News Summary
The OC Fair this summer invites wine lovers to explore over 2,500 wines through wine seminars and tastings. With sessions hosted by the Orange County Wine Society, attendees can learn wine pairing techniques while enjoying popular fair foods. The Wine Courtyard features around 150 wine varieties, enhancing the fair experience with quick service options. New this year, concertgoers can bring wine into venues using inflatable bottles. The fair also emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement, making it a unique destination for wine enthusiasts.
OC Fair Hosts Wine Seminars and Tastings with Over 2,500 Wines Available
Orange County, CA – The OC Fair offers wine enthusiasts a comprehensive experience this summer, featuring wine seminars and tastings with over 2,500 different wines available. Every weekend throughout the fair’s 23-day run, attendees can join wine seminars hosted by the Orange County Wine Society (OCWS) for a fee of $30. Participants learn essential techniques for wine pairing with popular fair foods, including funnel cakes, corndogs, and bacon-wrapped pickles.
Visitors to the fair can indulge in approximately 150 different varieties of wine and will have access to about 10,000 bottles during the event. The Wine Courtyard, operational from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, creates a shaded space for wine lovers to relax. The area is designed to resemble a traditional winery, featuring high-top and picnic tables. Additionally, a wine express bar runs daily from 5 to 9 p.m. for those seeking quick service.
This year, the OC Fair introduces a new initiative allowing concertgoers to take purchased wine into concert venues using inflatable wine bottles, enhancing the overall experience for guests. The OCWS has been part of the fair for 49 years, focusing on wine education and contributions to nonprofit initiatives, making this collaboration a long-standing affair.
Wine Education and Competitions
The OCWS is active in promoting wine education through its Featured Winery program, allowing fair visitors to meet winemakers from across California. In addition to seminars, the society hosts two annual wine competitions; one focuses on commercial wines, while the other is dedicated to home wines. This year’s competitions call for entries into the 2025 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition by May 16 and the Home Wine Competition by May 23.
The OC Wine Society has contributed significantly to education in California, donating over $946,000 to various educational initiatives. Proceeds from wine tastings and other activities held during the fair are directed towards a scholarship fund supporting eight colleges offering wine and culinary programs. The organization’s goal for the next year is to reach the $1 million milestone in donations.
Inclusivity and Community Engagement
The society actively promotes inclusivity within its membership, encompassing diverse ages, races, and backgrounds, thereby fostering a sense of community among wine enthusiasts. Members frequently visit various California wineries but recognize the fair as a unique and convenient opportunity to discover a wide array of wines from the region.
As part of this year’s fair, which runs from July 18 through August 17, 2025, the theme is “Find Your Happy.” Visitors can access the Wine Courtyard conveniently behind the Huntington Beach pavilion or through Plaza Pacifico and Crafters Village.
The combination of wine seminars, tastings, and community engagement activities offers fairgoers an informative yet enjoyable experience, making this year’s OC Fair a noteworthy destination for both locals and tourists interested in exploring California’s wine culture and culinary offerings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Daily Breeze: OC Fair 2025 Wine Tastings
- Wine Business: OC Fair Highlights
- Wine Industry Advisor: OC Fair Wine Competitions
- Laguna Beach Indy: Laguna Canyon Winery Milestone
- Wine Industry Advisor: OCWS Scholarship Donation
- Wikipedia: Wine
- Google Search: Wine Pairing
- Google Scholar: Wine Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- Google News: OC Fair Wine
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
