by Carolyn Christian
Welcome to the start of what promises to be a great year for our organization. As we enter our 49th year as an organization, we should be proud of the legacy we have established. From our humble beginnings starting with a group of home winemakers to a group that boasts over 1,000 wine enthusiasts (including our winemaker group), we have a truly resilient organization that has grown and remained stable over the past several decades.
Wrapping Up 2024
2024 has been a very busy year with the usual OCWS events and some new ones as well, including the Wine Defect Identification Workshop, Vintage Member Luncheons and Volunteer Recognition Reception. We had several amazing holiday events that ended 2024 on a high note. The annual Holiday Dinner Dance on December was followed by a Holiday Mini-Tasting at members’ homes on December 14. The holiday festivities wrapped up with the Winemakers’ Group Holiday Potluck at the Eastlake Village Community Center. Overall, we have had a very successful year.
Thank you to Event Leadership
I would personally like to thank the OCWS Board of Directors and other non-board members who have stepped up to chair events this past year. Please take a moment to review the Responsibilities List on our website to see who oversees our various events. These are the individuals who help keep this organization running smoothly.
2025
In the coming year, we have many exciting events in store for our members. Our long-standing winery programs run from January to May and our Bubbles ‘n’ Brunch/Dine with Wine events are sprinkled throughout the year.
There are also several mini-tastings where members blind taste 10 wines at fellow members’ homes. We also hold new member mixers to greet those fledgling oenophiles.
At the OC Fairgrounds, there are an abundance of events, whether it’s the Spring and Fall socials, the Wine Auction and of course The Courtyard at the OC Fair, which runs from July 18 to August 17.
Our biggest flagship events are the OC Fair Commercial and Home Wine competitions that occur during late May and early-to-mid June.
There is plenty of other options that will suit your style from private tastings at local wineries to educational seminars.
All-Volunteer Organization
I cannot stress enough the importance of our volunteers. Please check out the amazing events being organized for our members’ benefit. Check the newsletter, website and weekly email 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. We often have cancellations allowing for those on the waiting list to attend.
In addition to our events, I encourage you to promote the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition, which we have hosted over the last 49 years, to wineries throughout California. Take printed brochures, send them an email, and remind them that despite the news about the decline in wine sales, OCWS is alive and well, with over 1,000 members who purchase and consume wine on a regular basis.
I look forward to working with you all in 2025 to continue this organization’s amazing journey on our way to our 50th anniversary!
Cheers to you all!