DCA Food and Wine Weekends
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Disney’s Inaugural California Food and Wine Weekends 2006

“It’s a labor of love.�? That’s how Jim Ames, the producer of Disney’s Inaugural California Food and Wine Weekends summed up the first of four weekends devoted to California’s food and wine (of course). When asked how the public has responded, he said, “I’m just so happy that everyone seems to love it.�? And the biggest reaction? “What took you so long?�?

J
im Ames, Disneyland Resort Food Concept Development Manager

Although Walt Disney World has had a Food and Wine Festival in Epcot for several years, it took a bit longer to inaugurate a California counterpart. Jim noted that the event started out to be a modest affair, with everything handled by a small but dedicated group of cast members. By the time it was announced, it had grown into a four weekend event, with celebrity chefs, live demonstrations, and multiple venues.

A California based food and wine festival is a natural, Jim asserted, pointing out, “There are over 1800 commercial wineries in California.�? He added that California is one of the largest agricultural producers in the United States. Hence, there is an equal emphasis on both food and wine, with a focus on the Golden State.

The Pacific Wharf serves as the principal Marketplace for the Food and Wine Festival.

California’s rich culinary heritage is presented in a variety of ways. Complimentary demonstrations are offered four times a day by talented chefs, drawn from both the Disneyland Resorts and outside. A Lunch ‘n Learn series pairs fine food with guest chefs in a relaxed setting (reservations required). On Saturdays the Napa Rose Cooking School, offered by Chef Andrew Sutton, may be enjoyed by just 20 guests. For serious gourmands, the Thursday evening Celebrity Chef Dinners offers a deluxe experience, in the Disneyland Resort’s highly regarded Napa Rose restaurant. Guests who simply want to get at the food can munch their way through the Festival Marketplace. There, sample sized portions of various dishes are sold, along with offered wine pairings.

Wine, of course, is given equal time, along with beer and tequila. Complimentary seminars are offered four times a day, with representatives from various vineyards and breweries. At least three different vintners are represented each day the seminars are offered. On Sundays Michael Jordan, certified wine educator, offers the Guest Sommelier Education Series (reservations required). Guests who attend all four programs in the series will receive a certificate. And on Thursday evenings a Wine Makers Dinner is offered. The dinner promises a one-on-one experience with a noted vintner, along with chefs to explain the mysteries of pairing food and wine. A festival wine and merchandise shop offers not only the wines presented in the programs, but logoed merchandise for the entire event as well. (A wine package service is offered from 1-10pm.)