple attending will sign up with their host site to bring a potluck dish (appetizer, entrée, side dish or dessert) to serve a small portion for 16 to 18 people. There will be a special bottle of wine that evening as a prize for Chef of the Evening (voted on by the attendees of each site). Our winning Chefs of the Evening can have their recipe published in The Wine Press.
We are planning for seven to eight sites for this Mini-Tasting depending upon the number of Hosts. Sign-ups will open Jan. 15 to facilitate the most efficient guest assignments. We encourage you to sign-up early as sites tend to fill quickly. Once sign-ups fill up, please call the OCWS office to be added to the waiting list.
The cut-off date for online sign-up is Sunday, Feb. 16. After this date, please contact the OCWS office to determine availability. Due to the advance purchase of wines, you may not receive a refund if you cancel after the cancellation deadline Feb. 22 (we will try to fill the spots from the waiting list).
—Don Mayer, OCWS Mini-Tasting Chair

Mini-Tasting - Holiday Wines
2024-12-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Location Announced One Week Prior to Event, CA, 92627, United States
With the holiday season fast approaching, there will be ample opportunities to enjoy wines that complement holiday meals. The December Mini-Tasting will feature a range of red wines that pair well with holiday feasts. The guests will rate the wines tasted blind in pairs and then discuss their ratings. Overall ratings from each site will be published in the wrap-up article. Please note that after many years coordinating this event, George Cravens has handed off the baton. If you are interested in hosting please contact Don Mayer at Don.Mayer0709@Gmail.com. If you’d like to request a specific host site or to carpool with another member, please add a comment on your sign-up. You may need to sign up and pay until hosts are selected. Reimbursement will be made for all host sites. Locations: Host sites and directions will be announced to those attending approximately one week prior to the event. We try to place you at the location nearest your home or to accommodate your specific site request; however, your assigned host site is also based on the order in which your sign-up is received in the OCWS office. The cost to attend the tasting is $35 for members and $40 for guests. Dish: Each person/couple attending will sign up with their host site to bring a potluck dish (appetizer, entrée, side dish, or dessert) to serve a small portion to 16 to 18 people. There will be a special bottle of wine that evening as a prize for Chef of the Evening (voted on by the attendees of each site). Our winning Chefs of the Evening can have their recipe published in The Wine Press. Please plan on arriving promptly at 6 p.m. so the event can get started on time. Please bring your own wine glasses for tasting; keep in mind the wines are served in flights of two. Sign-ups will open Nov. 1. Due to the high attendance at our Mini-Tasting Programs, we encourage you to sign-up early as sites tend to fill quickly. Once sign-ups fill up, please call the OCWS office to be added to the waiting list. The cut-off date for online sign-up is Wednesday, Dec. 4, @8pm. After this date, please contact the OCWS office to determine availability. Due to the advance purchase of wines, you may not receive a refund if you cancel after the Dec. 5th. cancellation deadline (we will try to fill the spots from the waiting list). Cheers, —Don Mayer, OCWS Mini-Tasting Chair

Wine Defect Identification Workshop
2024-06-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Location Announced One Week Prior to Event, CA, 92627, United States
As wine afficionados, we have all experienced this. We have carefully chosen and ordered a bottle of wine at a restaurant. The waiter returns, opens it and pours us that first taste. Something about it doesn’t seem quite right but we indicate our approval anyway. Then as soon as the waiter walks away, we begin to second guess our decision. Is this really how this wine is supposed to taste? Is that fizzy attribute supposed to be there? Is that musty odor a problem or not?
If you’ve ever been in that situation, you know that uncomfortable feeling and the self-doubt about speaking up. Should we call the waiter over and send it back? Is the wine really all that bad? So you suffer through the evening with something you don’t enjoy.
To educate and train our members, the OCWS is offering a new workshop to help you identify wine defects. It will be held at the home of OCWS member, Don Mayer, in Yorba Linda, on Saturday, June 15 from 1 – 4 pm.
This class will give you the knowledge to determine the quality of a wine you are served. With that knowledge, you will also gain the confidence to question a wine which doesn’t meet that quality standard.
Industry experts acknowledge that with corked bottles, up to 5% of wine has attributes defined as a defect. However, restaurant returns do not match those numbers. The reason is that many wine consumers are not confident or adequately trained in recognizing a wine defect.
In 2022, the expert judges at the OCWS Commercial Competition’s rejected 55 bottles. In 2023, 34 bottles were rejected. These numbers are in line with the industry averages, which suggest that we, including competition judges, will all encounter a bad bottle from time to time.
This new OCWS workshop is designed to take advantage of our competition judges’ expertise. You will get the opportunity to sample the faulty wine rejected by judges and compare it to the fault-free version actually judged. The workshop will be structured to provide a comparison between a “good” and “bad” bottle of the same wine. From this, you will learn to identify the same attributes that prompts competition judges to reject a bottle of wine. Multiple examples of the same fault will be used so you can confidently identify them.
The workshop will be organized into groups so participants can identify the differences between the “good” and “bad” wines and describe the attributes of the defect. If possible, a variety of wines with different faults will be used giving you more examples of faulty wines. With the knowledge gained from this workshop, you’ll be able to identify a defective wine and be more confident in calling over that waiter to get a fresh bottle.
Signups for this workshop are now open on the OCWS website. Light snacks will be served. Specific address information and other details will be sent to attendees approximately one week prior to the event.
Space is limited so sign up today!
