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(Aronda's Note: Some of
the material on this page was derived from official WDW news
sources)
Regional Flavors Showcased in Great Food, Wine and Beer
A world of discovery is on the menu when the Epcot
International Food and Wine Festival celebrates its 11th year
of great tastes Sept. 29 through Nov. 12.
Walt Disney World guests can explore the nuances of wine
made from the Cabernet varietal in several countries and
compare flavors of cheddar originating in the pastures of
Vermont or the mountains of France. Each day during the
six-week-long festival, the park's Future World and World
Showcase overflow with first-rate food, wine and beer that
spotlight regional experiences from New Zealand to Mexico.
More than 20 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized
portions of regional specialties, and daily seminars offer
tastes of wine and beer from around the world. In addition, a
series of special culinary programs features a lineup of
renowned winemakers and guest chefs participating in elegant
dinners, wine schools, cooking schools and pairings.
The Epcot festival has grown dramatically, attracting a
diverse audience of more than one million each year -- from
wine connoisseurs and epicures to droves of wine neophytes
eager to boost their wine IQs. Beer aficionados can raise
their steins to the Biergarten in the Germany showcase and
other festival venues that specialize in brews from light to
dark. And tea drinkers can celebrate the leaves of their own
favorite "cuppa" as Twinings Tea marks its 300th
anniversary with daily festival tastings.
Top musical entertainment pairs well with the culinary fun
during nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a
varied lineup of classic rock, oldies and country hitmakers.
"No other festival of this scope and caliber exists in
the world," said Nora Carey, festival manager. "This
is where we showcase the exceptional culinary and wine-related
talent of Walt Disney World Resort along with the great
celebrity chefs and wine connoisseurs in the industry."
More than 100 wineries offer complimentary tastings, and
guests can sample the marketplace cuisine in tasting portions
ranging from $1.50 to $4.50. Other highlights include:
- The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and
Sparkling Wine Bar, commemorative posters and other
festival keepsakes.
- Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting
culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and
tasting events (past guest chefs have included John Ash,
Allen Susser, Paula Deen, Dominique Macquet, Melissa Kelly
and many others).
- Up to 1,200 wine and beer seminars providing
complimentary samplings.
- The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, featuring
live entertainment.
Along with the music, dance, acrobatics and avant-garde
entertainment showcased at Epcot pavilions, festival guests
can enjoy Eat to the Beat! concerts performed three times each
evening at America Gardens Theatre (past bands have included
Kansas, Three Dog Night, Chubby Checker & the Wildcats and
The Beach Boys).
Included with Epcot Admission:
Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, Eat to the
Beat! concerts, culinary exhibits and all rides, attractions
and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot
admission.
Special Programming by Reservation:
The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and
Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings at
Epcot dinners, The Odyssey Cooking School, half-day Wine
Schools, Lunch and Learn series, and other specialty events
require reservations and separate admission.
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information or
reservations for special events and programs. By summer,
festival details will be posted on the Web site: disneyworld.com.
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