Orange County Wine Society, Inc.

The Orange County Wine Society, Inc. was founded in 1976 by Brant Horton, an Orange County wine retailer. As a non-profit corporation the society’s purpose is to promote the knowledge of wine making, viticulture and the appreciation of wine.

The Orange County Wine Society is the co-sponsor of the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, and is responsible for obtaining and classifying the wines, and for staging and conducting the actual competition. The Society rapidly grew along with the competition itself to where it is probably the largest local, independent, non-affiliated organization of its type in the country.

In addition to co-sponsoring the commercial Wine Competition of the Orange County Fair, the Society also conducts the Fair’s home wine competition. Throughout the year it is active in programs and projects that contribute to the education and knowledge of wine, including the granting of scholarships to deserving students in oenology and viticulture. In 1992, the Orange County Wine Society expanded its scholarship program to include students enrolled in Culinary Arts programs.

Membership is open to adults who are interested in learning more about wine making and viticulture. The Society has one or two meetings per month and welcomes inquiries from interested potential members at any time.