Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival
One of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World Resort is the fall. Now, I could lie and say that it is because of the cooler, less humid weather, or the lighter crowds, but the real reason is Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival. Held each fall, the festival attracts more than one million guests ranging from wine connoisseurs, epicures and beer aficionados, to people like me, who just enjoy good food!
This year will be no exception as the 14th annual Food & Wine Festival will take place from Sept. 25 – Nov. 8, 2009. This six-week long, global tasting experience allows park guests to sample cuisine and wine from top culinary cities of the world.
The flavors of more than 25 international locations will dot the World Showcase promenade showcasing the tastes of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Santiago, Shanghai, Marrakesh, Morocco and representing the U.S, New Orleans, just to name a few. Each kiosk will offer Tapas-sized portions of their regional specialties ($2-to-$7 each) and recommended wines and beers to make the perfect pairings.
A Festival Welcome Center will host a Champagne and wine bar, wine seminars, celebrity book signings, and a place to purchase festival pins and the official Food & Wine Festival cookbook.
Your taste buds won’t be the only sense getting a work-out, as a feast for your eyes and ears comes through live regional entertainment scheduled each day throughout the promenade. The Eat to the Beat! concert series kicks up the Festival a few notches as noted featured acts perform three times nightly.
The International Food & Wine Festival is included through Epcot Admission as well as Samuel Adams Beer Seminars, Authentic Taste Seminars, culinary and cultural events and the Eat to the Beat! concerts. Separate event admission and reservations will be required for special wine and culinary programs. Registration for these special events will begin August 11, 2009.
So this fall, if you are looking to boost your wine knowledge, observe culinary demonstrations that will allow you to dish up recipes like an iron chef, or merely enjoying nips and nibbles from around the world, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the place to be.
Photo Selection: WDW News
