What You Need to Know About This Year's 'Wine in the Wilderness'

The wine-sampling, animal-watching, summer event is back! We're talking about the Utica Zoo's Wine in the Wilderness coming up in June.

If you've never experienced "Wine in the Wilderness" at the Utica Zoo, we suggest you make 2018 the year to do so. Not only will you be sampling delicious local wines while viewing all the animals at the zoo, but you'll also get to check out many different vendors, see the band "Simple Props" perform, enjoy snacks and treats, AND taste a special wine that is being created by Prospect Falls Winery just for this event. Alright, let's break it down:

WHEN: Wine in the Wilderness is Saturday, June 2nd from 6pm to 9pm.

WINERIES: According to the Utica Zoo, these wineries will be on-site -
- Ashley Lynn Winery (with those delicious wine slushies)
- Lakeland Winery
- Montezuma Winery
- Crooked Lake Winery
- Tughill Vineyards
- Prospect Falls Winery
- Idol Ridge Winery
- Zugibe Vineyards
- Idol Ridge Winery
- Owera Vineyards
- Stone Age Winery
- Thousand Island Winery
- Pazdar Winery
- Villa Verona Vineyard
- Yellow Barn Winery
- Victorianbourg Wine Estate
- Americana Vineyards Winery
- Saranac Brewery

These wineries (and Saranac) will be offering samples throughout the 3-hour event, and many will have bottles available for purchase. Make sure you keep an eye on the Utica Zoo's website for more wineries being added at: UticaZoo.org/Wine

FOOD INCLUDED: You'll be able to enjoy tomato pie, cheeses and pretzels, sausage and peppers, and other delicious foods at no additional costs. There will be food trucks and other vendors with snacks and meals available for purchase as well.

TICKETS: They are available now and are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. If you're a Utica Zoo member, tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets are also available for designated drivers for $20. They can be purchased at the Utica Zoo Gift Shop, online at: UticaZoo.org/Wine, and will soon be available at select liquor stores throughout Central New York.

FINAL DETAILS: The biggest thing to know is that (like mentioned earlier), Prospect Falls Winery is creating a special wine for this event. Last year it was the "Red Panda Rose" and it was AMAZING. (Seriously, I bought two bottles after sampling it). This year it's going to be the "Luscious Lynx Peach Chardonnay." According to the Utica Zoo's website, $2 from every bottle of "Luscious Lynx Peach Chardonnay" that's purchased is donated right back to the zoo. So you can leave with goodies for a later date and help out the Utica Zoo at the same time!
***ALSO: You don't want to arrive late to this event. The first 2,000 attendees through the gate will get a special commemorative Utica Zoo Wine Glass for free. You can get more details on "Wine in the Wilderness" by visiting: UticaZoo.org/Wine