By Fred Heinecke
As we ring in the new year, the Orange County Wine Society has much to look forward to.
It all starts with our 50-year jubilee. Carolyn Christian and the 50th Anniversary Committee have events planned for a year-long celebration. The kick-off 50th Anniversary Champagne Brunch is scheduled for Sunday, January 11.
I have to wonder if our founding members imagined that the OCWS would grow to nearly 1,000 members and host the largest California-only commercial wine competition in the world that draws about 2,500 entries a year from throughout the state.
When they wanted to make wine education part of our mission, could they have foreseen the tens of thousands of fairgoers at The Courtyard for tastings and seminars? The nearly $1 million in scholarship donations raised to date is truly exceptional. The founding and long-time members should take great pride and pleasure in their successes.
The next big news is our fair offices are moving to a new location. For years, the OCWS office has been in a temporary trailer that became even more temporary when building 15 was removed. For our 50th, we are moving to the Ranch building. This is a permanent structure that backs up to Arlington and is just east of the sports arena. Our new digs will be much larger than the current trailers with indoor restrooms, a full kitchen and close parking. The move should take place rapidly.
Lastly, it is with a heavy heart I must report some sad news. Jim Burk, a 24-year member of our organization, passed away in November. Jim was the official OCWS photographer for most of those 24 years and he could always be seen at OCWS events with his camera around his neck. Jim worked at The Courtyard every summer and was famous for the wonderful smoked salmon pate that he caught himself, smoked himself, and brought for a snack. His photographic history of the Wine Society recorded almost one half of our first 50 years.
I know that Jim enjoyed wine, but he truly loved the friendships that the Orange County Wine Society brought. Please raise a glass (of zin if you have it) to our friend Jim Burk.
In Memoriam
Jim Burk was such a genuinely kind soul. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I was able to spend with him as my mentor, and I will always cherish those moments. He will be deeply missed.
-Sue England, OCWS director