Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2006

Click here for a much larger version of this picture
Image Copyright Disney

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 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World guests can explore the nuances of wine made from the Cabernet varietal in several countries or 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 25 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties -- new marketplaces this year include Argentina, India, Thailand and Turkey. 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 fall -- 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 culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk 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 entertainment showcased at Epcot pavilions, festival guests can enjoy Eat to the Beat! concerts performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre. This year s scheduled lineup includes appearances by Survivor, Little Richard, Three Dog Night, Jon Seceda, David Sanborn, Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, and nine additional top-name acts.

Included with Epcot Admission
Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary exhibits and all 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. Starting at 7 a.m. July 31, they can make reservations for special events and programs.