If the regular Food & Wine Marketplace booths leave you craving more, check out some of the special seminars, experiences & events available during the festival. Some are free - included with your park admission, some are more budget friendly and some are extravagent dinners presented by renowned chefs. Take your pick - there's something for everyone!
These experiences are located in the Festival Welcome Center (that's the old Wonders of Life pavilion to you and me), unless otherwise noted.
All following information from Disney's site. Click here for further details and registration information.
Experiences for 2012:
• NEW! Chocolate Experience: From the Bean to the Bar Hosted by Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company – NEW: Immerse yourself in the seductive sights, scents and flavors of chocolate at this new experience! Marvel at sweet sculptures created by Disney pastry chefs and learn about the food's fascinating origins. Sample a few sweet treats and shop for gourmet chocolate gifts. Be sure to try Drinking Chocolate (it's like a liquid candy bar!) or a glass of wine. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. through park close.
• NEW! The Watermelon Patch Hosted by The National Watermelon Promotion Board – NEW: Visit a real watermelon patch! See watermelons growing and discover fun facts and tips from Mr. Food.
• NEW! Sampling at the Festival Center Wine Shop – NEW: Visit the Festival Center Wine Shop for daily wine samples provided by our participating beverages companies. Open daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Book Signings and Meet & Greets: Meet celebrated authors and personalities, and have them autograph your purchased book or merchandise. Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.
• Bottle Signings: Meet the winemaker and have your purchased bottle of wine autographed—great for a souvenir or special occasion! Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.
• Authentic Taste Seminars Hosted by Driscoll's® Only The Finest Berries™: Learn about the origins, properties and history of pure ingredients in lively, 30-minute presentations by subject experts. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12:15 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Seasons of the Vine: View a "behind-the-scenes introduction" to wine growing. This 7-minute film runs continuously each day.
• "Discover the Cranberry" Hosted by Ocean Spray® Craisins® Brand Dried Cranberries: Before entering World Showcase, visit the Cranberry Bog Display. Learn about the history, harvesting process and health benefits as you sample this unique fruit.
• Home Entertaining Seminars Hosted by HGTV: In these 30-minute seminars, learn from HGTV and DIY celebrity designers, who will be featuring tips on holiday table setting, herb and vegetable gardening, and kitchen or dining room changes. Friday through Sunday at 12:00 noon, with meet-&-greets at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- September 28 – 30, 2012, Danielle Colding, HGTV Design Star Winner, Season 7, Shop This Room, "Entertainment Passport: Your Ticket to Creating a Travel-Inspired Dining Experience"
- October 5 – 7, 2012, Casey Noble, Design on a Dime, "Gifts that Keep Giving: Holiday Favors that Double as Décor"
- October 12 – 14, 2012, Alison Victoria, DIY Network's Kitchen Crashers, "Crash Course for Holiday Décor"
- October 19 – 21, 2012, Brian Patrick Flynn, HGTV.com, Design Happens contributor, "Express Lane Elegance: Stylish Table Settings from Supermarket Finds"
- October 26 – 28, 2012, Meg Caswell, Meg's Great Rooms, "Entertaining in Style: Make It and Make It Fun"
- November 2 – 4, 2012, Marianne Canada, HGTV.com Special Projects Editor, "Handmade Goodies They Won't Regift"
- November 9 – 12, 2012, Emily Henderson, Secrets from a Stylist, "Create Holiday Memories: Style, Share and Preserve Those Family Photos & Cards"
Demonstrations & Seminars (Additional Fee Required)
Learn to create mouthwatering recipes or learn a little more about food and wine. The following seminars and demonstrations are available at a fee, in addition to your Epcot theme park admission.
• Culinary Demonstrations Celebrated chefs and beverage professionals offer helpful tips and tasty samples at these 45-minute culinary demonstrations. At 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. $11 and $14 per person, tax included.
• Wine/Beverage Seminars Meet a featured winery principal or beverage expert, learn a handful of tips and sample the selected wines/beverages. Monday through Thursday at 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; and Friday through Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. $11 and $14 per person, tax included.
• Mixology Seminars A mixologist demonstrates the art of preparing trendy and classic cocktails, then serves you the final product. Cheers! At 6:00 p.m. daily. $14 per person, tax included.
To secure a spot at any of the above events, book online or call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378. Reservations open for booking on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 7:00 a.m. Space is limited, so be sure to book in advance.
Premium Experiences
There are several different Premium Experiences available during the event. Here we've highlighted the ones with a cocktail focus. View the full list here.
• Epcot Wine Schools
In a comprehensive program led by a prestigious wine expert, learn about distinctive wine cultures, taste a variety of regional wines and receive a certificate of completion at your celebratory reception.
Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Events Pavilion
When: Select Sundays. Class from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., light reception from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $135 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
Sept. 30 - Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier at Wonders Retreat
Oct. 7 - Jim Bernau, Founder of Willamette Valley Vineyards
Nov. 4 - Sharron McCarthy, BANFI
• Cheese Seminars
Say cheese! Learn more about cheese from experienced fromagers. Featured cheese will be tasted and paired with selected wines and/or beers.
Where: Festival Welcome Center, Chef's Showcase
When: Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Cost: $80 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
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Theme
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Fromager
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Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10
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United States cheese Spanish cheese Italian cheese French cheese Old World Mountain cheese United States cheese Old World Maritime cheese
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Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City Erin Hedley, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City David Gremmels, Rogue Creamery, Central Point, OR Max McCalman, Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City
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• Mexican Tequila Lunch
Savor samples of tequila that complement a savory spread of Mexican regional cuisine as you learn about tequila history and production.
Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $70 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
• Food & Wine Pairings
Sample 3 regional wines paired with 3 tasting-size portions of cuisine from Japan and Morocco. Featured wines and menu selections change daily.
Tokyo Tastings: Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m at Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion
Morocco Tastings: Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at Restaurant Marrakesh, Morocco Pavilion
Cost: $55 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
Festival Events at Italy Pavilion
Savor the flavors of Italy at special dining events during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, September 28 to November 12, 2012.
• Italian Regional Food & Wine Luncheon – NEW! Delight in a leisurely lunch where you'll enjoy Italian wines paired with freshly prepared Italian dishes.
Where: Tutto Gusto wine cellar, Italy Pavilion
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
• Italian Food & Beer Pairing Delight in a fun pairing of authentic Italian dishes and refreshing Italian beers in a beautiful venue at Via Napoli. You'll feel as if you've been transported to Naples!
Where: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy Pavilion
When: Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $55 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
• Italian Food & Wine Pairing Via Napoli's chef will pair southern Italian style cooking with a variety of Italian wines that best compliment his creations.
Where: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy Pavilion
When: Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $65 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
• Italian White Truffle Lunch Savor 5 courses, all incorporating white truffles imported directly from Alba, Italy. Each course is paired with a Batisiolo wine from Piedmont.
Where: Tutto Italia Ristorante, Italy Pavilion
When: Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $210 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
• The Discovery of Grand Marnier
During this spirited tasting event, Grand Marnier, the No. 1 French Liqueur, invites you to:
- Indulge in a glass of Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial, the first Champagne to be served on ice
- Sample Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Grand Marnier 100th Anniversary and Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary
- Savor 2 decadent desserts
- Learn mixing tips and techniques during a mixology lesson
Where: Festival Welcome Center, Chef's Showcase
When: Select Sundays, September 30, and October 7 & 21 from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Cost: Cost: $65 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
Read our review of this experience here. Spoiler: Save your money.
Be sure to check out the official Disney page for more foodie events & seminars.