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The 12th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Wine Commentator Staff

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The 12th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
"Exploring Regional Flavors"
September 28 - November 11, 2007

It will be here soon! The 2007 Epcot Food and Wine Festival opens on Friday September 28, 2007 and as in years past this year promises lots of great food and great wine. Celebrating its 12th year, the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's theme is "Tastefully Inspired." Admission to Epcot is all that’s needed to participate in this ever popular festival.

The Festival Welcome Center features a Wine Shop where you can purchase your favorite selection as well as other event souvenirs.

Both wine connoisseurs and novices will enjoy sampling the wares from more than 100 wineries. There are marketplaces with great food, wine and beer. This year the appetizer sized portions should range in price from $2.00 - $4.00 and provide the perfect opportunity to try the traditional cuisine from around the world.

As in the past the International Food and Wine Festival will play host to seminars, tasting events and sumptuous dinners overseen by top Disney Chefs as well as renowned guest Chefs.

Dinners, Tasting Events and Seminars are as follows:
Exquisite Evenings at Epcot - Walt Disney World Signature Restaurant Chefs team with Celebrity Chefs to prepare an unforgettable five-course meal. Wine professionals offer selections from two to three vineyards to accompany your gourmet courses. $210 per person plus tax (gratuity included).

Odyssey Kitchen Conversations - A celebrity televised Chef will talk about their success in the industry. A cooking demonstration takes place with a tasting. You'll receive an autographed copy of the presenter's cookbook. $75 per person plus tax, gratuity included.

South African Wine Event - This Event is new for 2007. Guests will meet some of South Africa's most prestigious winemakers. During this walk about at Epcot's World ShowPlace, samplings from 40 vineyards will be offered. "Roaring" entertainment will be featured alongside cuisine from Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. $75 per person, plus tax, gratuity included.

Party for the Senses - This popular venue takes place each Saturday during the Food and Wine Festival at the World ShowPlace located between Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions. You’ll begin this memorable evening with reserved seating at the 5:45pm performance of the Eat to the Beat Concert. $135 per person plus tax, gratuity included.
From 6:30 to 9:00pm, you’ll be sampling the culinary creations of 25 renowned chefs and over 70 great beers and wines. Each tasting station will be a new sensation for the senses.
This year's Party for the Senses will again feature entertainment from Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba.

The Cook, the Book, and the Bottle - A unique opportunity to view a demonstration by a noted chef. A three course meal is prepared and served for lunch. Wine will be served with an expert explaining the pairings. Every guest will be presented with a gift bag containing an autographed book and a bottle of wine to commemorate the event. $150 per person, plus tax, gratuity included.

Chef A’Field - Fans of the PBS series will feel as if they're in the midst of the TV show as noted chefs and their child take hand picked ingredients and create memorable dishes featured at noted American restaurants. A three course meal is demonstrated and prepared. This event includes your three course lunch with wine based on the chef's menu and a copy of the series cookbook. Cost: $135 per person plus tax, gratuity included.

Sweet Sundays - If you want to satisfy your Sweet Tooth, then this is the event to choose. Top Pastry Chefs will prepare three delicious sinfully sweet treats for you to enjoy. The session begins with sparkling wine and a continental breakfast. Cost: $65 per person plus tax, gratuity included.

Afternoon Tea with Stephen Twining - Stephen Twining is your host at this event. After a presentation by this 10th generation member of the Twining Tea family, cakes, savories and tea will be served. Cost: $75 per person, plus tax, includes gratuity. Located in Ariel's at Disney's Beach Club.

Vertical Wine Tasting - The focus is wine at this event, which is hosted at the Contemporary Resort's California Grill Restaurant. This is the perfect seminar for both the serious wine gourmand and for those wishing to learn more about fine wines from around the world. Each event features at least 10 vintages from prestigious vintners. Cost: $135 - $175**(Nov. 3) per person plus tax, gratuity included.

Food & Wine Pairings - This event features three wines paired with three tasting portions of fine cuisine at Epcot's Signature Restaurants. Cost: $45 per person plus tax, gratuity included.

Signature Dinners - A wonderful four or five course meal is prepared by the talented Chefs of Disney's Signature Restaurants accompanied by a Celebrity guest Chef. Meals include wine accompaniments presented by noted vintners.

Regional Feasts - The Chef's Showplace - Odyssey - 2007 This event includes a welcome reception, four course meal and musical performances from the country represented. Cost: $150 per person plus tax, gratuity not included.

Cheese & Wine Pairing Workshops - Cheese Tastings – 2007,Hosted by Artisanal Premium Cheese. This event takes place in the Odyssey - The Chef's Showplace. Each session is hosted by an expert "fromager" from the Artisanal Cheese Center in NY and other experts in the cheese industry. Cost: $60 per person, plus tax, gratuity included.

Discovering Wine: A Sensory Experience - Explore great California wines in this exceptional interactive experience. Lunch at Citrico's is included as prepared by Chef Phillip Ponticelli. Cost: $150 per person, plus tax, includes gratuity.

For more details on the Dinners, Tasting Events and Seminars please click on the following link: disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/specialEvents?id=EpcotInternationalFoodAndWineFestivalSpecialEventPage