Coy’s Comments & Cogitations…

The OCWS is off and running into the New Year! January has come and gone with our first Winery Tasting Program a complete success. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines quickly maxed out at 170 attendees. Thank you, Chris, for an outstanding evening and looking forward to the February Winery Program showcasing Hahn Estates. We have additional Winery Programs scheduled in April as well. Be sure to sign up early for these events as they have been filling up very quickly.

Rich Skoczylas’ first Dine With Wine dinner was also a winning evening at the Catch of the Day in Huntington Beach. Good job Rich! Look for additional Dine With Wine Dinners in the near future. They are fun evenings and a great way to meet your fellow OCWS members in a closer, friendlier atmosphere.

The annual Wine Extraordinaire is also right around the corner. Don’t forget to send in your attendance sign-up and volunteer forms. Prime volunteer spots are filling fast! It is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel. This is always a wonderful event showcasing small-lot California wineries with proceeds helping our Scholarship Program.

Please invite everyone on your e-mail and address lists. They will be very pleased that you did!

Don’t forget this month’s Mini-Tasting featuring the “Highs and Lows of Cabernet Sauvignon.” Directors Sam Puzzo and Wendy Taylor have planned an outstanding evening at our members’ homes. For additional information, see their articles in this edition of The Wine Press.

One of my goals for this year was to conduct a spring cleaning of the Wine Society office. Over the years, we managed to accumulate boxes and boxes of business records which were taking up valuable office space. Thanks to Janet Hammond, Mel Jay, Greg Hagadorn, and my kids (that cheap labor I promised in my campaign speech); we have sent nearly 50 boxes of past records to the shredder. It was a big day and we’re all glad it’s over. Next step is the OCWS storage bin and Courtyard overhead storage areas.

January was also busy with two different committees working on the future of the Wine Society. The Five Year Plan Committee met to discuss who we want to be and how we are going to get there within the next five years. I’m excited about this committee as the OC Fairgrounds is continuing to receive a facelift and some of their future projects will have an affect upon how we conduct our business on the fairgrounds. The Marketing Committee has also met, with this group looking at better ways for the OCWS to market themselves towards the community, the Fair Administration, and to California wineries. More information to follow with future meetings.

February is the month of sweethearts, loved ones, chocolate, and great accompanying wine. I hope you and you’re special loved one enjoy an outstanding Valentine’s Day. Better yet, make February a Valentine’s month, enjoying all of our OCWS events—and a little get-away to local wineries with your favorite Valentine! As always, please drink responsibly; use a designated driver; stay at a hotel; or use a cab when you know you’ll be drinking.

Kevin Coy
OCWS President