11th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival dates for 2006

Apr 06, 2006 in "Epcot International Food and Wine Festival"

Posted: Thursday April 6, 2006 by WDWMAGIC Staff
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 2006.

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.


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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- 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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