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30 | OHCC LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2026 | At Ocean Hills Country Club, settling into a new home is about more than unpacking boxes — it's about joining a vibrant community filled with activities, friendships, and opportunities to connect. That's where Newbies, the OHCC welcoming committee, comes in. Our mission is simple: to ensure every resident feels comfortable, supported, and at home from the very beginning. Each quarter, Newbies hosts a community potluck that brings together both new and longtime residents. These relaxed gatherings offer a chance to meet neighbors, share stories, and start building the friendships that make OHCC such a special place to live. With 40+ official clubs and countless special-interest groups, OHCC is often described as a year-round summer camp for adults. Whether you enjoy golf, racquet sports, swimming, bocce, crafts, music, billiards, mahjongg, or card games, you're sure to find activities — and people — who share your interests. Newbies Leadership Update Lynn Bible and Rosemary Bray have coordinated Newbies for nearly four years and will be stepping down after the December 2026 event. We are looking for volunteers to take over planning and hosting future gatherings. If you are interested, please contact us at ohccnewbies@gmail.com for more information. Please join us for the next Newbies Potluck on Sat., Sept. 26, from 1 to 3 pm on The Lanai. Cake and cookies will be provided; please bring a potluck dish to share with eight to 10 people. RSVPs are not required for this event. Remember, life is richer when shared with friends — and we can't wait to meet you. Warmly, Lynn Bible & Rosemary Bray, Newbies Co-Leaders Newbies e "Sideways Eect" Few movies have had a greater influence on the wine industry than the 2004 Academy Award-winning film Sideways. What began as a small independent film about two friends taking a wine-tasting trip through California's Central Coast became a cultural phenomenon that transformed consumer buying habits and reshaped the state's vineyards. The movie's main character, Miles Raymond, is a devoted admirer of Pinot Noir, praising the grape's elegance, complexity, and delicate nature. In one unforgettable scene, he emphatically refuses to drink Merlot. Although intended as a humorous reflection of the character's personal preferences, that single line became one of the most quoted moments in wine history. Almost overnight, Americans developed a new fascination with Pinot Noir. Restaurants expanded their Pinot Noir selections, wine retailers increased their inventories, and wineries enjoyed soaring sales. At the same time, Merlot's popularity declined as many consumers mistakenly concluded that it was an inferior wine. California growers responded to the surge in demand by planting thousands of additional acres of Pinot Noir, particularly in cool-climate regions such as Santa Barbara County, the Russian River Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Monterey County, and the Santa Lucia Highlands. For years, the investment paid handsome dividends as demand continued to grow. Two decades later, however, the industry faces a very different reality. Wine consumption has declined, especially among younger adults, many of whom prefer cocktails, craft beer, ready-to-drink beverages, or choose to drink less alcohol altogether. The vineyards planted during the Sideways boom are now producing more Pinot Noir than the market can absorb. As a result, some growers are making the painful decision to remove healthy, productive vineyards. These vines are not worn out; they are victims of changing consumer tastes and an oversupplied market. Recent reports, including a New York Times feature, have highlighted this dramatic reversal. The legacy of Sideways remains remarkable. It introduced countless Americans to the pleasures of Pinot Noir, boosted tourism throughout California wine country, and permanently changed the wine conversation. Yet it also serves as a reminder that even the most successful trends can come full circle. In the wine business, popularity can inspire prosperity — but it can also lead to overproduction when consumer preferences inevitably evolve. Residents can join the OH Wine Tasting Club for $15 per person per year by signing up at the Clubhouse front desk. ~ ChatGPT - Jody McDonough, jodyzm@gmail.com Wine Tasting Club