Since the inception of the Orange County Wine Society in 1976, there has been a mutually rewarding association with the Orange County Fair.
COMMERCIAL WINE COMPETITION DEBUTS
In 1977, the first Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition was held at the new Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel and the first Orange County Fair Home Wine Competition was held on the grounds of the Orange County Fair. It was chaired by Jim Graver, the first President of the Orange County Wine Society. Thirty-six (36) entries were judged followed by a potluck lunch.
INAUGURAL WINE GARDEN INTRODUCED
As the Commercial Competition grew in number of entries and recognition, more funds were required to cover expenses. In 1981, the first Wine Garden was introduced during the 10-day Orange County Fair, featuring tastes of award-winning entries. To sell wine, the Fair Board required that some type of food must be available.
THE YELLOW SUBMARINE NOW SERVING
Kathi Horton organized a separate trailer called “The Yellow Submarine” to sell award winning sandwiches and cheese plates. Exhibits, built by member Dick Bird, featured award winning wines and Home Winemaking information. The Wine Garden was located on the main fairway outside the Fine Arts Building. Following the untimely death of Mr. Bird in 1981, Vivien and Charley Owens assumed the responsibility of assembling and setting up the annual display. During the mid to late 80’s, there were additional exhibits, displays and wine tasting in both the Wine Garden and the Flower and Garden Building. Booklets listing the award-winning wines were sold for one dollar.
FAIR EXPANDS FROM 10 TO 17 DAYS
By 1990, the Orange County Fair was growing and changing. The Orange County Fair was expanded to 17 days, and the Wine Garden and other display booths were being discontinued. A committee, formed by David Hirstein, planned and designed a new larger venue, originally named the Wine Pavilion. It was located outside the Flower and Garden Building and provided a temperature controlled wine cellar and storage areas. Every day during the fair, the Pavilion was managed by Marcia Brechtel and at night by John Goodnight or Al Barber. The requirement to sell food with wine was difficult to manage and was discontinued.
WINE PAVILION RENAMED THE COURTYARD
In 1996 the Wine Pavilion name was changed to the Courtyard and seminars were added on weekends featuring either wine varietals or wine regions. Commemorative wine glasses and award books were sold along with tastes of Award-Winning Wines. Varietal wines, wine coolers, and sparkling wine were sold by the glass. The Home Wine Competition was moved from the original Memorial Gardens Building to the Courtyard. Vivian and Charley Owens continued to build beautiful wine displays and exhibits.
FAIR EXPANDS FROM 17 TO 21 DAYS
As the century changed, the Orange County Fair continued to change as well. It was expanded to 21 days, credit cards were now accepted, and the award book went to a new book format featuring a color photo on the cover chosen from a contest among the OC Wine Society members. Manager specials were added, an Express Bar was created, and Featured Winery Programs were introduced. In 2008, the Orange County Fairgrounds changed its name to the OC Fair and Events Center to better clarify the many events that are accommodated. Also during this period, the Orange County Wine Society served wines at the Barrett-Jackson Automobile Auction which was held at the Events Center.
OCWS CELEBRATES 40TH YEAR
In 2016, Kathy Kramer, the Chief Executive Officer of the Orange County Fair and Events Center, presented the Wine Society with a plaque commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the organization.
The Couryard Grows to Serve Many Purposes
In addition to the annual OC Fair, the Courtyard is used for many OCWS work parties, like sorting the thousands of wines that are provided for the Commercial Competition, Spring and Fall Festivities, the Chili Cook-off, and the Home Wine Competition. Over the years, there have been many friendships made, occasions celebrated, and good memories fondly remembered at The Courtyard at the OC Fair.
Thank you to Larry Graham for providing the historical information used in this article.
— Jane Goodnight, OCWS History Committee Member