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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney guests will sample wines from renowned vintners and boutique wineries, taste creative cuisine of many regions and soak up non-stop entertainment during the eighth annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Oct. 18-Nov. 16 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

One of the world’s largest food and wine experiences with more than 100 wineries represented, the festival expands each year with new offerings and events. The park’s 11 World Showcase countries and special festival marketplaces will serve up food and wine samplings from exotic regions around the globe, with appetizer-sized tastings ranging from $1-$4.50.

Guests also can enjoy scheduled culinary demonstrations, complimentary wine seminars, a nightly outdoor concert series with name entertainment and multi-cultural performances. For beer aficionados, there are the “History of Beer in America” tastings and seminars by the Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams beer.

The Party for the Senses food-and-wine-tasting event, Food and Wine Pairings, prestigious Bordeaux Wine School program and nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series will return by popular demand.

Dozens of performers ranging from acrobats to musicians add street-festival energy to this seasonal culinary celebration. Walt Disney World guests can toast the festival with champagne and get information at the park’s Festival Welcome Center across from Future World Fountain and Innoventions Plaza.


Scheduled events in addition to daily wine seminars and culinary demonstrations include:

Eat to the Beat! concert series with evening performances by popular entertainers on the America Gardens stage at no additional cost.

Party for the Senses, a hip, hot celebration of the senses featuring more than 30 wines with flavorful foods Oct. 18 and 24, and Nov. 1, 8 and 15, for $85 in World Showplace.

Bordeaux Wine School, a wine education program with lunch and wine school certificates presented upon completion, at Bistro de Paris in the France pavilion Oct. 30 and Nov. 2 for $125.

Banfi Italian Wine School, a wine education program with lunch and wine school certificates presented upon completion, at L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in the Italy pavilion Nov. 6 and 8 for $125.

Australian Wine School, a wine education program with lunch and wine school certificates, Nov. 14 and 16, at Spaceship Earth VIP Lounge for $125.

Food and Wine Pairings, featuring wine experts pairing great food and wines Mondays at Restaurant Marrakesh ($35) Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Coral Reef Restaurant ($35) and Le Cellier ($30).

Reserve Dinners, for an elite dining experience that marries great wines and food and includes VIP viewing of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" at the Wonders of Life pavilion VIP Dining Room Oct. 19, 23, 25, 30 and 31, and Nov. 6, 7, 13 and 14; $175 per person

Additional events in celebration of the festival are:

Signature Dinner Series, with five courses and wine pairings from featured vintners, to be held at a different Disney signature resort restaurant each Sunday $110 per person.

Vertical Tastings, a rare opportunity for wine lovers to sample 10 vintages from stellar producers and hear VIP wine speakers, Saturdays $125 per person.

Riedel Crystal Wine Glass Tastings, where wine aficionados can explore the science and artistry behind the design of the world-renowned Riedel crystal wine glasses for $125.

Talented chefs will explore culinary customs and food trends during complimentary demonstrations at The Terrace, an alfresco setting between the Morocco and France pavilions. Also at The Terrace, guests can explore the Festival Wine Shop and see Artisans Among the Arbors -- an eclectic array of artists.

A special program for children ages 4-10, Making Nestle Toll House Cookies, is offered at The Land pavilion.

Entrance to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, including wine and beer seminars and cooking demonstrations, is free with regular Epcot admission.

Guests can call (407) WDW-DINE for information or reservations for special events and programs during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, or visit the Web site: www.disneyworld.com and link to Epcot for festival details.