About Us

The Orange County Wine Society, a non-profit organization that promotes the knowledge and appreciation of wines, is dedicated to raising funds for college scholarships for institutions throughout California. The volunteers of the organization, while enjoying social events, wine tastings and trips throughout the year, is best known for coordinating the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition and running the wine courtyard at the fair each year. Within the OCWS lies an active home winemaking group which, along with their passion for making fine wines, runs the Homewine Competition which is also highlighted annually at the OC Fair.

The varied interests and social opportunities offered through the OCWS has something for everyone, from people just beginning to find enjoyment with wine in their lives and wanting to learn more to the well versed fine wine lover looking to share their passion with others of like mind.

The French Connection
When Stephanie Burtin moved to Yorba Linda and eventually learned about the Orange County Wine Society, she knew she found a place where she could meet like-minded people. Born in Lyon, France, Stephanie was a chemical engineer by trade but she moved to Orange County with the intention of starting… Read more: The French Connection
President’s Message
By Carolyn Christian OCWS is a truly unique nonprofit volunteer organization that works like a well-oiled machine operating events throughout the year like the OC Fair Commercial and Home Wine Competitions, the Courtyard at the OC Fair, the Wine Auction, and a host of dozens of wine events and celebrations… Read more: President’s Message
Delve into history of OCWS’ support of viticulture, culinary students
Scholarship Fund In 1981, OCWS donated scholarship funds to two California institutions: UC Davis and California State University Fresno. Both locations ran enology and viticulture programs. The organization donated $1,000 to each university for the first few years, increasing to $1,500 and then to $2,000 each by 1986. In 1987,… Read more: Delve into history of OCWS’ support of viticulture, culinary students
Mini-Tasting: The Results are in.
During our most recent Mini Tasting, our panel of experts concluded by a wide margin that Inland wineries were preferred over Coastal wineries. Summarizing the points in the table below, Coastal wines scored a total of 216 points across the seven sites; conversely, the Inland wines scored 363 points. Of… Read more: Mini-Tasting: The Results are in.
Chef of the Evening
Tamara Reddy, a winning chef at the June 28 Mini-Tasting, has every Ina Garten cookbook. So when it’s time to whip up a dish for a potuck, Ina is her go-to source. “Her recipes are always a bit decadent, and I very much enjoy making them for the OCWS Mini-Tastings,… Read more: Chef of the Evening
Deadline to Run for Director Position this Month
If you are innovative, open-minded, possess good interpersonal skills, are results oriented and a problem solver, then a position as an OCWS director might be right for you. The beginning of a three-year term of the nine members of the Board of Directors, according to the bylaws,shall be staggered such… Read more: Deadline to Run for Director Position this Month
New Member Friend Program
Attention New Members! To enhance your membership experience, we would like to offer you an opportunity to voluntarily take part in our New Member Friend Program. Are you thinking of attending an event and not sure how to sign up, what to bring, how it works, or just want someone… Read more: New Member Friend Program
Exploring the Roots of the Riveting Rosé
We have red, white and orange wine and of course pink wine, better known as rosé. But what do we know about rosé other than the majority of rosé wines are made from just red grapes? Rosé wine, however, is not a modern-day creation. The Greeks and Phoenicians would press… Read more: Exploring the Roots of the Riveting Rosé