Wine in the Woods in Columbia, Maryland

The countdown is on to Wine in the Woods in Columbia, Maryland, an annual celebration of wine in Symphony Woods.

This year’s Wine in the Woods will be held Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday May 17 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event will be held at Symphony Woods, a 36-acre park owned by the Columbia Association located in Columbia’s downtown on Little Patuxent Parkway. Symphony Woods actually encircles Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue.

Symphony Woods is located a quick 15 minute drive from The Wayside Inn, making it a convenient and exciting excursion during your stay.

This rain or shine event started in 1992 with 10 wineries and has grown to include 35 wineries, as well as nearly 50 artisans, musicians on two stages and more than 20 food vendors.

What to expect

In addition to participating in tastings at Wine in the Woods, you can also attend seminars to deepen your knowledge. Whether you’re a “newbie” or an experienced wine drinker, be sure to sit in on seminars covering a range of topics from Wine Tasting 101 to the History of Wine in Maryland. Seminars will be presented by Tasters Guild International and the Maryland Wineries Association.

There will be several wine tastings each day featuring white, red, dessert wines. Visit the event website for details on the participating wineries.

What to bring, what not to bring

Be sure to bring your ID with you. When you’re packing your car for the festival, feel free to bring blankets or tarps to place on the ground. You may also bring coolers for food or picnic baskets, as well as low-backed chairs. Please do not bring tents, grills, tables or alcohol.

Where to get tickets

When you buy tickets in advance, you have the opportunity to enter the park each day before other guests. That allows you to come in and find your spot before the festival officially opens at 11 a.m.

The following tickets are available:

Saturday, May 16, 11 AM-6 PM

Wine Taster: $32 advanced purchase; $40 at gate

*Designated Driver: $25

Youth (ages 3-20): $25

Sunday, May 17, 11 AM-5 PM

Wine Taster: $27 advanced purchase; $35 at gate

**Designated Driver: $20

Youth (ages 3-20): $20

Visit the event website to purchase advance tickets. 

You may also purchase tickets in advance at the following locations:

• Recreation & Parks HQ (7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia)
• North Laurel Comm. Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel)
• Gary J. Arthur Comm. Center (2400 Rt. 97, Cooksville)
• Roger Carter Comm. Center (3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City)
• Robinson Nature Center (6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia)

THE WAYSIDE INN

If you’re planning to attend the festival, let the Wayside Inn serve as your home base during your visit. Our Ellicott City bed and breakfast is a romantic retreat from everyday reality. The Wayside Inn is the perfect place for you to escape. After a day enjoying Wine in the Woods, come back to The Wayside Inn where you can relax in one of our six beautiful, quaint rooms. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast that you’re sure to love.