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.
Latest News
- A Vintner’s Irreverent Musings
Differences between Commercial and Homemade Wine I am an artist and a lover of wine. A known contrarian. And after years of creating scores of wines of different varietals, an award-winning home winemaker. Let us get the foundation of my experience straight, right off the bat. Establish my perspective so… Read more: A Vintner’s Irreverent Musings - President’s Message
Fred Heinecke This is the season for the OC Fair Wine competitions. The Commercial Competition took place May 30 and 31 at the Costa Mesa Hilton. The 50th annual was the big event and a big success. The Commercial Wine Competition Committee always strives for, and each year seems to… Read more: President’s Message - Mini-Tasting Results
The Results Are In Last month, we hosted an engaging Mini Tasting focused on the diverse terroir of Paso Robles, specifically comparing wines from the West and East sides of the Salinas River. The event showcased a range of varietals, from crisp Sauvignon Blancs and buttery Chardonnays, to robust Zinfandels and… Read more: Mini-Tasting Results - CHEF OF THE EVENING
CHICKEN PARMESAN SERVED AT MINI-TASTING – Shelley Cohen Ingredients 2 Packages of chicken thighs (can use breasts but not as moist) All purpose flour 3 large eggs – sometimes more Italian seasoned bread crumbs Parmesan cheese 3 TBL chopped fresh parsley 1 ½ tsp salt (divided) ¾ tsp… Read more: CHEF OF THE EVENING - Home Wine Competition Volunteers Needed
It’s almost time for the 50th annual OC Fair Home Wine Competition. It is organized and sponsored by the OCWS Winemakers Group. We need your help to make it a success. The competition is on Saturday, June 6 at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. It’s a… Read more: Home Wine Competition Volunteers Needed - Wine Wisdom
50 Years and Counting A lot happened 50 years ago. Fifty years ago, we celebrated America’s bicentennial. Fifty years ago, Apple Computer and Microsoft were incorporated. Fifty years ago, the first Rocky movie was released and Nadia Comaneci scored the first ever perfect 10 in an Olympic gymnastics’ competition. And… Read more: Wine Wisdom - Photo of the Month Winner
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCETami Stancil shot this photo of a wine press from 1767 at Marksburg Castle in Braubach, Germany. Photo Contest & Event Photos June is here, summer is settling in, and wine season is in full swing! Long evenings, backyard gatherings, beach sunsets, concerts, cookouts, and vineyard adventures—there are so… Read more: Photo of the Month Winner
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