Utica, NY – The Utica Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated event, the 23rd annual Wine in the Wilderness, presented by Bank of Utica on Saturday, June 3rd, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Live music will fill the air as Simple Props takes the stage. Beverages will feature a selection of New York State wineries, wine slushies, as well as options from Saranac Brewery and Awestruck Premium Cider. A variety of food trucks and unique vendors will be on-site, providing unique bites and an array of interesting products to explore.
General admission tickets, priced at $50 in advance and $55 at the gate, provide access to the entire zoo, which will remain open for the duration of the evening, as well as a commemorative wine glass to enjoy the various samplings. Utica Zoo Members receive discounted ticket price of $45 in advance and $50 at the gate, while designated driver tickets are available for $25. Individuals who purchase a designated driver ticket will not receive a wine glass. Complimentary soda and water will be readily available to all attendees. Pre-sale tickets are available now for purchase at the Utica Zoo Gift Shop, online, and at select liquor stores in the area. For a complete list of participating locations, please visit uticazoo.org/wine.
To ensure convenience for attendees, ‘first come, first served’ parking is available at the Utica Zoo. Free overflow parking can be found at the MVCC Payne Hall parking lot and the Parkway Rec Center, with free shuttle buses operating from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm to transport guests to and from the zoo. For those opting for alternative transportation, drop-off and pick-up at the zoo is available, and the use of ride-sharing services, such as Uber, Lyft, and local taxi companies, is highly recommended.
Wine in the Wilderness is sponsored by Bank of Utica, Hummels Office Plus/BME Complete Office Solutions, First Source Federal Credit Union, and PJ Green.
Please note that Wine in the Wilderness is exclusively for individuals aged 21 and above. Attendees must present a valid ID for entry into the event.
In preparation for the event, the Utica Zoo will close for regular visitors at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 3rd, to facilitate the necessary setup. The zoo will resume its regular business hours and operations starting Sunday at 10:00 am.
Wine in the Wilderness is an annual tradition enjoyed by many, and the Utica Zoo invites everyone to join in the celebration of this remarkable evening. By attending this event, guests are also supporting the zoo’s mission to provide exceptional care for the animals and contribute to conservation efforts.
For more information about Wine in the Wilderness, including ticket purchases and additional details, please visit uticazoo.org/wine.