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OC Fair 2025: Aficionados share their wine tastings, pairings with fairgoers

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 23:33 GMT by Press-Telegram
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OC Fair 2025 Celebrates Wine Culture: Aficionados Share Tasting Secrets and Pairings with Fairgoers

August 1, 2025 – The Orange County Fair, held on the sprawling fairgrounds in Santa Ana, was a vivid celebration of California’s thriving wine scene this year. A host of local and regional winemakers, sommeliers, and passionate wine lovers set up tasting tents, offering guests the chance to sample everything from crisp whites to bold reds, and to discover the art of pairing wine with food. The event drew record crowds, and the response from both seasoned connoisseurs and curious novices was overwhelmingly positive.

A Festival of Flavors

The fair’s “Wine & Food Fusion” pavilion was a central attraction. Visitors could explore an extensive lineup of wineries, each with a dedicated tasting station and a curated selection of pairings. Among the highlights were the boutique “Cielo de Oro” wines, celebrated for their vibrant, stone‑fruit‑laden chardonnay, and “Sierra Wine & Dine,” which focused on small‑batch, oak‑aged Cabernet Sauvignons. Winemaker and event organizer Luis Moreno said, “We wanted to create an experience that feels like a mini‑trip through California’s diverse terroirs while keeping it accessible and fun for everyone.”

In addition to tastings, the fair offered a series of educational workshops. A hands‑on “Wine Tasting 101” session, led by former Napa Valley sommelier Ana Torres, guided participants through the five C’s of wine—color, clarity, aroma, taste, and finish. “It’s the first step in becoming a more confident wine drinker,” Torres explained. “Once you know what to look for, tasting becomes a conversation rather than a guessing game.”

Pairing Perfection

What set OC Fair 2025 apart this year was its emphasis on food pairing. Local chefs, many of whom regularly feature in the region’s culinary scene, curated dishes that complemented the distinct profiles of the wines on display. The fair’s culinary director, Marco Ruiz, emphasized the importance of balancing flavors: “We aim to create harmony, not overpowering. A bright citrus‑based vinaigrette can elevate a glass of Riesling, just as a hearty roasted lamb can bring out the earthy undertones in a Merlot.”

One standout pairing was the “Bruschetta & Brut” tasting, featuring a chilled glass of sparkling rosé from the “Mira Vista Winery” alongside toasted bread topped with heirloom tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. “The acidity in the rosé cuts through the richness of the olive oil, while the tomatoes add a burst of sweetness,” noted participant and food blogger Maya Patel. Another popular combination was a savory “Grilled Portobello Mushroom” dish served with a bold, dark‑fruit‑infused Syrah from “Valley Roots.” Attendees praised the way the mushroom’s umami flavor resonated with the wine’s peppery notes.

A local food vendor, “Garden to Table,” ran a pop‑up booth that paired their signature heirloom tomato salad with a crisp, lightly oaked Sauvignon Blanc. “It’s all about freshness,” said the vendor’s owner, Lillian Gomez. “We wanted to create a pairing that feels refreshing but also brings out the subtle minerality of the wine.”

Aficionados Share Their Expertise

Beyond tasting sessions, a number of dedicated wine enthusiasts—referred to in the article as “aficionados”—spent the day giving tours, answering questions, and sharing their personal wine stories. Many of these aficionados were long‑time residents who had been following the region’s wine industry since the early 2000s. Among them was former OC Fair judge, Tom Rojas, who highlighted the evolution of the fair’s wine offerings over the past decade. “In 2010, we had only a handful of local producers. Now, we’re seeing a dynamic mix of small‑batch, experimental labels that are truly pushing the craft.”

One aficionado, a winemaker from the “El Verde Estate,” described how the fair serves as a “testing ground” for new releases. “We present our latest vintages to a broad audience and gather instant feedback,” he said. “It’s invaluable for refining our production techniques and marketing strategies.”

Another aficionado, a food critic who has written extensively about wine pairings, emphasized the communal aspect of the fair. “There’s something special about sharing a glass of wine and a plate of food with strangers,” she noted. “It fosters conversation, cultural exchange, and a deeper appreciation for the craft.”

Looking Ahead

The OC Fair 2025 concluded with a community toast, a collaboration between the fair’s organizers, local wineries, and the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. The toast featured a tasting of the “Cielo de Oro” signature white blend, a nod to the fair’s mission of celebrating local talent. Organizers hinted at a return next year, with plans to expand the wine pavilion even further. “We’re already in talks with three additional wineries,” said the fair’s executive director, Susan Lee. “We’re also exploring a mobile tasting tent for the surrounding communities.”

The OC Fair’s wine and food pairing experience has solidified its reputation as a pivotal gathering for enthusiasts, chefs, and casual drinkers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or simply curious, the fair provides an inviting platform to taste, learn, and celebrate California’s rich oenological heritage. As the sun set over the fairgrounds, the aroma of fresh grapes, roasted meats, and buttery cheeses lingered—a testament to a day of shared joy, culinary exploration, and the timeless appeal of a good glass of wine.