Utica Zoo’s 18th annual Wine in the Wilderness is Saturday, June 3rd from 6 to 9 pm.  We can't imagine you need multiple reasons to go but if you do then here's 10. 

  • Wine Enthusiast's Get Early Entry

    Grzegorz Oleksa/ThinkStock
    Grzegorz Oleksa/ThinkStock
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    Wine Enthusiast tickets are in limited supply with only 300 available. The VIP ticket features a 4 pm entry instead of the general admission time slot of 6 pm, wine-tasting education and live music by Rachele DePalma. Also covered are heavy hors d’oeuvres like arugula, goat cheese and olive on cucumber, pear and goat cheese in phyllo with red wine reduction, caramelized three-onion bruschetta, crab and avocado crostini, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, endive filled with curried chicken salad and grilled corn. Assorted cheese. Strawberries. Garlic pizza bites and Pairwell wine sticks. These tickets are $75 in advance and only available at UticaZoo.org/wine, Eventbrite.com, and the Utica Zoo Gift Shop.

  • For The Love Of Wine

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    monkeybusinessimages/ThinkStock
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    You can sample and purchase New York State wines, including a limited edition “Luscious Lynx Peach Chardonnay” by Prospect Falls Winery. $2 from every bottle will be donated back to the zoo. Purchase a wine slushy from Ashley Lynn Winery, sample wine from Crooked Lake Winery, Idol Ridge Winery, Lakeland Winery, Mohawk Valley Winery, Montezuma Winery, Pazdar Winery, Prospect Falls Winery, Stone Age Winery, Thousand Islands Winery, Victorianbourg Wine Estate, Venditti Vineyards, Villa Verona Vineyard, Yellow Barn Winery. Breweries: Saranac Brewery and Woodland Farm Brewery.or sample beers from Saranac Brewery and Woodland Farm Brewery.

  • You Broke Last Year's Wine Glass

    Cindy McMullen
    Cindy McMullen
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    Did you break last year's Utica Zoo wine glass too? Did you cry like Cindy did? Well, replace it. The first 2,000 through the gate will receive a free one.

  • It's Easy On The Wallet

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    Damon_Moss/ThinkS tock
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    Buying tickets won't break the bank.

    General Admission: $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
    Utica Zoo Members: $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
    Designated Drivers: $20 in advance and at the door. Designated driver tickets to do not get a wine glass and will not be served alcohol at the event.
    Ticket Locations: UticaZoo.org/wine, Eventbrite.com, Utica Zoo Gift Shop, also at your local liquor stores soon!

  • Tasty Light Snacks

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    ThinkStock
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    Light snacks are included: Nosh on garlic pizza bites, tomato pie, assorted cheese, pretzels, sausage & peppers, and more! The following vendors will be on site: Gyros from the Grapevine, Tibbitt’s Maple, Mel’s Creations, Adirondack Puppy Truffles, So Sweet Candy, El Jefe’s Tacos and More Food Truck, Oneida County Tourism, Huckleberry Hill Soap, Mustard Seed, Mr. Nutty, Holy Smoque’s BBQ Fusion and more!

  • Learn To Hula Hoop

    Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures/ThinkStock
    Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures/ThinkStock
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    You can learn, or remember, how to hula hoop with a member of Upstate Hoopz. They'll show us tricks and combos that are amazing. Upstate Hoopz touts themselves as a new spin on fitness and fun with a retro "'toy.' They specialize in workshops, fitness classes, dance lessons and birthday parties.

  • See Old Friends

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    Jupiterimages/ThinkStock
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    You know it always happens. You're out at the Wine in the Wilderness fundraiser and you run into old friends that you haven't seen in a while. You end up making some fun plans to catch up. What a great way to start the Summer!

  • Free Parking And Free Cab Rides

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    scanrail/ThinkStock
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    There's free parking at the Utica Zoo Wine in the Wilderness event with free overflow parking at MVCC Payne Hall parking lot and the Parkway Rec Center. Shuttle buses will take you to and from the zoo at no cost from 5:30 to 10:00 pm. Attendees may be dropped off and picked up at the zoo. Free cab rides home brought to you by Martin, Harding & Mazzotti by calling 1-800-LAW-1010 the night of the event.

  • The Red Pandas Are Even Cutier At This Event

    Handout/Getty Images News
    Handout/Getty Images News
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    Actually, all the animals are adorable at this fundraiser. The Utica Zoo cares for over 200 individual animals representing 99 species. In their main exhibit collection, they have over 140 individual animals representing 64 species.

  • Do It For The Animals and The Utica Zoo

    Photo Courtesy of the Utica Zoo
    Photo Courtesy of the Utica Zoo
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    Not all communities have a Zoo of this magnitude. We all need to support their fundraising efforts to continue to have zoo camps, educational programs and help pay for food supply, enrichment, care, and well-being. The Utica Zoo is a non-profit organization, they rely on grants and donations from the community. Support the Utica Zoo. All proceeds from this event stay here.

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