June 6th, 2026 | 6-9 PM | Utica Zoo

Wine in the Wilderness is the Utica Zoo’s annual 21+ wine tasting event that takes place right on zoo grounds surrounded by magnificent wildlife.

Grab a friend, a drink, a snack, and take in the beautiful atmosphere that is Utica Zoo’s Wine in the Wilderness! Our 26th Wine in the Wilderness is Saturday, June 6th, 2026 from 6pm-9pm at the Utica Zoo!

You’ll be able to sample New York State wines and seltzers from stand-out wineries while also enjoying live music, delicious local food trucks, and a wide variety of vendors!

Wine in the Wilderness is a rain or shine event and strictly 21+ with a valid ID.

Sponsorship opportunities for this event (of more than 4 thousand guests) are available. Boost your brand’s recognition and submit your interest to a.heath@uticazoo.org to inquire.

Interested in being a winery or vendor at this large-scale event? Email events@uticazoo.org for more details!

Please Note that the Utica Zoo will close at 1pm on the day of the event for preparations and setup. We will reopen at 6pm for the event!

Tickets:

Tickets are entirely digital to help preserve our environment and can be purchased online anytime by clicking the button below, or can be purchased in-person at our gift shop between 10:00am and 4:30pm 7 days a week.

Member Admission - Pre-Sale $30
General Admission - Pre-Sale $35
Member Admission - At the Door $35
General Admission - At the Door $40
Designated Driver $20

Designated driver tickets do not get a wine glass and will not be served alcohol at the event.

Live Music by:

Last Left

Parking

Parking is always free to guests but is first come first served for large events, with free overflow parking at MVCC’s A1 lot as well as the Parkway Rec Center. Convenient shuttle buses will take you to and from the zoo at no cost from 5:30pm to 10:00 pm. Attendees may be dropped off and picked up at the zoo. Uber, Lyft, and local taxi companies are highly suggested due to the nature of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What time is the event?

Wine in the Wilderness 2026 runs from 6pm to 9pm on June 6th!

Do I need to bring my ID?

Everyone – regardless of age – will need to pass through our ID check when entering the zoo. Please make sure you keep you ID on you at all times!

What kind of beverages will be available?

Wine in the Wilderness is a wine and spirits tasting event, and your ticket (unless you are a Designated Driver) will get you a wine glass and FREE tastings at ALL of the featured wineries, breweries, and alcohol vendors, including samples from City Liquors! You will also be able to purchase bottles and other merchandise from these vendors to consume on grounds or to take home.

What is there to eat at the event?

There will be plenty of delicious local food trucks to try!

Can I smoke at the event?

Smoking is not permitted during normal operating hours, but is instead strongly discouraged on zoo grounds for this event. There is a designated smoking area between our Polly’s Concessions and Rotary Pavilion from 6pm to 9pm on June 6th, only.

Is parking available?

While we will have SOME space available to visitors to park at the zoo, we will have OVERFLOW parking at the Parkway Rec Center AND MVCC’s A1 lot. These overflow areas WILL have shuttle buses running to and from them from 5pm until 10pm.

How late can I buy pre-sale tickets?

Tickets will be purchasable at their Pre-Sale rate up until 5pm on June 1st!

Tickets are available digitally through the links on this page OR sold in-person at our gift shop during normal operating hours.

Should I bring cash?

While cash is NOT required to enjoy the event, some food trucks and vendors MAY require it. If you don’t bring cash with you, there will be and ATM located in our Visitor Center’s Gift Shop!

Will the zoo's hours change due to the event?

Due to needing a few hours to setup for this special event, the zoo will close at 1pm on June 6th. So, if you are planning to visit the zoo during normal hours, keep that in mind!