Grass underfoot, shade from tall trees, live music, juried crafts, gourmet food, a mellow vibe — an event like this already has the potential to dial up the pleasure and dial down the stress on a balmy spring weekend afternoon.
Add wine and you have a winner, an occasion guaranteed to draw crowds. And that's just what Columbia's Wine in the Woods has been doing for 22 years.
Come and see for yourself for the 23rd year on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Symphony Woods (gates open to early-setter-uppers at 10:30).
The event is the pride of the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, drawing festival goers that include those from houses within walking distance as well tourists from communities some distance away.
The event's origins go back to 1990. Noticing the success of the Carroll County Wine Festival one county over, Rec and Parks was tasked with studying the feasibility of a wine festival in Howard for the enjoyment of locals and as a tourist draw. Legislation was adopted in 1991 to clear the way legally. As to timing, the weekend after Mother's Day was seen as a good bet.
Then, it came down to where to hold it. What place in Howard County had a convenient, pleasant setting for a big crowd and the space to park 10,000 cars? Hmm. It probably didn't take long to zero in on Symphony Woods, proximate to crowd-accommodating Merriweather Post Pavilion.
The event has gone on each year, regardless of weather (it's held rain or shine). In 1997, some 7,500 attended each day. By 2007, that number had grown to 20,000. Now, it regularly exceeds 25,000.
Only Maryland wineries are permitted to pop and pour at Wine in the Woods. Under supervision of the Maryland Winery Association, participating vintners have grown from 10 in 1992 to 35 today.
Meanwhile, visitors will also find live music, 20 food vendors and crafts by 50 artisans.
Ticket prices vary. Identification must be shown for a wine-tasting wrist band.
On Saturday, May 16, a wine tasting wrist band costs $32 in advance, $40 at the gate. Designated drivers and youths ages 3-20 pay $25.
On Sunday, May 17, a tasting band is $27 in advance, $35 at the gate. Drivers and youth pay $20.
Advance tickets are available at the Rec and Parks headquarters in Columbia, North Laurel Community Center, Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville, Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City and the Robinson Nature Center in Columbia.
Twelve bands will be cooking up tunes — six each day split between two stages. Music styles are all over the map, but include jazz, latin, R&B, country and blues. Restaurateurs and caterers are also a mixed bunch, serving up everything from Polish sausage to curried goat.
A final note: This is a people event. Leave pets at home.