30th Wine in the Woods set for this weekend in Columbia

Allana Haynes, Howard County Times, Columbia, Md.
·2 min read

May 15—Wine enthusiasts will descend on Columbia for the 30th time this weekend, for Wine in the Woods.

Ticket holders will be able to sample wines from 12 Maryland wineries and purchase beer from six Maryland breweries on Saturday and Sunday at Symphony Woods in Columbia.

Nick Mooneyhan, Howard County director of Recreation and Parks, said this year's event will include new breweries and wineries as well as two new juried crafters and one new performer.

"This year, we are excited to have added some new wineries and breweries, allowing those attending this year to learn more about the many small businesses in Maryland," he said. "We have added some more merriments, in addition to Bacchus, the living statute, we will have a wine pond statue and strolling waiter and by popular demand, we are also bringing back the photo booth."

The event will include 30 artisans and crafters, 13 performers and 18 food vendors, in addition to the traditional wine-tasting activities.

Wine in the Woods was inspired by and modeled after the Maryland Wine Festival in Carroll County. After seeing that event's success, Paul Farragut, who at the time was a county councilman representing Columbia, advocated for a similar event to promote tourism in Howard County.

In 1997, event attendance averaged about 7,500 people each day and by 2007, it averaged about 20,000 attendees daily. In recent years, daily attendance has averaged 10,000 to 20,000 people.

"This is a great event for local Maryland businesses and Howard County tourism, as people shop and eat at local stores, stay in local hotels and learn more about Columbia," Mooneyhan said.

Maryland breweries and wineries at this year's event include:

— Brookeville Beer Farm, of Brookeville

— Cushwa and Rad Pies Taproom, of Columbia

— Heavy Seas Beer, of Halethorpe

— Manor Hill Brewing, of Ellicott City

— Oliver Brewing Co., of Baltimore

— Sapwood Cellars Brewery, of Columbia

— Bordeleau Vineyards and Winery, of Eden

— Broken Spoke Winery, or Earleville

— Clear Skies Meadery, of Rockville

— Cove Point Winery, of Lusby

— Far Eastern Shore Winery, of Easton

— Kind Vine Teacher Wines, of Easton

— Misfit Winery, of Beltsville

— Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery, of Middletown

— Running Hare Vineyard, of Prince Frederick

— St. Michaels Winery, of St. Michaels

— Stonehouse Urban Winery, of Hagerstown

— The Urban Winery, of Silver Spring

Wine in the Woods will take place at Symphony Woods by Merriweather Post Pavilion at 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., in Columbia, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are on sale online and at entrances on the day of the event, and range from $30-$85. Taster tickets include a wine glass and unlimited wine tasting. The event is for people 21 and older, but children are permitted and require a non-tasters ticket for ages 2 and older. No pets are permitted.

For more information, visit wineinthewoods.com.