10 Things to Know About Wine in the Woods 2013

Howard County's annual celebration of Maryland wine takes place this weekend. This year's event will include about 1,500 volunteers from wineries and the community, and an expected attendance of 25,000 people, according to Anna Hunter, the marketing director for Howard County Recreation and Parks.

One of the new additions to this year's event is a cell phone app—available on both Droids and iPhones—that includes a map that shows where food vendors, artisans and wineries are located, as well as a schedule for the live music acts. You can download the app in the Droid or iPhone store by searching, "Wine in the Woods."

Here's 10 things to know about this year's event:

1. Taster tickets are $35 if purchased in advance and $40 at the gate on Saturday. On Sunday it’s $30 advance, $35 at the gate. The taster wristbands allow patrons to sample any wine being poured by the wineries. "It's basically unlimited," said Hunter. Patrons can also purchase bottles of wine at the event, which can be stored at a ‘wine check’ so people don’t have to carry them around throughout the event.

2. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Symphony Woods Park in Columbia’s Downtown. A total of 25,000 people are expected to attend.

3. Saturday tickets are good for lawn seats at Saturday’s Merriweather Post Pavilion concert featuring The Band Perry. The Band Perry is a country music group from Tennessee, perhaps best known for their 2010 single “If I Die Young.”

4. Blankets, tarps, low chairs and coolers are permitted at the event, but you may not bring outside alcohol. All coolers and bags will be searched at entrances.

5. The festival is not suitable for children and Howard County Recreation and Parks recommends that you do not bring anyone under the age of 21.

6. A total of 35 wineries are participating in this event. A full list can be found by clicking here.

7. The festival offers a designated driver program, in which patrons who volunteer to be a designated driver for their friends or family can pay $25 on Saturday or $20 on Sunday to enter the event. The wristband is good for free non-alcoholic drinks at the designated driver booth.

8. The event features live entertainment on two stages—the purple stage and green stage. The musical acts include a variety of genres from pop rock to reggae. A full list of acts can be found by clicking here.

9. Free parking for the festival is located in the Merriweather Post Pavilion parking lot. Auxiliary lots include the Rouse Building lot, Columbia Corporate Center parking garages (between the Mall and Symphony Woods), Century Plaza lot, and Sterrett Place north and south lots. Organizers ask that attendees not park at The Mall in Columbia.

10. Food vendors will serve up a wide range of food from chocolate truffles, pit beef, kettle corn to oxtail stew. To view all the food vendors click here. Artisans and crafters will have their wares for sale. At craft stands patrons can find carved wood, jewelry, garden art, stained glass, handwoven baskets and much more.

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