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.

President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke It is with a heavy heart that I write this column as I have just learned we lost a decades-long member of the Orange County Wine Society: John Goodnight. He was a past president of OCWS (1987-1989, 1999-2000), recipient of the President’s Award (2002) and long-time volunteer.… Read more: President’s Message
Candidates encouraged to get involved, toss their hat in the ring
OCWS Board of Directors It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Summer, the fair and time to think about running for the OCWS Board of Directors. Please note that the earlier you declare, if you’re working at the OC Fair, you can campaign with your friends and fellow members.… Read more: Candidates encouraged to get involved, toss their hat in the ring
Mark Your Calendars: 2027 WINERY PROGRAM DINNERS
January, February, March and April on the third working Friday of the month, come and hear from the winemakers that won Double Gold, Gold and Silver awards at the OCWS Commercial Wine Competition.
OC FAIR COURTYARD TEARDOWN
Thank you to our crew of set-up volunteers for making our 50th anniversary at The Courtyard very special and we all hope that you are enjoying it too. The beautiful work that went up, sadly must be torn down. We can use your help. All members are invited to sign… Read more: OC FAIR COURTYARD TEARDOWN
In Memoriam: John Goodnight, former OCWS president
John Goodnight was a 2002 OCWS President’s Award recipient, an exceptional volunteer, a dedicated member, and a remarkable financial expert. This July 2026, the Orange County Wine Society lost one of its most passionate and valued gentlemen. John was undoubtedly one of OCWS’s pioneers and visionaries. In 1986 John first… Read more: In Memoriam: John Goodnight, former OCWS president
Photo Contest & Event Memories
Wine, Summer a Perfect Pairing August is the season for the OC Fair, backyard gatherings, beach days, and warm evenings spent with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the sights and sounds of the fair, relaxing after a day at the beach, hosting… Read more: Photo Contest & Event Memories
WHAT MAKES A GREAT WINE?
After reading the results of the 2026 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition and checking out the Best of Class and the Double Gold award winners at winecompetition.com, I started to wonder what makes a wine worthy of these rewards? I could ask the competition’s judges but they had all gone… Read more: WHAT MAKES A GREAT WINE?
ABC News with OCWS Board of Director CL Keedy Promoting the OCFair
A Staple of Summer
By Greg Risling Every summer, the Orange County Wine Society does what it has always done best: invites fairgoers to try a wide selection of wine at The Courtyard. This year’s edition resonates a little more as OCWS celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over those past five decades, the organization has… Read more: A Staple of Summer
President’s Message
By Fred Heinecke There’s only 17 days until the Orange County Fair begins and the 50th annual Courtyard at the OC Fair is the event everyone is anticipating. The cellar has been stocked to the top. Signups began weeks ago and all the volunteers have marked their calendars, checked their… Read more: President’s Message
Another Competition in the History Books
It is almost unfathomable that the OCWS created and has been hosting the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition for 50 years. The just recently held 2026 competition was executed, as has come to be the norm, with exceptional professionalism. The attention to details was evident in every aspect of the… Read more: Another Competition in the History Books
Wiens Family Wins Best of Show from the Best Use of Color Category
Many achievements are being celebrated as part of our organization’s 50th anniversary and the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The Label Competition is no exception. Since the end of the era of requiring actual wine labels with bottle entries, the Label Competition has had to rely almost exclusively on digital… Read more: Wiens Family Wins Best of Show from the Best Use of Color Category