Greetings to everyone on behalf of the OCWS Board of Directors. A special thanks  is extended to Jim Beard, Fran Gitsham, and Rich Skoczylas for their outstanding leadership and service over the past six years.

At the Annual Installation Dinner last month, our new Board members were introduced: Leslie Hodowanec, Mel Jay, and Sara Yeoman. This year’s Officers were also introduced: President—Bill Redding, Vice President—Ken Scott, Treasurer—Brian McDonald, and Secretary—George Cravens. The Board Members’ contact information is in every newsletter. Please feel free to introduce yourself to this year’s Board at upcoming OCWS events.

For those who don’t know me personally, my wife, Carolyn, and I have been members since 2001. Since that time, we have taken an incredible journey through the OCWS. We have learned a great deal about wine, winemaking, California’s wine industry, and have had the opportunity to meet many of California’s premier winemakers who graciously assist in judging at the Commercial Wine Competition each year. Just as importantly, we have come to know numerous people, many of whom we now count as friends. It is my sincere hope that our members participate in the many activities that are available as attendees, volunteers, or as members of the various committees that make events possible each year.

The success of the OCWS over time is due to the tremendous support of its members. Last year, members contributed 20,682 volunteer hours. As a non-profit educational foundation, we have contributed scholarship funding totaling over $633,000 to select California colleges and universities in support of students who will become the next generation working in California’s wine industry and the culinary arts.

Upcoming activities are posted on our website at ocws.org and in our newsletter. The Wine Press is mailed out at the beginning of each month.

Please join your fellow members at one of our upcoming events. Cheers!

– Bill Redding, President