Walt Disney World Becomes a Paradise for Wine Lovers with its Wine Festival

Disney World has always catered to families and thrill seekers, with its blend of wholesome fun and thrilling rides. Though through October until mid-November it also becomes a haven to all foodies and oenophiles (wine lovers) with its food and wine festival taking place in its Epcot resort. Many lovers of wine and cuisine are already booking their tickets to Florida, and their Orlando vacation rentals.


The theme of this Annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival is delicious discoveries, so expect a few surprises and unfamiliar options to choose from.


Now in its 15th year, the festival has grown from strength to strength, fixing itself as a firm staple in the Disney annual calender. As popularity broadens, so too does the selection of wines, and this year there is a selection of over 250 varieties of wine to choose from. With 65 per cent from the New World (California, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand) and 35 per cent from Old World sites (France, Italy and Spain), Disney have set a long stage for all connoisseurs.


From October to November Epcot will play host to more than 25 internationally themed market places, offering up tapas size portions of local cuisine. Here are some of the things to look forward to:


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This year we see the festival adding three new destinations, Belgium, South Korea and Singapore. Among the returning marketplaces are Chile, Poland, South Africa and Spain.
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Celebrity chefs and cook book authors will be available for signings.
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Two new Epcot restaurants, the Via Napoli serving up authentic Italian pizza, and La Hacienda de San Angel at the Mexican pavilion.
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Festival favourite, the weekly 'Party for the Senses' grand tasting event with wonderful offerings from prominent chefs, more than 50 wines, and live entertainment from the Cirque du Soleil.


In addition to the festival taking place in the Epcot centre this is also a great opportunity for the restaurants in the resort to expand their wine selections. Jiko- The Cooking Place a restaurant in Disney World's Animal Kingdom, offers an exclusively South African wine list, constituting the largest selection of South African wine in the USA. Meanwhile Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge only serves wines that originate from the Pacific Northwest.


Narcoosee's in the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will be eager to find some good white wines to accompany their fish selections. The Yachtsman's Steakhouse at the Yacht Club Resort will be looking for red wine to couple with their beef dishes.


The jewel in Disney's restaurant crown is perhaps the AAA Five-Diamond award winning Victoria & Albert at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa which has 700 selections on its menu and a whopping cellar of over 4,200 wines.


Meanwhile The Wave at Disney's Contemporary Resort offers a great variety of New World numbers.


Throughout the festival there should be enough to suit everyone's pallet.