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.

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
Behind the Scenes of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
By Fran Gitsham, Commercial Wine Competition Chair Who could have imagined 50 years ago that, for the love of wine, the world’s largest California-only wine competition was being born? The OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition is now celebrating its golden anniversary. From the outside, the competition seems to run flawlessly,… Read more: Behind the Scenes of the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
President’s Message
by Fred Heinecke As we approach the 50th annual Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the Home Wine Competition and The Courtyard at the Fair, time seems to be flying by. The Commercial Competition is May 30 and 31 and the Home Wine Competition takes place June 6 at the… Read more: President’s Message
TRANSFORMING THE COURTYARD TAKES A CREW
You know it’s a place to relax and enjoy award-winning California wines while promoting the OCWS Scholarship Program. We know when you walk through The Courtyard gates at the OC Fair that it is one of the best venues to visit because of our crew, and it’s our special 50th! … Read more: TRANSFORMING THE COURTYARD TAKES A CREW
Winning Recipe: COCONUT MACAROONS
Ingredients14 oz. sweetened shredded coconut14 oz. condensed milk (Eagle brandpreferred)1 tsp. pure vanilla extract2 extra large egg whites, roomtemperature1/4 tsp. kosher salt DirectionsPREHEAT oven to 325 degrees F. COMBINE coconut, condensed milkand vanilla in a large bowl.WHIP egg whites in bowl of electricmixer until medium peaks. Carefullyfold the egg whites… Read more: Winning Recipe: COCONUT MACAROONS