SCHNECKSVILLE EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Sip Local Wines Amidst Giraffes and Live Music: Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Ninth Annual Fall Wine Festival
A one-day festival on Sept. 27 pairing samples from regional wineries and distilleries with artisan food and the zoo’s interactive exhibits — essential planning details and what to expect.
Sip Local Wines Amidst Giraffes and Live Music: Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Ninth Annual Fall Wine Festival.
The Lehigh Valley Zoo opens its gates for the ninth annual Fall Wine Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27 — an event that stitches tastings from local wineries and distilleries into a day among animal exhibits, live music and artisan food vendors. Sampling runs alongside the zoo’s regular visiting hours, creating a single looped route of stations where guests (21+) can sip, learn and stroll.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Regional Wineries and Distilleries on Offer
Sample wines, ciders and spirits from Lehigh Valley producers — including named participants such as J&P Winery, Kilimanjaro Distillery, Lucky Leprechaun Winery, Renegade Winery and others — with staffed tasting stations across the zoo during sampling hours.
Artisan Vendors and Festival Fare
The festival pairs tastings with gourmet offerings from local vendors — examples include Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pickle Pickle, Geakers Tacos and Cockatoo Cafe — giving you sweet, savory and casual options as you move between sampling stops.
Zoo Exhibits and Live Music
Throughout the day, live music provides a soundtrack as attendees visit interactive animal exhibits and enjoy the zoo’s outdoor setting — a blend of wildlife encounters and festival atmosphere.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a paced, self-directed loop through the Lehigh Valley Zoo: sampling stations operate within a fixed window while the zoo remains open for general visitors. Guests follow the footsteps of families and other visitors between exhibits, stopping at tasting tents, vendor booths and music areas — all within the zoo footprint.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this festival suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The zoo is open from 10 AM to 4 PM; sampling runs from 10 AM to 3 PM, so plan to arrive early if you want the full tasting window.
A valid photo ID is required for anyone wishing to sample or purchase alcoholic beverages.
The meeting and entry location is 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078; use the zoo entrance as your arrival point.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is the Fall Wine Festival?
The ninth annual Fall Wine Festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 27; the zoo is open 10 AM–4 PM and sampling runs 10 AM–3 PM.
Where is the event held?
At the Lehigh Valley Zoo, located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078.
Am I eligible to sample wines and ciders?
Sampling participants must be 21 or older and present a valid photo ID and a Fall Wine Festival sampling ticket; each paid sampling participant receives a complimentary LV Zoo Wine Sampling Glass while supplies last.
Are other beverages available?
Yes — craft beer and other alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in addition to the featured wine and cider samplings.
Will there be food at the festival?
Yes — gourmet treats and festival food are provided by artisan vendors and food operators such as Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pickle Pickle, Geakers Tacos and Cockatoo Cafe.
Do I need to purchase a separate zoo admission?
Sampling is tied to Fall Wine Festival admission — a complimentary sampling glass is provided with paid FWF admission while supplies last — and standard zoo hours apply for all guests.